A Classic 80s Fantasy Comedy Is Leaving Netflix Soon

As the calendar turns to May, major streaming platforms are preparing to rotate their massive libraries. While this usually means the arrival of fresh content, it also signals the departure of several fan-favorite titles.

One particular film that is nearing its exit is the 1987 family hit Harry and the Hendersons. Subscribes who have this classic on their watch list only have until the very end of April to hit play.

The movie is officially scheduled to vanish from the Netflix catalog on May 1st. This leaves only a narrow window for viewers to revisit the heartwarming tale of a Seattle family and their unusual houseguest.

The story follows the Henderson family, led by George and Nancy, as they return home from a camping trip in the Pacific Northwest. Their lives change forever when they accidentally strike a large, hairy creature with their station wagon.

Believing the creature to be deceased, they decide to bring it home, only to discover that the legendary Bigfoot is very much alive. Far from being a terrifying monster, the creature, whom they name Harry, turns out to be a gentle and curious soul.

The film then evolves into a comedic struggle to hide a seven-foot-tall cryptid from the prying eyes of the neighborhood and a persistent hunter. It balances slapstick humor with a genuine message about kindness and environmental preservation.

Harry and the Hendersons was produced by Amblin Entertainment, the production company founded by Steven Spielberg. Much like other Amblin projects from that era, such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the film focuses on the bond between an ordinary family and a fantastical visitor.

One of the most impressive aspects of the production is the practical effects used to bring Harry to life. Legendary makeup artist Rick Baker designed the suit and facial animatronics, which allowed the character to express a wide range of human-like emotions.

This work was so groundbreaking at the time that it won the Academy Award for Best Makeup. Even by modern standards, the physical presence of Harry often feels more tangible and soulful than many contemporary digital creations.

The man inside the suit was Kevin Peter Hall, a towering actor who also played the title character in the original Predator film. Hall utilized his background in dance and athletics to give Harry a distinct, slightly clumsy, yet graceful physical personality.

John Lithgow leads the human cast as George Henderson, delivering a performance that transitions from initial panic to fatherly affection. Lithgow has enjoyed a remarkably long and diverse career since the film was released in theaters.

In recent years, Lithgow has remained a powerhouse in the industry, appearing in critically acclaimed series like The Old Man and The Crown. He also had a notable role in the epic drama Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese.

Melinda Dillon portrayed Nancy Henderson, providing the emotional anchor for the family’s chaotic new lifestyle. Dillon was already well-known to audiences for her roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and the holiday staple A Christmas Story.

The supporting cast features seasoned professionals such as Don Ameche, who plays an expert on Bigfoot lore. David Suchet, who would later become famous for playing Hercule Poirot, appears as the determined hunter tracking Harry down.

While the film received mixed reviews from critics upon its initial release, it found a second life through home video and television broadcasts. It eventually became a cultural touchstone for children of the eighties and early nineties.

The popularity of the film was so significant that it eventually spawned a television sitcom of the same name. The Harry and the Hendersons TV series ran for three seasons and continued the adventures of the family living with Bigfoot.

While the television show is not currently on Netflix, it can often be found on free streaming services like Tubi. However, the original movie remains the definitive version of the story for most long-time fans.

Once the film leaves Netflix on May 1st, it is not currently slated to move to any other major subscription service immediately. It will likely remain available for digital rental or purchase on various platforms for those who miss the deadline.

The departure of such a title highlights the fleeting nature of digital libraries and the importance of catching cult classics while they are available. For those looking for a dose of nostalgia or a family-friendly adventure, this week is the final opportunity.

Whether it is the Oscar-winning makeup or the charming performances, the movie continues to hold a special place in the history of fantasy cinema. It serves as a reminder of a time when practical effects and simple, heartfelt stories dominated the box office.

Tell us your favorite memories of watching this Bigfoot classic in the comments.