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The Thing

8.119821h 49mRMovieHorrorMysteryScience Fiction

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

DirectorJohn Carpenter
WriterBill Lancaster
ProducersDavid Foster·Wilbur Stark

Where to watch

Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video with AdsAmazon Prime Video with AdsYouTube FreeYouTube Free
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by John Carpenter

KRKurt Russell
Kurt Russell
MacReady
WBWilford Brimley
Wilford Brimley
Blair
TCT.K. Carter
T.K. Carter
Nauls
DCDavid Clennon
David Clennon
Palmer
KDKeith David
Keith David
Childs
RDRichard Dysart
Richard Dysart
Dr. Copper
CHCharles Hallahan
Charles Hallahan
Norris
PMPeter Maloney
Peter Maloney
Bennings
RMRichard Masur
Richard Masur
Clark
DMDonald Moffat
Donald Moffat
Garry
JPJoel Polis
Joel Polis
Fuchs
TWThomas G. Waites
Thomas G. Waites
Windows

More from Kurt Russell · Lead actor

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See all fromKurt Russell

More from Wilford Brimley · Co-star actor

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More from John Carpenter · Director

Halloween
Halloween
1978 · 7.6
Masters of Horror
Masters of Horror
2005 · 7.1
They Live
They Live
1988 · 7.3
Escape from New York
Escape from New York
1981 · 7.0
Big Trouble in Little China
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1986 · 7.2
Christine
Christine
1983 · 6.9
The Fog
The Fog
1980 · 6.7
Escape from L.A.
Escape from L.A.
1996 · 5.9
In the Mouth of Madness
In the Mouth of Madness
1995 · 7.2
Ghosts of Mars
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2001 · 5.2
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More like this

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Pandorum
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1978 · 7.2
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2018 · 6.4
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The Thing — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams The Thing?

The Thing is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube Free in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is The Thing on Netflix?

No, The Thing is not on Netflix in United States as of September 2026. It's currently on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube Free.

Is The Thing on Amazon Prime Video?

Yes — The Thing is included with an Amazon Prime Video subscription in United States as of September 2026.

Where can I watch The Thing for free?

The Thing is available to stream free (with ads) on YouTube Free in United States.

Is there a sequel to The Thing?

Yes — The Thing is followed by The Thing (2011) in the Thing Collection.

Is there a prequel to The Thing?

The Thing is the first film in the Thing Collection.

Is The Thing part of a trilogy?

No — The Thing is part of the Thing Collection, which has 2 films.

How many movies are in the Thing Collection?

There are 2 films in the Thing Collection: The Thing (1982) and The Thing (2011).