As far as legends [1] go, Bigfoot remains one of the most popular and commonly shared to this day. Characterized as a humanlike creature of grand physical size between 6 to 15 feet fall, an abundance of hair, and a high-pitched cry, Bigfoot is known to be both shocking and scary to those who claim to have encountered one.
The legend of Bigfoot began with stories of large, hairy, humanoid monsters called "Hairy Man" which were passed down [2] by generations of Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest. One of the oldest known depictions of the Hairy Man by the Yokuts on The Painted Rock at the Tule River Reservation [3] is estimated to have been drawn anywhere from 2000 to 700 years ago.
The giant, hairy creature, while popular in Native American folklore, did not become popularized among the general U.S. public until the late 1950s when a journalist named Andrew Genzoli wrote an article [4] in The Humboldt Times called "Giant Footprints Puzzle Residents" in 1958. In the article, Genzoli described a phenomenon experienced by a group of construction workers as they discovered giant footprints measuring 16 inches long while doing roadwork. Readers in the region quickly became intrigued by the story and what we know as Bigfoot took hold in popular culture.
Depending on the region, Bigfoot is also commonly referred to as Sasquatch (Northwestern US and western Canada). Regardless of what you call Bigfoot, it is undeniable the impact that this mythical legend has had on how we perceive the unexplainable, and more importantly, how this translates to film [5] and entertainment.
Since the legend of Bigfoot took off in pop culture in the later half of the 20th century, there have been countless references in movies centreed around the mysterious creature. Though the number of movies on Bigfoot is limited and niche, there are plenty worth watching for either a spine-chilling scare [6] or a touching storyline. Whether you're hosting a party and need a spooky movie to watch or are looking for a heartwarming family-friendly movie in time for the holidays, these 15 Bigfoot movies are worth checking out!
Harry and the Hendersons (1987)
The '80s can be categorized by many things, one being the number of fun and adventurous films released during its time. Harry and the Hendersons completely captures this essence, similar to that of ET and the Goonies, with a lovable Bigfoot character and plenty of family fun. When George Henderson (John Lithgow) and his family accidentally run over a Bigfoot creature while on holiday, they take it, which they soon name "Harry", back to their home and grow to love him. With Harry being a part of the family and also a giant Bigfoot creature, the Hendersons do everything they can to protect him from the curious public.
Missing Link (2019)
With stellar voice acting from beloved actors like Zach Galifanakis, Hugh Jackman [7], Zoe Saldana, and Stephen Fry, Missing Link is a lovable animated feature about a Bigfoot creature named Mr. Link. Bored with his life in the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Link (Galifanakis) is desperate to find his distant Yeti (aka, abominable snowmen) relatives in the Himalayas. Recruiting the help of cryptozoologist Sir Lionel Frost (Jackman), Mr. Link makes the lengthy journey to the Yeti temple in the Himalayas and encounters plenty of twists and turns along the way. Most notably of these twists is a vicious bounty hunter named Willard Stenk, who is hired to halt their journey.
The Sasquatch Gang (2006)
Brought to audiences by writer/director Tim Skousen, notably the first assistant director on comedy-classic Napoleon Dynamite, the Sasquatch Gang centres around sci-fi aficionado Gavin Gore and his group of nerdy friends as they discover giant footprints in Deercliff Falls, which they believe to be of Bigfoot. While investigating this new discovery, the group has no idea that Gavin's neighbours actually planted the "footprints" and are just looking to profit off of the media coverage to pay off their bills. While the Sasquatch Gang has remained under the radar since its release, it is nonetheless a movie that is bound to make you laugh with its off-the-wall humour.
The Man Who Killed Hitler, and Then the Bigfoot (2018)
Featuring legendary actor Sam Elliot, the title of this film essentially gives its unique plot away. Esteemed war veteran Calvin Barr (Elliot) is responsible for saving the modern world as we know it by assassinating Adolf Hitler in World War II, but decades later he is tasked with another large-scale request by the U.S. government — hunt and kill Bigfoot. The government believes Bigfoot is carrying a lethal plague that could wipe out all of humanity, so it's up to Barr to use his skills to find and kill Bigfoot and save the world once again.
Letters From the Big Man (2011)
While some Bigfoot movies are meant to be scary and others playful and innocent, Letters From the Big Man conveys a much different message, that of protecting the world around us along with those who inhabit it. In the film, lead character Sarah Smith (Lily Rabe) is researching the impact of a recent wildfire on the water supply in the southern Oregon wilderness. As she ventures deeper into the forests, she senses an unusual presence surrounding her, only to discover that it is Sasquatch. Upon finding out that Sasquatch is not as harmful as the legend says, Smith tries her best to protect him from governmental forces that seek to hurt him.
Willow Creek (2013)
Found footage films have a specific spine-chilling element that most traditional horror movies can't replicate, and Willow Creek is no different. Filmed in found-footage style, Willow Creek follows hikers Jim and Kelly as they travel to Willow Creek, California. Their reason? To find Bigfoot and capture evidence of its existence. The location of Willow Creek is significant, as it is the famous location where the Patterson-Gimlin film was recorded, aka the first footage of an unidentifiable creature the filmmakers claimed [8] was Bigfoot. Though Willow Creek takes a while to develop, the creepy elements of being in the wilderness searching for a scary creature makes you want to hide under a blanket.
