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!

Timeline – Harry and the Hendersons (1987)

Trace every key event in Harry and the Hendersons (1987) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Camping Trip in the Cascade Mountains

The Henderson family embarks on a relaxing camping getaway in the picturesque Cascade mountains. They enjoy the beauty of nature and bond as a family amidst the serene environment, unknowingly setting the stage for an unusual adventure ahead.

Cascade Mountains
2

Accident with Bigfoot

While driving back home to Seattle, George Henderson collides with a massive Bigfoot. This unforeseen event drastically alters their journey, setting off a series of unexpected circumstances as they decide to take the creature with them.

3

Bigfoot in the Kitchen

Later that evening, George discovers that the creature has survived and escaped into the night. To his amazement, he finds it rummaging through their kitchen, showcasing its remarkable intelligence as it searches for food.

Henderson Home
4

Naming the Creature

As the family observes the friendly nature of the Bigfoot, George affectionately names it 'Harry.' Their bond begins to form as they see Harry not just as a creature, but as a friend in need of help.

5

Harry's First Escape

George attempts to coax Harry into their station wagon for a second time, but the creature becomes frightened and escapes once more. This incident adds urgency to their plans as they realize the challenge of keeping Harry safe.

6

Media Sensation

Following Harry's antics, media attention escalates around the mysterious sightings of Bigfoot. The Henderson family finds themselves thrust into the public eye, grappling with the implications of their discovery while trying to maintain their privacy.

Seattle
7

Visit to the Museum

Determined to find Harry, George visits the North American Museum of Anthropology. He seeks insight from Dr. Wallace Wrightwood, a reputed Bigfoot expert, hoping to gain advice on how to safely locate and reunite with his newfound friend.

North American Museum of Anthropology
8

Jacques LaFleur Arrives

Out of the blue, Jacques LaFleur, a famed hunter and Bigfoot tracker, arrives at the Henderson home. This unexpected visit introduces new tension, as LaFleur has his sights set on capturing Harry for himself.

Henderson Home
9

The Pursuit Begins

As the chase for Harry heats up, the Hendersons become increasingly entangled in the pursuit. George finds himself torn between protecting Harry and dealing with the eager hunters surrounding them, including LaFleur.

10

George's Daring Rescue

In a climactic moment, George steps in to protect Harry from LaFleur's aggressive attempts to capture him. This act of bravery solidifies the bond between George and Harry, highlighting the lengths he will go to defend his friend.

11

Confrontation with Authorities

With LaFleur's pursuit intensifying, authorities get involved as reports of Bigfoot sightings swell. The Family must navigate the challenges of evading not just the hunters, but also the law, as they aim to keep Harry safe.

12

The Family's Resolve

As events unfold, the Henderson family rallies together to protect Harry from both hunters and media pressure. Their unity is tested, but the determination to keep their new friend safe brings them closer than ever.

13

Returning Harry to Nature

After a series of heart-pounding adventures, George decides it’s time to return Harry to his natural habitat. This emotional farewell underscores the importance of friendship, freedom, and the wild spirit that Harry represents.

Harry's Natural Habitat
14

A New Beginning

Finally, with Harry back in the wild, the Henderson family reflects on their extraordinary journey. They return to their suburban life changed, forever marked by their friendship with an extraordinary creature.

Henderson Home

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:34

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

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.

whimsicalheartwarminglightheartedaffectionatehumorousfamilialquirkyuplifting

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

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 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Harry and the Hendersons, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Harry and the Hendersons Summary

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

Harry and the Hendersons Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Harry and the Hendersons that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Harry and the Hendersons Spoiler-Free Summary

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.