10 Horror Movies That Are Way Better When You Already Know The Twist

In The Thing, a group of Antarctic researchers discover there's a shapeshifting extra-terrestrial among them. Because this alien can perfectly replicate the personality traits and memories of any individual, it's nearly impossible to know who's the real deal, causing the group to turn against one another.

Ultimately, it's revealed the Thing had assimilated at least three of the researchers - Norris, Palmer, and Blair. Although each reveal is shocking, you'd think they would lose all impact when you watch the movie again.

But because it's never revealed when these characters were assimilated, you still can't tell when they're human and when they're the the extra-terrestrial. (The director himself, John Carpenter, admitted he hadn't a clue when the the titular beast made its move.) When did Blair get absorbed by the creature? Did the alien jump from the Dog-Thing to Norris to assimilate his body? Did Palmer get infected by the entity during the opening scene or moments before MacReady exposed him?

Because there's no true answer, it's enjoyable to watch The Thing again, trying to determine the moment Norris, Blair, and Palmer were consumed by the monster.