The Thing
Love the concept and alien design. I've read that its ability to provoke fear and mystery with just the use of practical effects is what makes it special. For all I know about it, I would concur. What I really appreciated was how Carpenter develops the conceit of the film without really any exposition at all. It is a textbook definition of "show, not tell." From the opening helicopter hunting scene to the final credits, you're strapped in and the action just takes you.
If this film has anything on its mind but freaking you out for its duration, I don't know what it is. And that's OK. I read a review (and I will say things like this without a link because I read and click on something else and read and so on, so I don't always remember where I found it) that claimed it contains a critique on masculinity based on how its men react to their situation and what happens at the end, but I don't buy it. It was '82. Perhaps there was a concern about men and women scientists cohabiting in Antarctica for long periods without the rule of law. Honestly, the concern seems to be tone and story. It's just a fun genre film.
Not sure that it's inspired me to go on a personal Carpenter marathon, but the show is going to revisit Starman, and I may just take that trip with 'em.