Parents' Guide to The Thing (1982)

Movie 1982 R 109 minutes
The Thing (1982) Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Renee Longstreet By Renee Longstreet , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 17+

Gory fear fest is a classic the faint-hearted should skip.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 17+?

Any Positive Content?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 22 parent reviews

Parents say that this film is a classic in the horror genre, notable for its groundbreaking practical effects and intense narrative, albeit featuring significant violence and gore that may not suit all viewers. While some found the film campy and not particularly scary, many praised its psychological depth and tension, making it an engaging experience for horror fans despite its age and outdated effects.classic horrorintense narrativesignificant violencepractical effectspsychological depthcampy elements
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age 13+

Based on 95 kid reviews

Kids say this film is a gory sci-fi horror classic, renowned for its practical effects and intense body horror, depicting disturbing scenes of alien transformations and violence. While some younger viewers found it entertaining or even campy, many recommend it only for mature audiences due to its graphic content, including extreme gore and strong language.gory body horrorpractical effectsintense violencerecommend for mature audiencescampy elementsstrong language
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What's the Story?

Isolated in Antarctica, the scientists in a research facility are under assault from alien creatures released after a long burial in the icy terrain. As one by one, the men meet horrific ends, it's an increasingly terrifying and violent battle for survival.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 22 ):
Kids say ( 95 ):

Made in 1982, before the explosion of digital filmmaking, this iconic combination of horror and science fiction is often considered a landmark achievement by famed horror director John Carpenter.

By today's standard, some of the grisly effects and the grotesque mounds of tentacles, teeth, and muscle that serve as the monster, seem oddly tame, though they would still be highly disturbing for kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the use of frequent use of violence and gore in this film. What do you think the filmmaker's purpose was?

  • Were the scariest moments because of onscreen mayhem or because of suspense-filled moments when you didn't know what was going to happen? Describe your feelings about and reactions to each type of "horror." Why do people like to be scared?

  • Did the ending surprise you? Did you find yourself projecting what might have happened afterwards? Is that projection a measure of a movie's success?

  • How does this version compare to the more modern one?

Movie Details

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The Thing (1982) Poster Image

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