24 Best Movies Like 'The Thing' for Thrill-Seekers and Sci-Fi Enthusiasts

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93%

89

8.5

In Ridley Scott's "Alien," the crew of the spaceship Nostromo responds to a distress signal, unwittingly bringing a deadly extraterrestrial creature on board. Trapped in the confines of the ship, the crew faces a relentless and evolving threat that preys on their fears and vulnerabilities. Similar to "The Thing," "Alien" masterfully builds tension through isolation, mistrust, and the unknown. The claustrophobic setting and the ever-present sense of danger create an atmosphere of dread, while the creature's ability to mimic and adapt echoes the shape-shifting horror found in "The Thing."

CAST

Sigourney Weaver

Tom Skerritt

Ian Holm

Yaphet Kotto

John Hurt

Veronica Cartwright

Harry Dean Stanton

Bolaji Badejo

Helen Horton

Roy Scammell

Directed by Ridley Scott

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89%

84

8.1

Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner" is a neo-noir sci-fi masterpiece set in a dystopian future where artificial beings known as replicants rebel against their creators. While tonally different from "The Thing," "Blade Runner" shares thematic elements of existential uncertainty and the blurred line between human and non-human. Both films delve into the consequences of playing with the unknown, whether through extraterrestrial encounters or the creation of advanced artificial intelligence. The atmospheric storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of identity link these classics, making them essential entries in the realm of speculative fiction.

CAST

Harrison Ford

Rutger Hauer

Sean Young

Edward James Olmos

M. Emmet Walsh

Daryl Hannah

William Sanderson

Brion James

Joe Turkel

Joanna Cassidy

Directed by Ridley Scott

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81%

47

7.8

In John McTiernan's "Predator," a team of elite soldiers, led by Arnold Schwarzenegger, ventures into the Central American jungle for a rescue mission but becomes the hunted as an extraterrestrial creature systematically picks them off. Similarly to "The Thing," "Predator" creates an atmosphere of escalating tension and paranoia as the characters grapple with an unseen enemy. The suspenseful narrative and the fight for survival against a formidable otherworldly foe draw striking parallels to the themes found in "The Thing."

CAST

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Carl Weathers

Elpidia Carrillo

Jesse Ventura

Sonny Landham

Bill Duke

Richard Chaves

R. G. Armstrong

Kevin Peter Hall

Directed by John McTiernan

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79

7.6

David Cronenberg's "The Fly" revolves around scientist Seth Brundle, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, whose teleportation experiment goes awry, merging his DNA with that of a fly. Much like "The Thing," this film delves into body horror and the terrifying consequences of scientific experimentation. Both movies explore the transformation of the human form, instilling fear through the unknown and the grotesque. "The Fly" and "The Thing" share a thematic kinship in their examination of how scientific curiosity can lead to horrifying and irreversible consequences.

CAST

Jeff Goldblum

Geena Davis

John Getz

Joy Boushel

Leslie Carlson

George Chuvalo

Michael Copeman

Carol Lazare

Shawn Hewitt

Directed by David Cronenberg

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75%

68

7.8

Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight" unfolds in a post-Civil War Wyoming blizzard, trapping a group of strangers in a stagecoach stopover. As tensions rise, trust dissolves, and a mystery unravels, the film shares an undercurrent of paranoia with "The Thing." Both movies thrive on the uncertainty of character motives and the claustrophobic setting that breeds suspicion. Tarantino's ensemble piece, akin to Carpenter's classic, explores the fragility of trust among individuals facing a common, external threat, making "The Hateful Eight" a gripping narrative filled with twists and turns reminiscent of "The Thing."

CAST

Samuel L. Jackson

Kurt Russell

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Walton Goggins

Demián Bichir

Tim Roth

Michael Madsen

Bruce Dern

James Parks

Dana Gourrier

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

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84

8.4

In James Cameron's "Aliens," the lone survivor of the original "Alien" film, Ellen Ripley, is awakened from hypersleep to join a team of marines on a mission to investigate a distant planet. As with "The Thing," tension escalates as the group encounters a hostile extraterrestrial species. The film brilliantly combines intense action with horror elements, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable threats. Similar to "The Thing," "Aliens" explores the theme of paranoia and the struggle for survival against an unknown and formidable enemy.

