The NeverEnding Story

Movie review by Lori Silberman Brauner, Common Sense Media
The NeverEnding Story Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Boy bibliophile becomes part of fantasy tale.

PG 1984 94 minutes
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 37 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 43 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that while the overall message of The NeverEnding Story, which encourages children to become lovers of books, is a positive one, the scary adventures that take place in the film will scare very young children. The faceless "Nothing" sets out to destroy the land of Fantasia, and while the hero of the film has no weapons (at least until the story's end), he does engage in a bloody clash with one of the Nothing's emissaries. Other potentially upsetting incidents involve a steamrolling monster, bullies throwing a child into a Dumpster, and a beloved horse being sucked into a swamp.

Community Reviews

WellWatchedMovieGoer584
WellWatchedMovieGoer584 Adult
July 21, 2021
age 9+

I Suggest Age 9+

I think it was six or seven when I first watched this movie, and while I loved it, some scenes did scare me. (Warning - the below contains spoilers for the movie). When Bastion (the boy) first begins reading the story, and it starts describing the forest, the loud noise made me jump because it was unexpected (even now I still jump). The Nothing can also be pretty scary, with it's sharp teeth and attempts to kill several characters. Going to sleep, I didn't have any nightmares (that I recall) after first watching this movie, though I was always a little scared of the dark after watching it (thanks to the Nothing). Please note, however, that I was only scared of the dark for a short time after watching the movie. I suggest age 9+ for watching The Never Ending Story alone, and 8 with parents, but then, all kids are different. Some 9 year olds might be scared of the movie, some may not.
5 people found this helpful.
lythic
lythic Adult
July 18, 2021
age 6+

Teaches important lessons

In today's dearth of creative children's content, rewatching this classic with my own kids really reminded me of what we are missing in today's kids entertainment. The moral about the importance of imagination is excellent as that is what we need to help kids become tomorrow's innovators. The lessons about loss and grief and not giving up in the face of adversity are also very important. Our 4 and 6 year olds loved it, neither were scared or had nightmares. The 4 year old however needed the plot explained to him at times.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
See all 37 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE NEVER ENDING STORY centers on young Bastian Bux (Barret Oliver), who escapes his troubled life in a dusty old bookstore. The store owner tells him not to look at the book 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 mythical force known as the Nothing. Atreyu also is charged with finding a cure for a dying girl known as the Childlike Empress. On his adventure, he meets a bumbling elderly scientist, a flying dragon, and a swamp monster, among other characters. After a near-deadly clash with one of the Nothing's servants, a wolf-like creature who informs Atreyu that the loss of hope is the worst offense of all, the warrior fears all of Fantasia to be destroyed. In the end, a young girl that literally draws Bastian into the book, calling for a child's imagination to save the empire from destruction.

Is It Any Good?

Both children and adults will enjoy this film for its special effects, beautiful scenery, and colorful characters. Most of all, The NeverEnding Story's message of daring to dream and soaring to new heights through books is a powerful one that kids of any age can relate to.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether a fantasy tale like The NeverEnding Story can be compelling without being scary.

  • Families can also discuss the value of reading books, and how they can almost transport someone into another world. In the movie, that fantasy becomes a reality -- a distinction parents may wish to point out.

  • They may also discuss a lesson from Bastian's father, who warns the young boy not to become overly caught up with his imagination. Are there times when kids' heads should indeed be in the clouds?

  • How do the characters in The NeverEnding Story demonstrate empathy? Why is this an important character strength?

Movie Details

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