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Harry and the Hendersons (PG, 1987)

common sense media says

A big, Harry family adventure full of laughs.

parents & educators say
  • 67% say language is an issue
See all 11 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the action scenes are kept cartoonish. The male Hendersons are avid hunters -- Grandpa Henderson owns a gun store and his son works there. Also, Mr. Henderson holds up a rabbit he's just killed as his son cheers; citizens arm themselves and go on hunting parties to kill Bigfoot. There's no blood and no one gets shot, but lots of guns and ammunition are shown. There are a few scuffles and minor fights. Some adults and one child swear, using many versions of "s--t."

Positive messages: The Henderson family tries to save Harry from being killed by hunters or put on display. The story is set in an area where hunting is common/popular. The Henderson family bonds are strengthened in the end.
Positive role models: The father is at first an avid hunter and is resistant to befriending Harry. But with the help of his family he quickly realizes the error of his ways.
Violence & scariness: Most action is cartoon-like; minor fighting but no blood. Some of the main characters are avid hunters, and there are plenty of scenes with guns and shooting, but no blood.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Littlest Henderson cusses ("holy s--t," and "sucks"); adults use "s--t-load," "s--tless," "bulls--t," "hell," "goddamn," "Christ's sake," and "bastard."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Harry and the Hendersons

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

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?

Is it any good?
 

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Director: William Dear
Cast: John Lithgow, Joshua Rudroy, Melinda Dillon
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 110 minutes
Theatrical release: April 26, 1987
DVD release: April 24, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG
This review was written by Ellen Dendy
 
 

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What parents & educators say

8
Based on 6 parent & educator reviews:
  • 67% say language is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

J9800
parent of 6 and 11 year old
9
 
Foul language out weighs viewing for younger children
The foul language seem superfluous and added nothing but distraction to our kids. I'm surprised the movie did not have a PG-13 rating.
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slovesdogs2000
kid, 11 years old
6
 
hmm
good movie.
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nickelmcpickle
teen, 14 years old
2
 
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helped me decide (40) | had useful details (44) | read my mind (62)
Zaphod42
kid, 12 years old
 
Pretty Good Movie
I liked this movie. My sister and dad like it a lot, too. We have watched it about 5 times, and I think I will watch it again.
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musicfan789
teen, 14 years old
10
 
amusing but bad language
i thought this movie was funny but there is cussing all thru this movie and i think no one under 10 should watch it
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pamelao8
adult
7
 
A cute story - marred by a number of curse words I was unhappy to have my children ages 7 and 10, introduced to including b***ard, hell, sh*t , a**hole, dam it. THese words did not just appear once, but repeatedly - not sure why they needed this
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samartin66
parent of 8 and 10 year old
7
 
Very funny. My kids enjoyed it but the language is unnecessary. This movie was made before PG-13 and just because the language it would have fallen into that category.
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brandonneo6425
kid, 13 years old
8
 
wee
Looks cool some swearing though
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scoutdog
parent of 7 year old
8
 
Bad language not for kids under 10.
bad Language is one of the things I try to avoid having my boys exposed to. My boys are 9, 8, & 5
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pamela8
9
 
BAD language - overhwhelms a funny/.lovely story
A story with a nice message - but the language was appalling and totally unnecessary - my 7 and 10 year olds had not heard all those words before - it was very uncomfortable -wish I had checked here first before putting it on at home
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DLJones3423
adult
 
Hysterical! Should be a classic favorite!
Our family enjoyed this older movie. It was well done, a nice balance between reality and comical, unlikely situations. It was fun to imagine what it would be like to have someone like Harry at our house. I only had one objection, and that was the occasional swearing. For younger kids (5 through 7 maybe), this movie is okay if parents watch it with them and explain what's going on (and isn't that what PG means?). It might be a little scary or confusing at times otherwise.
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Mattmchugh
parent of 8 and 10 year old
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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