Harry and the Hendersons

When you can't believe your eyes, trust your heart.

1987 • 110 min • Comedy · Family · Fantasy

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Synopsis

Returning from a hunting trip in the forest, the Henderson family's car hits an animal in the road. At first they fear it was a man, but when they examine the "body" they find it's a "bigfoot". They think it's dead so they decide to take it home (there could be some money in this). As you guessed, it isn't dead. Far from being the ferocious monster they fear "Harry" to be, he's a friendly giant.

Our family guide

Best from age 7

Movie Knight Score

758 reviews

100 Reviewers · 1 · 51%
61 Audience · 757 · 49%

The Henderson family accidentally hits a Sasquatch with their car on a hunting trip. They bring the seemingly deceased creature, whom they name Harry, home, only to discover he's alive and a gentle giant. The family struggles to keep Harry a secret while navigating the challenges of having a Bigfoot as a houseguest.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 0/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 3/10

Heads up

A car accident occurs, but no serious injuries are shown.
Harry can be imposing due to his size.
Some cartoonish slapstick violence.

What it models well

Family bonding and acceptance
Compassion for misunderstood creatures
Environmental awareness
Challenging assumptions

Talk about it after

What it means to be a family
Treating animals with respect
Judging others based on appearance
The concept of cryptozoology

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Harry and the Hendersons. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

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Top billed cast

Director: William Dear • Crew: Ezra D. Rappaport, Bill Martin, William Dear

Trailers & clips

Reviewer notes

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
Great watch, will watch again, and do recommend. While the movie is quite dated at this point, it really isn't that noticeable. The biggest difference is that the information would travel much faster today, and probably the kids would be jerks and lend to the problem.…
Kamurai, TMDB Community