CAST

Sigourney Weaver

Michael Biehn

Lance Henriksen

Bill Paxton

Jenette Goldstein

Carrie Henn

Paul Reiser

Mark Rolston

William Hope

Al Matthews

Directed by James Cameron

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73%

58

7.1

Adapted from a Stephen King novella and directed by Frank Darabont, "The Mist" centers on a small town engulfed in an otherworldly mist concealing deadly creatures. As in "The Thing," a diverse group of individuals must navigate mistrust and fear while seeking refuge from the unknown horrors outside. The film delves into the psychological impact of isolation and the disintegration of societal norms, mirroring the atmospheric tension found in "The Thing." Both movies masterfully blend suspense and horror, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

CAST

Thomas Jane

Laurie Holden

Toby Jones

Marcia Gay Harden

Andre Braugher

William Sadler

Jeffrey DeMunn

Samuel Witwer

Chris Owen

Alexa Davalos

Directed by Frank Darabont

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93%

75

7.4

Philip Kaufman's remake of the classic sci-fi tale, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," unfolds in a world where alien spores replace humans with emotionless duplicates. The pervasive paranoia and mistrust among characters echo the themes of John Carpenter's "The Thing." As the line between friend and foe blurs, the film skillfully captures the chilling atmosphere of an insidious invasion. The narrative explores the terror of losing one's identity and the struggle to discern friend from foe, akin to the psychological horror elements found in "The Thing."

CAST

Donald Sutherland

Brooke Adams

Leonard Nimoy

Jeff Goldblum

Veronica Cartwright

Art Hindle

Lelia Goldoni

Kevin McCarthy

Directed by Philip Kaufman

Watch Trailer

76%

64

7.2

In Danny Boyle's "Sunshine," a spaceship embarks on a critical mission to reignite the dying sun. As the crew approaches their destination, they face both scientific and psychological challenges. Similar to "The Thing," "Sunshine" delves into the psychological toll of isolation, the fragility of human relationships under pressure, and the ominous presence of an external force that threatens the crew's survival. The film combines stunning visuals with a tense atmosphere, exploring the vulnerability of humanity against the vastness of space.

CAST

Cillian Murphy

Rose Byrne

Chris Evans

Michelle Yeoh

Cliff Curtis

Hiroyuki Sanada

Troy Garity

Benedict Wong

Mark Strong

Paloma Baeza

Directed by Danny Boyle

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62%

50

6.7

John Carpenter's "Prince of Darkness" follows a group of scientists investigating a mysterious canister of green liquid with sinister properties. Like "The Thing," Carpenter creates an atmosphere of escalating dread as the characters confront an otherworldly threat. Both films share Carpenter's signature style of blending horror with science fiction, emphasizing the paranoia and fear that arise when confronted with an unknown and malevolent force. "Prince of Darkness" explores themes of religion and science colliding in a chilling narrative, akin to the cosmic horror elements found in "The Thing."

CAST

Donald Pleasence

Lisa Blount

Victor Wong

Jameson Parker

Dennis Dun

Susan Blanchard

Anne Marie Howard

Ann Yen

Ken Wright

Dirk Blocker

Directed by John Carpenter

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63%

61

7.1

Vincenzo Natali's "Cube" presents a unique and suspenseful scenario where strangers find themselves trapped in a maze of deadly mystery rooms. In a manner reminiscent of "The Thing," the characters must navigate an environment that poses an existential threat. Both films explore the dynamics of a group facing an external, seemingly insurmountable challenge, highlighting the fragility of trust and the human psyche under intense pressure. "Cube" captivates with its minimalist setting and psychological tension, mirroring the atmospheric suspense found in "The Thing."

CAST

Nicole de Boer

Nicky Guadagni

Maurice Dean Wint

David Hewlett

Andrew Miller

Wayne Robson

Julian Richings

Directed by Vincenzo Natali

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34%

35

6.6

In "Event Horizon," directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, a rescue crew is sent to investigate the reappearance of the starship Event Horizon, which vanished into a black hole. The crew discovers that the ship's experimental gravity drive has opened a portal to a dimension of unimaginable horror. Similar to "The Thing," paranoia ensues as the crew faces a malevolent force that manipulates their fears, blurring the line between reality and nightmare. The film delves into psychological terror, drawing parallels to "The Thing" in its exploration of isolation, distrust, and the unknown horrors lurking in the void of space.

CAST

Laurence Fishburne

Sam Neill

Kathleen Quinlan

Joely Richardson

Richard T. Jones

Jack Noseworthy

Jason Isaacs

Sean Pertwee

Peter Marinker

Holley Chant

Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson

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Stuart Gordon's "The Re-Animator" is a darkly comedic horror film following Herbert West, a medical student obsessed with reanimating the dead. As West's experiments go awry, corpses come back to life with unpredictable and grotesque results. Like "The Thing," "The Re-Animator" explores the consequences of scientific curiosity gone wrong, featuring a blend of horror and black humor. Both films share a theme of unchecked scientific experimentation leading to nightmarish consequences, with the boundaries of life and death blurred in disturbing ways.