The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972)
For the 1970s, the Legend of Boggy Creek was ahead of its time in terms of its filming style. Combining elements of documentary style filmmaking with staged interviews and Bigfoot experiences, the film certainly gives its audience the feeling that everyone and everything on camera is real. The Legend of Boggy Creek tells the tale of the "Fouke Monster", a creature resembling Bigfoot, which has been inhabiting the town of Fluke, Arkansas since the 1940s. The film tells the story of Bigfoot through the personal testimonies of the town residents, which gives it that additional feeling of authenticity. Since its release, there have also been two additional films to follow: Return to Boggy Creek and Boggy Creek II: And the Legend Continues, if you can't get enough!
Bigfoot (2012)
Produced by Syfy and the Asylum companies, Bigfoot can definitely be your next guilty pleasure movie. When a 1980s themed concert (headlined by none other than Alice Cooper) disturbs Bigfoot as it sleeps, it goes on a rampage attacking everyone and everything in its sight. While the concert organiser (Danny Bonaduce) attempts to kill Bigfoot and create a new tourist attraction around its body, his partner tries to protect Bigfoot, as its species is about to be extinct. Between the over-the-top theatrics, the hilarious dialogue, and the overall weird nature of the movie, Bigfoot is undoubtedly a light-hearted film to watch if you want some cheesy entertainment.
Strange Wilderness (2008)
In Strange Wilderness, main character Peter Gaulke recently took over a wildlife show called Strange Wilderness, which was originally (and successfully) hosted by his father. Despite his attempts, Peter does not follow as well in his father's footsteps, and the show is slowly deteriorating. With low ratings and inappropriate content, Peter and his film crew decide that the only way to revive the show is with something spectacular, that being finding Bigfoot. Happy Madison Productions, also known as Adam Sandler [9]'s production company, produced the film, so it definitely has that edgy comedy style that makes you shake your head and laugh.
Exists (2014)
This found-footage-style Bigfoot movie is created and directed by Eduardo Sánchez, better known as the brains behind the now cult classic, the Blair Witch Project. In Exists, five friends travel to a cabin in the woods for a weekend party getaway, only to realise that the cabin is in the forest that Bigfoot inhabits. Using their cameras to document their experience, the group soon experiences the wrath of Bigfoot and faces the consequences of disturbing his home. Though the characters are a bit plain and the dialogue lackluster, the scary essence of the movie is nonetheless felt by this unique style of filmmaking.
Primal Rage (2018)
Couple Ashely and Max Carr are innocently driving through the Pacific Northwest when they suddenly become lost in the forest with no way to get out. If getting lost is not unsettling enough, they soon encounter the mysterious monster that lurks in the forest, none other than Bigfoot itself. Terrified with a need to survive, the couple must strategize and fight for their lives against the blood-thirsty beast that is after them. In Primal Rage, you can expect lots of gore and blood, along with plenty of thrilling action, so grab your popcorn and get ready to be spooked!
The Bigfoot Project (2017)
In this horror-comedy, Captain Steve (an amateur filmmaker) forms a production group to help him make a documentary about searching for and finding Bigfoot in the backwoods of Georgia. Captain Steve is so determined to find Bigfoot that he offers each member of the group $1,000 if they can find it, which gets everyone on board. Along the way, the group interviews several Bigfoot "witnesses" to help support their claim that Bigfoot exists, and splits up to make the search easier. Though this indie film is relatively unknown, it is a great watch if you particularly like comedy and horror together.
Bigfoot Famous (2021)
While most Bigfoot-themed movies centre around horror and suspense, Bigfoot Famous is a silly and humourous take on the mysterious monster. Coley Withers is a washed-up social media influencer that is past her prime. When she stumbles upon a viral video of Bigfoot, Coley ventures deep into the woods to search for Bigfoot and vlog the whole experience. Her reason? To make herself relevant again and regain her popular status. The plot is ridiculous, but that is what gives Bigfoot Famous its charm and keeps you glued to your screen!
Hunting Grounds (2015)
There is nothing quite like a weekend getaway in the wilderness with your family, at least, that's what the characters of Hunting Grounds think. When father-son duo Roger and Michael Crew, along with two friends, decide to spend their weekend hunting for game, what once was supposed to be an innocent time together quickly goes awry. To the group's surprise, wild game are not the only animals in the forest, and they discover a tribe of Sasquatch creatures that are determined to guard their land by any means necessary. In a twisted reversal of events, the group is now being hunted and must fight for survival.
Little Bigfoot (1997)
Undoubtedly the cutest live-action Bigfoot movie, Little Bigfoot is bound to warm your heart. When Payton Shoemaker comes across a baby bBigfoot and its mother while his family is vacationing in the woods, he befriends the creatures and does his best to protect them from hunters trying to kill them. The common theme of humans being equally fascinated and wanting to protect Bigfoot creatures are explored in this film, all while being wrapped up in the magic of lovable monster-child friendship. The costumes may be a little ridiculous and the script a bit cheesy at points, but its the 90s, so we'll give it a pass.