It's hard to remember a time before Stranger Things was one of Netflix's biggest shows. The series premiered in July 2016, and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon that people just can't stop talking about. It chronicles a group of friends in Hawkins, Indiana, who discover some seriously creepy things happening in their town when one of them disappears — and if you're a fan, you already know the rest!
When the show premiered, Mike, Eleven, Lucas, Dustin, and Will were all 12 years old and in middle school. Now they're teenagers in high school, and obviously, a lot has changed since then — both in the show and in real life.
Now that season four has officially premiered (and that intense finale is streaming, too), it's more clear than ever how much the Stranger Things kids have grown up over the past six years. Ready to witness some major transformations? Here are photos that really show how they've changed. Anyone else feeling old right about now?
Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven
Eleven has gone through a lot in this show, y'all — and that's an understatement. From escaping the Upside Down and becoming Hopper's daughter, only to move to California with Joyce when he was "dead," where she didn't fit in … these are beyond normal teenage girl problems. Not to mention the fact that she spent season four trying to save Hawkins (again).
Millie in Real Life
Millie is now 18 years old — it's hard to believe! And of all the actors from the series, she's managed to have one of the biggest breakouts. She's also starred in Godzilla and the Netflix series Enola Holmes, and launched her own skin care and beauty line, Florence by Mills.
Noah Schnapp as Will
Will didn't get nearly as much screen time in season four as he deserved, but we have to give him props where it's due; he's a great friend to Eleven and Mike, and there would never have been a premise for this show to begin with if he hadn't gone missing in the Upside Down.
Noah in Real Life
In case anyone was wondering, no, Noah Schnapp doesn't sport Will's signature straight bowl cut in real life. In reality, his hair is pretty curly. Today, Noah is 17 years old, and judging by his Instagram account, he's far more stylish and well-traveled than his TV counterpart.
Finn Wolfhard as Mike
Mike's story in season four of Stranger Things mostly focuses on his visit to California on spring break to see Will and Eleven in their new hometown — and of course (as we know now) the crazy road trip he ended up on so that he could help save Hawkins.
Finn in Real Life
Now 19, Finn Wolfhard has gone on to star in other projects, including It (and the movie's sequel) and Ghostbusters Afterlife. He's also played music with two bands — Calpurnia, and now, The Aubreys — so it's clear he's one talented guy.
Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas
On the show, Caleb McLaughlin plays Lucas, and he went through quite a journey in season four. From his friendships changing after joining the high school basketball team to his relationship with Max, we saw a lot of growth with him this time around.
Caleb in Real Life
Today, Caleb, who is now 20, is one of the oldest actors who started off as a middle schooler on the show. You may have also seen him star in Concrete Cowboy and Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Much like his fellow Stranger Things cast members, his style is a lot different from his character's.
Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin
Gaten Matarazzo's character, Dustin, is usually the comic relief in the show, and for the most part, that didn't change in season four — and neither did his bond with Steve. We do have to admit that we were crying right along with him at that brutal death in the finale, though.
Gaten in Real Life
Gaten is now 19 and all grown up — especially when he poses for dapper shoots for magazines like Esquire, as we can see here. Just from following him on Instagram, it's clear how much he loves the Stranger Things cast. Catch him next in Honor Society, a Paramount+ original movie coming out on July 29.
Sadie Sink as Max
Season four was truly Sadie Sink's time to shine as Max. As she dealt with the death of her brother, Billy, her own issues with mental health, and the fact that she could literally be taken by Vecna at any moment, Sadie really showed off her acting chops. Get this girl an Emmy!
Sadie in Real Life
Sadie, who is now 20, is really making a mark on Hollywood. After all, she did just star in the short film for Taylor Swift's "All Too Well" song alongside Dylan O'Brien. She has also appeared in Netflix's Fear Street series and is set to star in Dear Zoe.
Natalia Dyer as Nancy
Nancy really put her journalistic skills to the test in season four. She and Robin (along with Steve) were determined to figure out exactly what was going on in Hawkins, which ended up leading them right to Vecna. Not too bad for Mike's big sister!
Natalia in Real Life
Natalia was already in her early 20s when Stranger Things started filming, but today, she's 27 (a bit older than Nancy, huh?). A fun fact: She's dating her on-screen boyfriend, Charlie Heaton (who plays Jonathan), in real life. How cool!
Joe Keery as Steve
Steve Harrington has quickly become one of the show's most beloved characters, and that only continued in season four (especially while fans were worried that he was going to be the one to die in the finale). So far, Steve is safe — though we're definitely rooting for him and Nancy to get together.
Joe Keery in Real Life
It's a major bummer that Joe Keery is no longer on Instagram, but we'll have to make do with the photos his costars post. As the eldest member of the "young" cast, Joe is now 30 — a fair bit older than Steve! Still, he's the object of many a fan's crush.