CAST

Jeffrey Combs

Bruce Abbott

Barbara Crampton

David Gale

Robert Sampson

Carolyn Purdy-Gordon

Peter Kent

Ian Patrick Williams

Bunny Summers

Al Berry

Directed by Stuart Gordon

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87%

71

7.2

Directed by Neil Marshall, "The Descent" follows a group of women who venture into an unexplored cave system, only to encounter subterranean creatures. Much like "The Thing," the film amplifies tension through claustrophobic settings and the breakdown of trust among the characters. The underground environment intensifies the feeling of isolation and vulnerability, echoing the remote Antarctic setting in "The Thing." Both films masterfully blend horror with interpersonal dynamics, emphasizing the survival instincts of individuals facing unimaginable and otherworldly threats in confined spaces.

CAST

Shauna Macdonald

Natalie Mendoza

Alex Reid

MyAnna Buring

Saskia Mulder

Nora-Jane Noone

Leslie Simpson

Oliver Milburn

Molly Kayll

Craig Conway

Directed by Neil Marshall

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64

7

"Cloverfield" is a found-footage monster film directed by Matt Reeves. The story unfolds as a massive creature terrorizes New York City, captured through the lens of a handheld camera. A group of friends navigates the chaos, struggling to survive and uncover the origin of the monstrous threat. Similar to "The Thing," "Cloverfield" intensifies suspense through an unknown and formidable adversary, exploring the breakdown of societal order and the visceral fear of the unknown. Both films masterfully blend horror with elements of science fiction, creating a palpable sense of dread and tension.

CAST

Lizzy Caplan

Jessica Lucas

T.J. Miller

Michael Stahl-David

Mike Vogel

Odette Annable

Anjul Nigam

Margot Farley

Theo Rossi

Brian Klugman

Directed by Matt Reeves

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64%

6.6

In Chuck Russell's remake of the 1958 classic, "The Blob" depicts a small town under siege by a gelatinous alien organism that devours everything in its path. As the blob grows in size and menace, a group of residents fights for survival. Like "The Thing," "The Blob" taps into primal fears of a shape-shifting, unstoppable entity, highlighting the vulnerability of humanity in the face of an extraterrestrial threat. The film's special effects and suspenseful narrative contribute to its underrated status among horror enthusiasts.

CAST

Shawnee Smith

Kevin Dillon

Donovan Leitch

Jeffrey DeMunn

Candy Clark

Joe Seneca

Del Close

Paul McCrane

Sharon Spelman

Beau Billingslea

Directed by Chuck Russell

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87%

7.5

Directed by Danny Boyle, "28 Days Later" is a post-apocalyptic horror film where a man wakes up in a London hospital to find the city deserted, overrun by rage-infected individuals. As he joins forces with fellow survivors, they face not only the infected but also the dark side of human nature. Similar to "The Thing," "28 Days Later" explores the breakdown of societal norms amidst a deadly threat. The films share themes of isolation, paranoia, and the struggle for survival, immersing the audience in a tense and unpredictable narrative that challenges the characters' trust in each other and the world around them.

CAST

Cillian Murphy

Naomie Harris

Brendan Gleeson

Megan Burns

Christopher Eccleston

Noah Huntley

Luke Mably

Stuart McQuarrie

Ricci Harnett

Leo Bill

Directed by Danny Boyle

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67%

58

6.4

"Session 9" (2001), directed by Brad Anderson, is a psychological horror film that unfolds within the eerie corridors of an abandoned mental hospital. A crew hired to remove asbestos from the decaying facility stumbles upon a series of old session recordings, revealing disturbing secrets and unleashing an unsettling force. Much like "The Thing," "Session 9" thrives on psychological tension and the unraveling of hidden horrors within isolated environments. The film masterfully builds a sense of dread as the characters confront their own fears and the malevolent history lurking within the walls, creating an atmospheric experience reminiscent of the paranoia-inducing elements found in John Carpenter's classic.

