Harry and the Hendersons

Harry and the Hendersons

Year: 1987

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: William Dear

FantasyComedyFamily

After hitting a mysterious creature in the woods, the Henderson family finds themselves harboring a gentle giant – a Bigfoot they name Harry. Keeping Harry a secret proves challenging, leading to humorous situations and unexpected disruptions to their everyday lives. Despite the chaos, the family discovers that this friendly behemoth brings warmth, laughter, and a whole lot of heart into their home.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Harry and the Hendersons yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Harry and the Hendersons (1987) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Harry and the Hendersons (1987), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

After a relaxing camping getaway in the scenic Cascade mountains, George Henderson embarks on a journey back to his suburban Seattle home with his family. However, fate has other ideas when he accidentally collides with a massive Bigfoot while driving his station wagon. Thinking they’ve discovered a ticket to fame and wealth, the Henderson family opts to transport the creature back to their vehicle, totally unaware that it is very much alive.

Later that evening, George takes the initiative to investigate this giant being, only to find that it has somehow survived the encounter and escaped into the night. To his surprise, he discovers the creature rummaging through their kitchen, having upturned the refrigerator in search of food. As the family begins to observe the Bigfoot’s remarkable intelligence and friendly nature, George decides to return it to its natural habitat, affectionately naming it “Harry.”

Despite Harry’s first escape, George is determined to reconnect with his newfound friend. He attempts to coax Harry back into their station wagon, but the creature becomes frightened and bolts away, leaving the family to figure out their next steps amidst a growing media sensation surrounding the mysterious being.

While the Hendersons aim to return to their usual life, sightings of Harry escalate, resulting in an uproar of public intrigue. Driven by the desire to find his lost friend, George visits the distinguished North American Museum of Anthropology, where he seeks the wisdom of Dr. Wallace Wrightwood, a self-proclaimed expert on Bigfoot.

After sharing his contact details with the museum staff, George continues his search, only to have Jacques LaFleur, a famed French-Canadian hunter-turned-Bigfoot tracker, unexpectedly appear at their home. As the chase intensifies and Harry dodges capture by both hunters and authorities, George becomes embroiled in a high-stakes game of pursuit.

The tension reaches its peak when George steps in to protect Harry from LaFleur’s grasp, sparking a chain of events that will ultimately challenge the Henderson family’s courage and their bond with the enigmatic Bigfoot.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:34

Unlock the Full Story of Harry and the Hendersons

Don't stop at just watching — explore Harry and the Hendersons in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Harry and the Hendersons is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Harry and the Hendersons Timeline

Track the full timeline of Harry and the Hendersons with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Harry and the Hendersons Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Harry and the Hendersons

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Harry and the Hendersons. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Harry and the Hendersons

More About Harry and the Hendersons

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Harry and the Hendersons: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Harry and the Hendersons

Similar Movies to Harry and the Hendersons

Discover movies like Harry and the Hendersons that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.