10 Best Classic Rock Songs Featured in the Hit Series Stranger Things

The music of Stranger Things has become one of the show’s strongest features, often turning older songs into global hits again. From emotional character moments to high-stakes scenes, classic rock tracks help shape the world of Hawkins in memorable ways. These songs don’t just play in the background — they help tell the story. Here are ten of the best classic rock moments that stood out across the seasons and left a mark on both longtime fans and new listeners discovering these tracks for the first time.

10. “Baba O’Riley” – The Who

“Baba O’Riley,” often recognized by its “teenage wasteland” line, appeared in the trailer for Season 3 and later within the show itself. Its bold sound and iconic opening make it an easy fit for the series’ mix of adventure and youthful energy. The track helps build anticipation before the season’s events unfold.

The Who’s classic song supports the idea of teenagers facing threats far bigger than themselves. Its presence adds excitement and highlights why the show pairs so well with iconic rock music.

9. “Every Breath You Take” – The Police

Used during the Snow Ball in the Season 2 finale, “Every Breath You Take” sets a bittersweet tone. Although the song is often seen as romantic, its lyrics carry a subtle sense of unease when paired with the story’s darker elements. The contrast deepens the emotional weight of the scene.

This closing moment stays with viewers because the music feels both comforting and unsettling. The Police’s song helps underline the characters’ connections while reminding the audience that danger still exists beneath the surface.

8. “Hammer to Fall” – Queen

In Season 2, Queen’s “Hammer to Fall” plays during a high-pressure moment, giving the scene intensity and urgency. The song’s strong rhythm pairs well with the fast pace of the action. It adds momentum without overwhelming what is happening on screen.

The band’s sound fits naturally within the world of Stranger Things, and this track highlights the emotions of the moment. Its placement shows how music can amplify tension, making the scene feel even more significant.

7. “White Rabbit” – Jefferson Airplane

“White Rabbit,” with its psychedelic sound, added tension and atmosphere in Season 1. The song’s dreamlike quality matched the strange events happening in Hawkins, helping build suspense as the characters uncovered more about the Upside Down. Its inclusion fits the show’s theme of reality becoming distorted.

The track’s 1960s origins connect the series to earlier eras of counterculture and imagination. Its use helps guide viewers deeper into the mystery without revealing too much, making it a strong atmospheric choice for the early episodes.

6. “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” – Journey

A remixed version of Journey’s arena rock hit became a major part of the Season 4 trailer, setting a tense and dramatic tone. Its powerful synths and emotional vocals helped build excitement for the upcoming episodes. The song later reappeared during an important moment in the finale, reinforcing the sense of rising stakes.

The remix gave the familiar track a fresh feel while respecting the original’s style. It worked as both a nostalgic nod and a modern update, making it one of the standout musical selections of the season.

5. “Rock You Like a Hurricane” – Scorpions

When Billy Hargrove makes his entrance in Season 2, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” blasts in the background, immediately telling viewers who he is. The driving guitars and bold attitude match his aggressive energy perfectly. The song quickly defines Billy as a character who thrives on attention and chaos.

The track enhances his role without needing much dialogue. It helps set the stage for Billy’s unpredictable behavior throughout the season. The scene shows how music can shape first impressions, making this Scorpions classic a fitting choice for such a memorable introduction.

4. “Africa” – Toto

Toto’s soft rock hit appears during a lighter moment in Season 1, offering a quick break from the unsettling events in Hawkins. The familiar melody brings a sense of normal life, which contrasts with the strange occurrences surrounding the characters. The placement feels natural and adds warmth to a tense episode.

Though brief, the use of “Africa” helps establish the early tone of the show. It provides a touch of humor and nostalgia, reminding viewers of the 1980s setting before the story shifts back toward the darker elements that define the season.

3. “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” – Kate Bush

While not a traditional rock song, “Running Up That Hill” became one of the defining tracks of Season 4. Serving as Max Mayfield’s theme, it played at key moments, including her escape from Vecna in one of the show’s most intense scenes. The emotional weight of the song deepened Max’s storyline and resonated with viewers worldwide.

After being featured on the show, the 1985 track surged in popularity and became a global hit once again. Its use demonstrated the series’ ability to revive older music in powerful new ways, making it an unforgettable part of the season’s impact.

2. “Who Wants to Live Forever” – Queen

Though some fans expected “Hammer to Fall,” the 2025 promotional materials for the series instead used Queen’s emotional track “Who Wants to Live Forever.” The choice added a sense of scale and anticipation, highlighting the themes of sacrifice and survival the show often explores. Its dramatic tone helped set expectations for another intense chapter in the story.

Using this Queen song in the trailer sparked plenty of discussion, especially since the band’s music had appeared in earlier seasons. It reminded viewers how well the series pairs classic rock with its darker sci-fi themes, creating a mood that lingers before the season even begins.

1. “Master of Puppets” – Metallica

Metallica’s 1986 classic exploded back into mainstream culture after Eddie Munson’s unforgettable rooftop solo in the Season 4 finale. His performance wasn’t only dramatic — it tied directly into the fight against Vecna, giving the intense metal track new meaning. The scene became one of the most talked-about moments in the entire series, helping the song reach a new generation of listeners.

The renewed interest pushed “Master of Puppets” back onto global charts, proving how strongly the scene connected with viewers. The song’s heavy sound, mixed with Eddie’s fearless attitude, made it one of the most defining musical choices in Stranger Things.