CAST

Peter Mullan

David Caruso

Stephen Gevedon

Josh Lucas

Brendan Sexton III

Paul Guilfoyle

Larry Fessenden

Charley Broderick

Lonnie Farmer

Sheila Stasack

Directed by Brad Anderson

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88%

65

7.2

In "Coherence," directed by James Ward Byrkit, a seemingly routine dinner party turns into a mind-bending experience when a comet passes by Earth. Similar to "The Thing," the film skillfully blends science fiction with psychological tension. As the characters grapple with strange occurrences, the narrative explores themes of identity, parallel realities, and the unraveling of interpersonal relationships. Just as "The Thing" keeps its audience on edge with paranoia and uncertainty, "Coherence" captivates viewers through its clever use of quantum theory and the unpredictable nature of reality.

CAST

Emily Baldoni

Maury Sterling

Nicholas Brendon

Elizabeth Gracen

Hugo Armstrong

Alex Manugian

Lauren Maher

Kelly Donovan

Aqueela Zoll

Directed by James Ward Byrkit

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74%

57

6.3

Directed by David Bruckner, "The Ritual" takes a group of friends on a hiking trip in a Scandinavian forest, where they encounter a malevolent force rooted in ancient Norse mythology. Like "The Thing," this film combines elements of supernatural horror with the psychological impact of isolation and fear of the unknown. The dense woods become a character of their own, much like the isolated Antarctic setting in "The Thing." As the group faces their darkest fears, "The Ritual" delivers atmospheric tension, monstrous entities, and a sense of impending doom reminiscent of John Carpenter's classic.

CAST

Rafe Spall

Arsher Ali

Robert James-Collier

Sam Troughton

Paul Reid

Matthew Needham

Jacob James Beswick

Maria Erwolter

Hilary Reeves

Peter Liddell

Directed by David Bruckner

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84%

54

6.5

Bruce McDonald's "Pontypool" centers on a radio host in a small town as linguistic anomalies spread a mysterious virus. The film shares similarities with "The Thing" by exploring the theme of an unseen, unpredictable menace threatening a confined group. While "The Thing" uses physical assimilation, "Pontypool" employs language as the vessel for an infectious threat. The film delves into psychological horror, echoing the paranoia and mistrust found in Carpenter's masterpiece. With a unique premise and an emphasis on the power of words, "Pontypool" distinguishes itself while maintaining the tense and claustrophobic atmosphere reminiscent of "The Thing."

CAST

Stephen McHattie

Lisa Houle

Georgina Reilly

Hrant Alianak

Rick Roberts

Daniel Fathers

Beatriz Yuste

Boyd Banks

Hannah Fleming

Directed by Bruce McDonald

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92%

6.5

The Endless is a mind-bending sci-fi horror film directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. Brothers Justin and Aaron return to a cult they fled years ago, only to discover inexplicable phenomena hinting at otherworldly forces. As they delve into the cult's rituals, reality warps, blurring the lines between time and space. Similarly to "The Thing," The Endless explores the unsettling unknown, weaving a narrative that challenges perception. The film captivates with its cosmic horror elements, pushing the characters and audience into an eerie exploration of the unexplainable.

CAST

Callie Hernandez

Tate Ellington

Shane Brady

Lew Temple

Kira Powell

James Jordan

Emily Montague

Directed by Aaron Moorhead

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78%

62

5.9

In The Void, directed by Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski, a small-town cop stumbles upon a mysterious ritual and takes refuge in a besieged hospital with a group of survivors. As night falls, grotesque creatures emerge from the darkness, and the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur. Reminiscent of "The Thing," The Void crafts an atmosphere of paranoia and cosmic horror. The film's practical effects and Lovecraftian undertones contribute to an intense and atmospheric experience, echoing the claustrophobic tension of Carpenter's classic.

CAST

Aaron Poole

Kathleen Munroe

Art Hindle

Daniel Fathers

Kenneth Welsh

Ellen Wong

Stephanie Belding

Mik Byskov

Grace Munro

James Millington

Directed by Jeremy Gillespie

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80%

6.3

Directed by Jeremy Gardner, The Battery is a character-driven indie horror film that follows two former baseball players, Ben and Mickey, as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Unlike typical genre fare, the film focuses on the psychological toll of isolation. Much like "The Thing," The Battery centers on the strained dynamics between its protagonists, highlighting the challenges of trust and survival in a world where the true enemy might be within. The film's emphasis on character development and interpersonal relationships adds a layer of depth to the horror genre, drawing parallels to the paranoia seen in Carpenter's masterpiece.

CAST

Jeremy Gardner

Niels Bolle

Alana O'Brien

Jamie Pantanella

Larry Fessenden

Matt Bacco

Directed by Jeremy Gardner