Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- warm
- breezy
- sincere
- family movie night
- nostalgic 1980s viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film technically accomplished and supported by John Lithgow's performance, but overly derivative, manipulative, and weakened by predictable humor and a lack of mystery around Bigfoot.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Harry is a friendly giant rather than a dangerous beast, and the film builds humor from his domestic behavior and the Hendersons' attempts to hide him.
The Hendersons gradually recognize Harry as a sentient, peaceful creature while a determined hunter seeks to catch him.
The Hendersons bring Harry home and repeatedly try to keep his presence secret from authorities and outsiders.
Kevin Peter Hall's Harry was recognized for detailed physical and facial creature work, and Rick Baker won the Academy Award for makeup.
Films like Harry and the Hendersons, and why
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
family-friendly fantasy comedy centered on a misunderstood nonhuman visitor and the bonds formed with an ordinary household
The Iron Giant
warm family adventure combining comedy, a gentle creature, and authorities or outsiders who threaten its safety
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
lighthearted family fantasy about humans protecting an unusual creature from exploitation and pursuit
Beethoven
comedic domestic chaos involving a family, a large unconventional animal, and escalating attempts to conceal it
Movie Details
- Director
- William Dear
- Release Date
- 1987-06-05
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (773)
Cast
- John Lithgow
- Melinda Dillon
- Kevin Peter Hall
- Margaret Langrick
- Joshua Rudoy
- Don Ameche
- David Suchet
- M. Emmet Walsh
- John Bloom
- Lainie Kazan
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Harry and the Hendersons about?
- After a hunting-trip accident brings a gentle Bigfoot into their home, an American family must protect him from discovery and capture.
- What is Harry and the Hendersons like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Harry and the Hendersons as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Harry and the Hendersons violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Harry and the Hendersons as mild.
- What did critics think of Harry and the Hendersons?
- Critics broadly found the film technically accomplished and supported by John Lithgow's performance, but overly derivative, manipulative, and weakened by predictable humor and a lack of mystery around Bigfoot.
- Which films are like Harry and the Hendersons?
- Films with a similar feel include E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Iron Giant, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep, and Beethoven.
- How long is Harry and the Hendersons?
- Harry and the Hendersons runs 110 minutes.
- Where can I watch Harry and the Hendersons?
- In United States, Harry and the Hendersons is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
