Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Harry and the Hendersons

film

Harry and the Hendersons

1987

Returning from a hunting trip in the forest, the Henderson family's car hits an animal in the road. At first they fear it was a man, but when they examine the "body" they find it's a "bigfoot". They think it's dead so they decide to take it home (there could be some money in this). As you guessed, it isn't dead. Far from being the ferocious monster they fear "Harry" to be, he's a friendly giant.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Features common household items and vehicles, but no egregious product placement.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

The family initially believes Harry is dead after the collision, but he is alive; no confirmed major character death is described.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

A brief look at a bloodless injury/bruise after the car collision.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language and name-calling typical of a 1980s family comedy.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

No romantic subplots are present.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

A huge Bigfoot is initially mistaken for a dangerous monster; hunters, police, wilderness pursuit, and Harry being in danger create moderate tension.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Adults are occasionally shown with alcohol in social or background settings.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

The family hits Harry with a car, and there are pursuits, escapes, physical struggles, police involvement, and an attempted shooting, mostly in comic-adventure style.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

George and the family face fear and pursuit, with George intervening to save Harry and choosing compassion over fame or financial gain.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The premise strongly sparks imaginative thinking about Bigfoot, human-animal understanding, wilderness, and inventive escapes from danger.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited in terms of human character diversity, focusing on a traditional nuclear family structure.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers light lessons on environmental conservation and the importance of empathy.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

The Hendersons learn to treat Harry as a sentient being, care for him, defend him, and ultimately respect his need to live in the wilderness.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes empathy, looking beyond fear and appearances, protecting wildlife, family loyalty, and returning a living creature to its natural home.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The family ultimately makes selfless choices to help the creature, demonstrating responsibility and care.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Harry and the Hendersons would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Harry and the Hendersons, and what caused that change?
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