There's like two jump scares in the entire movie and it's still terrifying. That's what makes scary movies good scary movies. If you're into scary movies, you have got to see this. I've seen it tons of times and I still can't tell you at times who is actually human and who is one of those Things. The ending is amazing, too.
I also forgot about the music. The soundtrack is one of the best that I've heard. I think the same guy did the music for The Good the Bad and the Ugly, another amazing soundtrack.
Just listen to
this and try not to get creeped out.
If you asked me the first movie that I would suggest someone to watch, I think The Thing would be it. Such an underrated movie.