The soundtrack has always been one of Stranger Things’ biggest stars, and Season 5 is no exception.
Spotify’s latest figures reveal that several songs featured in the show’s final season saw remarkable streaming boosts, with artists spanning four decades finding brand-new audiences almost overnight.
Stranger Things
Music has been at the heart of Stranger Things since the series premiered in 2016. Rather than relying on nostalgia alone, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have consistently paired pivotal scenes with carefully chosen songs that resonate long after an episode ends.
Season 4 famously turned Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” into a global streaming phenomenon, setting a high bar for the show’s farewell season. While no single track reached those record-breaking heights this time, Spotify’s latest data shows that Season 5 once again introduced millions of listeners to classic hits from across the decades.
Here’s a look at the songs that received the biggest streaming boosts after appearing in Stranger Things Season 5.
Diana Ross’ “Upside Down”
One of the biggest winners was Diana Ross’ 1980 hit “Upside Down.”
According to Spotify, the song experienced a 510% increase in global streams after appearing in Season 5. Among Gen Z listeners, the jump was even more dramatic, with streams climbing 1,250%. Searches for the track also skyrocketed by 3,538%, suggesting many younger viewers were discovering the disco classic for the first time.
The numbers once again highlighted Stranger Things’ ability to breathe new life into decades-old songs with a single memorable scene.
Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now”
Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” also enjoyed a major resurgence.
The 1987 pop hit saw a 490% increase in global Spotify streams, while Gen Z listening rose 880%. Spotify also reported a 1,288% increase in searches, showing that viewers weren’t just replaying the song—they were actively seeking it out after watching the series.
Like many tracks featured throughout Stranger Things, the song quickly found a new audience beyond those who remembered its original chart run.
“Mr. Sandman” and ABBA Return
Not every breakout hit came from the 1980s.
The Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman,” originally released in 1954, recorded one of the season’s biggest gains with a 625% increase in global streams. Among Gen Z listeners, streams jumped 740%, while searches climbed by more than 1,000%.
ABBA’s “Fernando” also saw a notable revival. Spotify reported a 335% increase in global streams, along with a 645% jump among Gen Z listeners. Searches for the song rose by more than 1,100%, proving that even one of pop music’s most recognizable groups can reach fresh audiences through the Netflix series.
Together, the numbers show that Stranger Things isn’t limited to reviving ’80s music. The series continues to spark interest in songs from multiple eras whenever they become part of an unforgettable scene.
Prince Closed the Series on a High Note
The soundtrack’s biggest moment arrived with the series finale.
Prince’s music played a key role in the final episode, prompting fans to revisit his catalog almost immediately. According to Spotify, the artist’s overall streams increased 190% following the finale’s release.
Among the biggest beneficiaries was “Purple Rain,” which saw a 243% increase in global streams and a remarkable 577% jump among Gen Z listeners. “When Doves Cry” also experienced a major boost, recording a 200% increase in worldwide streams.
Rather than being tied to a single viral moment, the songs became part of the emotional farewell that marked the end of one of Netflix’s most beloved original series.
The Stranger Things Effect Lives On
Season 5 once again proved that Stranger Things is more than a pop culture phenomenon, it’s a powerful driver of music discovery.
From Diana Ross and Tiffany to Prince, ABBA, and The Chordettes, classic songs found millions of new listeners after appearing in the show’s final season. While none matched the unprecedented resurgence of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” the latest Spotify figures show the series’ influence on streaming remains as strong as ever.
With Stranger Things now complete, its legacy won’t only be measured by its characters or supernatural mysteries. It will also be remembered for introducing a new generation of listeners to timeless songs—one unforgettable scene at a time.
