Parents' Guide to

Harry and the Hendersons

By Ellen Dendy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

A big, Harry family adventure full of laughs.

Movie PG 1987 110 minutes
Harry and the Hendersons Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 19 parent reviews

Emangina
Emangina Adult
June 12, 2013
age 9+

Harry Come Live With Us

I cherish this movie from my childhood and don't recall the language or violence. That was until I watched it with my kids. I found myself running for the tv as the little boy started cussing 5 minutes into the film. Now did those things stick with me into my adulthood, probably not. All I recalled was how funny it was and how sad it was at the end. I wish I had waited to share this one with my kids. They were 3 and 4 at the time. These 80's movies will catch you off guard! Be cautious.
Mattmchugh
Mattmchugh Parent of 8 and 10-year-old
September 2, 2011
age 8+

An OK family movie, with a fantastic movie creature

A few four-letter words -- sh*t being the most common -- but nothing over the top. A slightly odd vibe with regard to gun culture. The father is a hunter and teaches his young son to shoot a rabbit (happens off camera, though you see them with the dead rabbit) . And the villain is a hunter, yet by the end, everyone's all reconciled in a big vegan group hug... philosophically and all but literally. It's a little odd. But most of the movie's a lot of light-hearted slapstick with gooey touches of sitcom sentimentality. The cast is fine. John Lithgow plays a bug-eyed, befuddled dad with the best of 'em, and Melinda Dillion is the sweetest, long-suffering movie mom you could want. Though, of course, the real star is Harry. A seven-foot actor in a fur suit with an astoundingly expressive animatronic ape-man mask. He's a marvelous, old-school bit of movie magic from make up genius Rick Baker. Today, they'd do him as CGI and he wouldn't be half as good. So, all in all, only an OK family movie, but definitely worth seeing as a piece of cinematic history in its own right. - mm
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What's the Story?

The Henderson household turns upside down with the arrival of humungous houseguest Harry family comedy. After accidentally mowing down a real live, really smelly Sasquatch, the Henderson family believes the strange creature is dead. In complete shock, they tie it to the top of their station wagon and head home. Tucked away in the Henderson's suburban home, the Sasquatch revives and goes on a mad hunt for anything that fits his vegetarian diet. When dad George Henderson (John Lithgow) comes face-to-face with the enormous, wild creature, his instincts kick in and at first he considers shooting the Bigfoot to save his family. But Harry, as the Hendersons end up naming him, proves to be an intelligent, gentle being. And once the family comes to love him, they realize they must save him from those who would do him harm.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (19 ):
Kids say (13 ):

A comedy at heart, HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS offers some touching scenes and powerful messages in between rollicking action scenes, slapstick gags, and sharp one-liners. Harry bonds with each member of the Henderson family -- especially precocious (and occasionally foul-mouthed) 8-year-old Ernie (Joshua Rudroy) -- and the Hendersons unite in their mission to save their newfound friend.

Most of the action is cartoonish, but there is definitely some suspense when the hunters go after Harry. And for those against hunting, the story loses some of its enjoyment. Otherwise, this movie is pure family comedy wrapped up in a wild adventure story.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the legend of Bigfoot, and the variations of Bigfoot from around the world. Do you think it's possible that such a remarkable creature could remain undiscovered? If Do you think what the Hendersons experienced could really happen?

  • undisputable proof of Bigfoot's existence was finally uncovered, what are some of the things we might learn?

  • Some of the characters schemed to make money by capturing and exhibiting Harry the Bigfoot. How do you feel about that, and how does it compare to zoos? The circus?

Movie Details

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