Common Sense Media Review
Fantasy for book-lovers has scary images, traumatic death.
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The NeverEnding Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 40 parent reviews
Based on 41 kid reviews
Kids say the film offers a mix of strange yet captivating storytelling, filled with both fright and uplifting messages about perseverance and friendship; however, it features disturbing scenes that might be too intense for younger audiences, such as the infamous horse drowning scene. While some appreciate its nostalgic charm and underlying morals, others criticize the outdated special effects and pacing issues, leading to a divided view on its overall quality.
- positive messages
- frightening imagery
- mixed audience reception
- nostalgia factor
- outdated effects
- pacing issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE NEVERENDING STORY centers on young Bastian Bux (Barret Oliver), who escapes his troubled life in a dusty old bookstore. The store's owner (Thomas Hill) tells Bastian not to look at a strange book called The NeverEnding Story, but Bastian does anyway. He becomes engrossed in the story, in which boy warrior Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) seeks to save the land of Fantasia from becoming destroyed by a force known as the Nothing. Atreyu is also charged with finding a cure for the Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach), who's dying. On his adventure, Atreyu meets a bumbling scientist (Sydney Bromley), a flying dragon (Alan Oppenheimer), and a swamp monster (Robert Easton), among other characters. Atreyu comes to learn that only a human child from a world outside of Fantasia can save both the Childlike Empress and their land, forcing Bastian to realize that he's not as detached from the story as he thought he was.
Is It Any Good?
Timeless special effects, beautiful scenery, colorful characters, and deep themes make up for a plot that can be slow and difficult to understand. Both children and adults will enjoy The NeverEnding Story's message of daring to dream and soaring to new heights through books.
A word of warning, though -- this movie goes to some dark places. The characters are up against the Nothing, a physical incarnation of nihilism that's making everything just disappear. The movie also depicts depression in the movie's most enduring scene -- Atreyu's horse sinking into the Swamp of Sadness. Many adults remember being traumatized by that early scene alone, and it doesn't get easier to watch with age. Still, The NeverEnding Story is a welcome contrast to the brightly colored musicals you typically find in media for children. It's an excellent vehicle for discussing negative emotions, and every rewatch will yield something new you didn't notice or understand before.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how, in The NeverEnding Story, fantasy becomes a reality for Bastian. What books have you read that made you feel like you were transported into another world?
Bastian's father warns him not to get too caught up in his imagination. Do you agree with his advice? Are there times when your head should or shouldn't be in the clouds?
The NeverEnding Story deals with grief and depression and shows characters who have given up all hope. How did those scenes make you feel? What are some things you can do when you're feeling big emotions?
How do the characters in The NeverEnding Story demonstrate empathy, perseverance, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 3, 1984
- On DVD or streaming : February 3, 2004
- Cast : Barret Oliver , Gerald McRaney , Noah Hathaway
- Director : Wolfgang Petersen
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : frightening scenes
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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