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The Thing

1982·Movie
1h 49min·R
78
GreatGoodWatch score

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The Thing fingerprint

Relentless energy, stunning style, light on feelings.

Energy

Nerve-racking and terrifying

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension10
  • Scare9
  • Violence8

Heart

Nostalgic

  • Nostalgia8
  • Catharsis6
  • Pathos5

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Dark Humor3
  • Situational Comedy0

World

The mind and mystery

Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.

  • World Immersion10
  • Rewatchability9
  • Ambiguity9

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and storytelling

  • Direction10
  • Acting9
  • Narrative Structure9

Style

Standout cinematography, score, and editing

A distinctive visual signature.

  • Cinematography10
  • Music Composition10
  • Editing9

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingGraphic violence bothers youYou scare easily

Find more like it

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Anytime. Anywhere. Anyone.

A research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims.
Cosmic HorrorExtreme ParanoiaPractical Effects MasterpieceClaustrophobic IsolationExistential DreadBody HorrorCold War AllegoryJohn Carpenter StyleUnreliable RealityVisceral Sound Design

Sequels and Prequels

Media

Questions about The Thing

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Thing legally?

The Thing is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, and Peacock Premium+ in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Thing worth watching?

78
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 57). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Thing rated?

RViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.

How long is The Thing?

1 h 49 min

The Thing runs 1 h 49 min.

Is The Thing based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Thing?

Critics71
Audiences87

Not quite. Audiences rate The Thing higher (87) than critics (71). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

Was The Thing a box office hit?

Budget$15 million
Box office$20 million

Roughly broke even. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $20 million worldwide, 1.3 times its budget.

What language is The Thing in?

EnglishNorwegian

It was made in English, with some Norwegian. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Thing?

84ADALAOARATAUAZBABEBFBGBOBRBY+70

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Thing in 84 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.