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!

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Timeline & Setting – Harry and the Hendersons (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Harry and the Hendersons (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflective of a family-oriented yet adventurous lifestyle. The clash between ordinary suburban life and the extraordinary occurrence of encountering Bigfoot evokes themes of curiosity and the impact of media on personal experiences.

Location

Cascade Mountains, Seattle, North American Museum of Anthropology

The Cascade Mountains are known for their stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and outdoor adventure opportunities, providing a picturesque backdrop for the Henderson family's camping trip. Seattle, a vibrant city nestled between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, serves as their suburban home where everyday life collides with the extraordinary. The North American Museum of Anthropology is a renowned institution dedicated to the study of cultural artifacts and history, playing a crucial role in George’s quest to understand and reunite with Harry.

🏞️ Nature 🏙️ City 🏛️ Museum

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:23

Main Characters – Harry and the Hendersons (1987)

Meet the key characters of Harry and the Hendersons (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

George Henderson (John Lithgow)

George is a loving father and husband, characterized by his adventurous spirit and deep sense of responsibility towards his family. His journey from a skeptical individual to a compassionate protector of Harry showcases his character development throughout the film. George embodies the essence of curiosity as he evolves to embrace the extraordinary circumstances thrust upon him.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family 🌟 Guardian 🤔 Curiosity

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:23

Major Themes – Harry and the Hendersons (1987)

Explore the central themes of Harry and the Hendersons (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦶 Friendship

The bond between George and Harry illustrates the importance of friendship and loyalty, transcending species and the societal perception of what it means to connect. George's determination to return Harry to the wild showcases his growth and empathy towards a being considered an outsider. This pivotal theme encourages viewers to embrace differences and form unlikely friendships.

🌳 Nature

The film highlights the significance of nature and wildlife, symbolized through Harry's connection to the Cascade Mountains. It raises awareness about the protection of natural habitats and the coexistence of humans and creatures. Through George's journey, viewers are reminded of the beauty of nature and the responsibility to respect and safeguard it.

🎥 Media Frenzy

The escalating media attention surrounding Harry's existence serves as a commentary on society's fascination with the extraordinary. It explores how sensationalism can affect individuals and disrupt family life. The film critiques the effects of public scrutiny and the pressure that comes with fame, even in the realm of myth.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:23

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies with gentle giants like Harry and the Hendersons

Whimsical tales where a misunderstood, colossal creature finds an unlikely human family.If you enjoyed the heartwarming and humorous story of Harry and the Hendersons, you'll love these movies about gentle giants. Discover similar family-friendly films where legendary creatures form bonds with humans, creating stories full of laughter, secrecy, and compassion.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically begin with the discovery of a large, mythical creature that is initially feared but quickly revealed to be gentle and kind. The central conflict involves protecting the creature from a skeptical or hostile world, leading to humorous misadventures and a deepening emotional bond. The journey usually culminates in a difficult but ultimately uplifting choice to ensure the creature's safety and happiness.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a core premise of a benevolent giant creature, a tone of lighthearted whimsy, and themes of unexpected friendship and acceptance. They deliver a consistent experience of low-stakes, heartwarming comedy that appeals to viewers seeking uplifting and affectionate stories.

Movies about found family keeping a secret like Harry and the Hendersons

Heartwarming chaos ensues when a family hides an extraordinary new member.Looking for more movies like Harry and the Hendersons? Explore stories about found family and secret keeping, where the heartwarming joy of a new bond is balanced by the hilarious difficulty of hiding someone special. These films capture the same mix of familial love and comedic chaos.

heartwarminghumorousfamilialquirkychaoticupliftingsecretivecompassionate

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a family who takes in an outsider—be it an alien, a magical being, or even a person on the run. The plot revolves around the dual arc of forming a deep, familial connection and the increasingly complex and funny efforts required to maintain their secret. External pressure, such as a pursuing hunter or media frenzy, tests the family's commitment, ultimately strengthening their bond.

Why These Movies?

These movies are linked by their focus on the 'found family' trope combined with a central secret. They share a light tone, steady pacing with comedic beats, and an emotional core that celebrates compassion and belonging over conformity, resulting in a consistently uplifting and humorous viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Harry and the Hendersons

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Harry and the Hendersons Summary

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Harry and the Hendersons Summary

Harry and the Hendersons Timeline

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Harry and the Hendersons Timeline

Harry and the Hendersons Spoiler-Free Summary

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Harry and the Hendersons Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Harry and the Hendersons

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