It’s still a long way to go before Halloween, but X users already focus on the 1982 film, John Carpenter’s The Thing. Decades after its release, people can’t stop to talk about the movie being Carpenter’s masterpiece. With all the engagements it’s garnering at present, we can’t help but wonder how it all began. So, let’s dive into The Thing, and if you haven’t watched it yet, we got you.
Why Is John Carpenter’s The Thing The Talk Of The Town?
In case you’re a newbie to the film industry, John Carpenter is frequently associated with horror, science fiction, and action films. He became popular with his scary releases like Halloween, The Fog, Christine, and The Thing among others. His filmography became an instant classic in the modern days.
Interestingly, The Thing trending on X is not coincidental. John Carpenter is celebrating his birthday on January 16, and perhaps people have been talking about the masterpieces he had created throughout his career. An X user posted a photo with the filmmaker’s movies and a caption asking if you have a favorite Carpenter movie.
Celebrating John Carpenter’s Birthday~January 16th 1948
Do you have a favorite Carpenter movie!🍿 pic.twitter.com/VItjqx7Oc8— 🔪🔪Jeanne Loves Horror🔪🔪 (@1carolinagirl) January 16, 2024
Although there’s still uncertainty, we do believe that his day (and the Tweet as well) became the reason why people suddenly shared why John Carpenter’s The Thing should be known as the filmmaker’s masterpiece.
#NowWatching The Thing
It's John Carpenter's birthday and there's a nice coating of snow on the ground outside, so it felt appropriate. As much as I love Halloween, The Thing is Carpenter's masterpiece! pic.twitter.com/YHG5fKnXZS— HalloweenYear-Round 🎃 (@HalloweenYrRnd) January 16, 2024
People, especially horror film enthusiasts, can’t help but admire the 1982 film and its practical effects. It was created long before CGI came to the industry, so it’s definitely worth appreciating to see.
When I was about 11 years old, I saw a broadcast TV version of John Carpenter’s “The Thing” and it solidified for me why I will always appreciate practical effects over CGI. Granted, at the time CGI didn’t really exist, but even now that movie is just as effective. #TheThing pic.twitter.com/i7a0Dq2MP7
— Leif Morgensen (@Norse76) January 14, 2024
Adding to the trending topics about John Carpenter’s The Thing is a fan-favorite scene in the movie: the chest chomp scene (as others addressed). If that didn’t surprise you and is one of your favorite sequences, then why?
In honor of John Carpenter’s birthday today, here's our breakdown of the making of the famous chest chomp scene from 'The Thing': https://t.co/65pjG4Fr9s pic.twitter.com/Wfg4D9pHKm
— Film School Rejects (@rejectnation) January 16, 2024
Lastly, aside from greeting the filmmaker with a happy birthday, netizens have been sharing their loved Carpenter movies on the platform. While many listed The Thing as their favorite film, others added the filmmaker and composer’s They Live, Prince of Darkness, and Escape From New York among all the other movies.
My 4 favorite John Carpenter films in honor of his 76th birthday.
They Live
The Thing
Halloween
Prince of Darkness pic.twitter.com/H3RIc27d6F— Coco (@bonff66) January 16, 2024
All Hail King Carpenter, Ruler of Cool! #JohnCarpenter #BOTD
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK (1981) / CHRISTINE (1983) / THE THING (1982) pic.twitter.com/xHejU6fvxp
— 365 Infantry 🇺🇸 (@365Infantry) January 17, 2024
Favourite John Carpenter, films in order:
5. Dark Star
4. The Fog
3. Big Trouble in Little China
2. The Thing
1. They Live#JohnCarpenter #botd #films #classics https://t.co/H5r22H1dbk pic.twitter.com/rm94HCIb06— Suna Dasi (@Suna_Dasi) January 16, 2024
Check out X to find more thoughts about The Thing and his other movies on his special day. We greet the filmmaker with a happy birthday, and you and your movies will always be iconic and famous, Mr. John Carpenter.
Can You Watch It Online?
Despite the discussion above, we’re pretty sure not everyone was able to view the movie. So, if you haven’t gotten the chance to catch John Carpenter’s The Thing, you have been missing out on a film experience. But, worry no more as we checked out if you can enjoy the film on any streaming platform.
Yes, John Carpenter’s The Thing is available on some known streaming media platforms at present. Here are some that offer the movie, and do check it out if it’s available in your region.
- Netflix
- Prime Video
- YouTube
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Vudu
In case you missed it last 2021, a 4K re-release of The Thing was enjoyed by a lot. Here’s the trailer of the remastered version, and we assure you that it’s pretty great!
The Thing (1982)
4K Rerelease Trailer 🎞️
According to John Carpenter, he takes all his failed movies pretty hard, but the film's initial negative reception disappointed him the most. Not only was it a box-office bomb but critics panned its gory effects, tone, and characters.… pic.twitter.com/Q4iSGrSFID
— Tom😈Loves❤️Horror😱 (@ILoveHorror7) January 16, 2024
If you’re a fan of Blu-Rays, the 4K re-release also came with a 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray. There are available stocks in Blu-Ray, Amazon, and Gruv. Check it out!
So, what are you waiting for? It’s the best time to watch and rewatch John Carpenter’s The Thing, and see for yourself what a masterpiece the moviegoers are buzzing about!
