The Thing

The Thing (1982)★ 8.3/10

R · US,CA · 109 min · January 1, 1982

  • Horror
  • Mystery
  • Sci-Fi

Directed by: John Carpenter

Written by: Bill Lancaster, John W. Campbell Jr.

An Antarctic team faces a shape-shifting alien that mimics its victims, sparking terror and paranoia as no one knows who’s human—or who’s the Thing.

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Awards · 0 wins, 2 nominations

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Reviews

LLance_HudsonJune 30, 2025
John Carpenter’s films at the height of his career are always so captivating—on the surface, they’re slick sci-fi thrillers, but underneath they pulse with pure B-movie passion. Sure, the buildup can be slow, but that gradual pace only amplifies the psychological dread of confined spaces and deepens the dramatic tension between characters. The horror and gore were unprecedented at the time and have since become the gold standard for imitators.
VVicente_StaffordJune 30, 2025
This is a classic sci-fi film with no women screaming and no gimmicky music.
FFrancis CoboJanuary 23, 2025
If you take away The Thing, it's the story of a group of junkie friends with guns who are paranoid about who stole it.
CCassidy_WeissNovember 28, 2024
While the story itself isn't particularly innovative, Carpenter's mastery of pacing immerses viewers almost instantly. The grotesque creature design has significantly influenced monster films and comics. A must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts.
CChelsey_ThomasNovember 26, 2024
John Carpenter has brought forth a gripping gem during his most prolific years. Beneath the polished, competent sci-fi thriller lies his signature B-movie aesthetics. The film's slow buildup amplifies the psychological tension brought by its claustrophobic setting. The gore and horror elements were groundbreaking for their time, cementing this film as a classic piece of its genre frequently emulated by future creators.
AAngela_BrownJune 12, 2024
This film reignited my love for the horror genre. The practical effects are terrifying and spectacular, and they remain convincing after all these years. Though reminiscent of "Alien," it excels by avoiding dumb decisions by the protagonists. The intelligent characters, minimal jump scares, and the story-driven suspense, especially the clever ending, make it superior.
AAlexis_NelsonJune 12, 2024
Unlike the refined mix of machinery and eroticism in "Alien", "The Thing" is raw and visceral; a challenging test for the team's prop and art departments. The alien creature's appearances are unsettlingly grotesque. Additionally, Ennio Morricone's soundtrack, with its simple, deep tones, adeptly sets the film's mood, making this cult classic that more impactful.
Rredjohn42January 24, 2024
Among us, but with the gore option on. In all sincerity, this movie knocks out of the park with its tension building, and it is an example of everything (art direction, music, acting, cinematography) coming together to create one hell of a horror experience!
DDoris_lovemovieMarch 24, 2021

An impeccable production

The incredible special effects with which they achieved the metamorphosis of “The Thing” were key to the success of the film, which has an impeccable production design and direction.
Jjjoel nseJuly 5, 2026
piola
AAura CósmicaOctober 4, 2025
Los efectos prácticos son hermosos y en mi concepto, lo mejor de la película.

El terror corporal es maravilloso.
MMarcelo Eduardo AgueroJuly 13, 2025
Desde el ambiente claustrofobico hasta los efectos prácticos espectaculares hacen La Cosa la experiencia de terror más alucinante del cine. De los pocos Films en dónde el terror se siente tan oscuro. Una verdadera joya del cine

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