16 Hilarious Tumblr Posts About “Stranger Things 2”

When “Stranger Things 2” hit Netflix, it wasn’t just the Demogorgons and the Upside Down that took over our screens—the internet exploded with reactions. And as always, Tumblr was at the forefront of the chaos, churning out endless streams of relatable gifs, hot takes, and heartfelt analyses. Here are 16 of the most hilarious Tumblr posts that perfectly capture the second season of our favorite Hawkins crew.

1. The Dustin and Steve Bromance

Dustin trying to teach Steve how to be cool is the role reversal we didn’t know we needed. Steve going from “babysitter” to “dad” is the character development of the century. Tumblr embraced this dynamic with open arms, creating thousands of posts dedicated to Steve’s journey from high school king to the ultimate supportive guardian.

“Steve Harrington went from being the king of Hawkins High to a full-time babysitter with a nail bat and honestly, that’s growth. He didn’t ask to be a hero, he just wanted to protect his kids.”

2. Dustin Singing ‘NeverEnding Story’

If there was one scene that dominated Tumblr, it was Dustin and Suzie singing “The NeverEnding Story.” The sheer absurdity of the moment—set against the life-or-death stakes of the finale—produced endless reaction GIFs and jokes. Dustin really risked the whole world just to flex his soprano range for Suzie, and the payoff was the season’s most surreal and beloved moment.

3. Eleven’s Superhero Entrance

When Eleven finally returns to the Byers house in the season finale, she swings the door open with a look of pure power. Tumblr captured this perfectly. El standing in that doorway is the most powerful moment in the entire series. She didn’t come to play, she came to close a gate. The slow-motion edits set to the synth score gave everyone chills.

4. Billy Hargrove’s Hair

One of the most surprising viral sensations of Stranger Things 2 was Billy Hargrove’s hair. It was crimped, voluminous, and had its own fan club. Tumblr users created separate blogs just for Billy’s hair. The 80s called and they want their hairspray back, but honestly, Billy’s hair is so big it has its own gravitational pull. It was a character in itself.

5. The Mind Flayer’s Shadow

The Mind Flayer’s introduction as a looming shadow over Hawkins was instantly memeable. Tumblr compared it to everything from a giant dust bunny to a sleep paralysis demon. “Me trying to explain my sleep paralysis demon vs. the Mind Flayer” became a popular format, perfectly capturing the eerie yet oddly familiar presence of the season’s big bad.

6. Bob Newby, Superhero

Bob Newby, the sweet RadioShack manager, did not survive the season. Tumblr mourned him in the only way it knows how: through humor and heartbreak. Bob was a good man. He loved Joyce, he built a computer, and he died trying to save everyone. The flood of “Protect Bob Newby” posts from earlier in the season were all reposted with sad captions, solidifying his status as the season’s most tragic hero.

7. Max and Lucas’s Awkward Flirting

Max Mayfield joining the party brought a new dynamic, and Lucas’s awkward crush on her was a goldmine for Tumblr. He brought her a compass. A COMPASS. That’s the most romantic thing a middle school boy in the 80s could do. The interactions were dissected in hundreds of GIF sets that perfectly captured the sweet, cringeworthy nature of young love.

8. Mike’s Emotional Monologue

Mike Wheeler’s heartfelt speech to Eleven in the gymnasium was a defining moment for his character. Tumblr praised Finn Wolfhard’s acting but also poked fun at the dramatic timing. Mike really said “I manifest” and the universe delivered. The speech became a template for romantic declarations, both sincere and ironic, all over the platform.

9. Dart the Demogorgon

Dustin’s pet Demogorgon, Dart, was adorable until it wasn’t. Tumblr had a field day with the reveal. Dustin feeding his pet demogorgon like it’s a stray cat is the most Dustin thing ever. When Dart ate the cat, Mews, the jokes turned dark, but the love for Dustin’s misguided pet project never faded.

10. Will’s True Sight

Will Byers spent the season being possessed by the Mind Flayer, and Tumblr acknowledged his immense suffering. Will Byers deserves a break. He’s been through the Upside Down, he’s been possessed, and he’s still standing. His “true sight” ability to see into the Upside Down was a major topic of discussion, with fans creating stunning art of his visions.

11. Hopper and Joyce’s Tension

The unresolved sexual tension between Jim Hopper and Joyce Byers was a central focus. Tumblr shipped them hard. Hopper and Joyce just need to kiss already. The sexual tension is off the charts. Hopper reading Joyce’s note at the end made the entire fandom feel that moment. Their clashing parenting styles and mutual respect were highlighted in endless meta posts.

12. The Lost Sister (Kali)

The “Lost Sister” episode featuring Eleven’s journey to find Kali was divisive, but Tumblr loved its aesthetic. Kali’s crew looked like they stepped out of a punk rock fever dream. Eleven’s edgy phase only lasted one episode but it gave us so many iconic looks and reaction images. The episode’s detour from the main Hawkins plot was heavily debated, making it a frequent topic of discussion.

13. Steve’s Downfall from Popularity

Steve’s fall from the top of the social ladder was chronicled lovingly by the fandom. Steve Harrington is the universe’s favorite punching bag and we love it. From king of the school to being covered in goo and beaten up with a nail bat… he’s evolved. His friendship with Dustin was hailed as the true love story of the season.

14. The Snow Ball Dance

The final scene at the Snow Ball dance was everything. Tumblr was flooded with posts about the awkward slow dances and the triumphant music. The Snow Ball scene is the most wholesome thing I have ever seen. Mike and El, Lucas and Max, and poor Dustin just vibing in the background. Perfection. The outfits, the lighting, and the joy were all heavily romanticized by the fandom.

15. The Power of Friendship

The core message of Stranger Things 2 was the power of the group. Tumblr collages of The Party standing together were everywhere. This show is about a group of misfit kids who save the world because they have each other. It’s about friendship, love, and beating the darkness with a walkie-talkie and a Dungeons & Dragons manual. The emotional resonance was a key part of the season’s success.

16. Waiting for Season 3

The immediate reaction of finishing the season was the crushing realization that Season 3 was a long way off. Me finishing Stranger Things 2 and realizing I have to wait a year for Season 3… the Upside Down has nothing on this pain. Fan theories, casting hopes, and desperate pleas for a quick release flooded Tumblr for weeks after the premiere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Stranger Things 2 come out?
A: Stranger Things 2 was released on Netflix on October 27, 2017.

Q: Why did the Stranger Things 2 Tumblr fandom explode?
A: The season expanded the mythology, introduced iconic new characters like Max and Billy, deepened the Steve and Dustin bromance, and provided highly memeable moments like the Snow Ball and Dustin's duet.

Q: Is there a Stranger Things 3?
A: Yes, Stranger Things 3 was confirmed by Netflix shortly after the release of the second season, premiering on July 4, 2019.

Q: Who is the new bad guy in Stranger Things 2?
A: The main antagonist of Season 2 is the Mind Flayer, a powerful and ancient entity from the Upside Down that possesses Will Byers.

The release of Stranger Things 2 was a cultural event, and Tumblr served as the ultimate water cooler for the show’s dedicated fanbase. From deep character analysis to the silliest of memes, these posts prove that the fandom’s creativity is just as entertaining as the show itself. What was your favorite Tumblr post from the season? Let us know in the comments!