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.

Harry and the Hendersons (1987) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Harry and the Hendersons (1987) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the soft‑light of the Pacific Northwest, a modest suburban household returns from a weekend in the mist‑kissed Cascades, eager to slip back into ordinary life. George Henderson leads his family home, his practical demeanor tempered by a quiet yearning for something more than the predictable rhythm of work and chores. The landscape outside their Seattle home hums with pine‑scented mystery, setting a tone where the line between everyday routine and the uncanny feels pleasantly blurred.

A sudden, fateful encounter on a winding forest road thrusts the Hendersons into a world they never imagined—a massive, gentle creature that stumbles out of the shadows and into their unwitting care. Naming the newcomer Harry, they discover a being whose size and silence conceal a surprising tenderness and cleverness. The family’s initial shock gives way to a fragile camaraderie, as they grapple with the practicalities of hiding a legend in their kitchen and the sheer wonder of sharing space with a legend of folklore.

The film balances warm, slapstick humor with genuine affection, inviting viewers to watch a typical American family navigate the chaos that ensues when the extraordinary nests among the familiar. As the Hendersons juggle school drop‑offs, work meetings, and late‑night fridge raids, the presence of their new, towering houseguest sparks both laughter and heartfelt moments, reminding us that love and curiosity can flourish in the most unexpected of circumstances. The tone remains light‑hearted yet sincere, promising a story where the heart of the home expands far beyond its walls, all while keeping the audience guessing just how far the gentle giant’s influence will ripple through their ordinary lives.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:40

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Harry and the Hendersons

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