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The Thing

The Thing

Anytime. Anywhere. Anyone.

19828.11h 49m

Overview

A research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims.

Directed by John Carpenter
Written by Bill Lancaster, John W. Campbell Jr.
Produced by David Foster, Lawrence Turman
Box OfficeBudget: $15.0MRevenue: $19.6M

Top Cast

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell

MacReady

Keith David

Keith David

Childs

Wilford Brimley

Wilford Brimley

Blair

T.K. Carter

T.K. Carter

Nauls

David Clennon

David Clennon

Palmer

Richard Dysart

Richard Dysart

Dr. Copper

Charles Hallahan

Charles Hallahan

Norris

Peter Maloney

Peter Maloney

Bennings

Richard Masur

Richard Masur

Clark

Donald Moffat

Donald Moffat

Garry

Themes & Keywords

spacecrafthelicopterspace marinebased on novel or bookisolationmutationparanoiagravesnowstormresearch stationalien life-formalienremakesurvivalcreaturehelicopter pilotantarcticashape shifting alienalien infectionsurvival horrorsled dogsalien monsteralien parasitesisolated placeuncertaintyblood testbody horrorambiguitylovecraftiancriticaldistressingdoubtfulominousantarcticnevascamonstroalienígena

About The Thing

The Thing is a horror, mystery, science fiction film released in 1982 exploring themes of spacecraft, helicopter, space marine, based on novel or book, isolation, mutation. Directed by John Carpenter, it stars Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley. A research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims.

Movies Similar to The Thing

Discover titles like The Thing — ranked by similarity and community votes

We found 15 movies similar to The Thing

If you enjoyed The Thing, you'll love these handpicked recommendations. Each title below shares similar themes, tone, and storytelling style. Our algorithm analyzes genres, keywords, director filmography, and cast connections to find the closest matches. Whether you're looking for the same emotional depth, narrative structure, or visual style, these picks are curated to deliver the best viewing experience for fans of The Thing.

The Thing
28% Match

The Thing(2011)

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When paleontologist Kate Lloyd travels to an isolated outpost in Antarctica for the expedition of a lifetime, she joins an international team that unearths a remarkable discovery. Their elation quickly turns to fear as they realize that their experiment has freed a mysterious being from its frozen prison. Paranoia spreads like an epidemic as a creature that can mimic anything it touches will pit human against human as it tries to survive and flourish in this spine-tingling thriller.

Alien
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Alien(1979)

Movie8.2/10

During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.

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They Live(1988)

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A lone drifter stumbles upon a unique pair of sunglasses that reveal aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth by masquerading as humans and lulling the public into submission.

Body Snatchers
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Event Horizon
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In 2047, a group of astronauts are sent to investigate and salvage the starship Event Horizon which disappeared mysteriously seven years before on its maiden voyage. However, it soon becomes evident that something sinister resides in its corridors.

Sphere
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Sphere(1998)

Movie6.1/10

A spacecraft is discovered at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, presumed to be at least 300 years old and of alien origin. A crack team of scientists and experts is assembled and taken to the ocean floor to investigate. However, the ship is not as it seems and when a giant perfect sphere is discovered in the cargo bay, things begin to fall apart.

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Iron Lung(2026)

Movie7.2/10

The stars are gone. The planets have disappeared. Only individuals aboard space stations or starships were left to give the end a name -- The Quiet Rapture. After decades of decay and crumbling infrastructure, the Consolidation of Iron has made a discovery on a barren moon designated AT-5. An ocean of blood. Hoping to discover desperately needed resources they immediately launch an expedition. A submarine is crafted and a convict is welded inside. Due to the pressure and depth of the ocean the forward viewport has been encased in metal. If successful, they will earn their freedom. If not, another will follow. This will be the 13th expedition.

Life
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Life(2017)

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The six-member crew of the International Space Station is tasked with studying a sample from Mars that may be the first proof of extra-terrestrial life, which proves more intelligent than ever expected.