The Neverending Story poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach, Moses Gunn, Patricia Hayes ... see more see more... , Sydney Bromley , Gerald McRaney , Deep Roy , Thomas Hill , Tilo Prückner , Darryl Cooksey , Drum Garrett , Nicholas Gilbert , Alan Oppenheimer

Wolfgang Petersen adapted Michael Ende's children's story for this charming fantasy film that spawned several sequels. Bastian (Barret Oliver) is dealing with his mother's recent death. His father (Ge... read more read more...rald McRaney) is an imperious sort who continually lambastes Bastian for daydreaming and falling behind in school. On top of his father's badgering, he has to contend with a bunch of school bullies waiting for him in the schoolyard. One day he decides to play hooky and walks into a strange bookstore, where in the attic, he discovers a book called "The Neverending Story". As Bastian reads the book, he's enveloped in the unfolding tale. A sickly child-like empress (Tami Stronach) from a land called Fantasia is concerned about who will take over the land if she dies. She decides it is best for Fantasia if she remains alive, so she dispatches a young warrior named Atreju (Noah Hathaway) to find a cure for the empress's malady. It turns out the land is consumed with a plague called The Nothing, generated by blighted dreams and hopeless fantasies. As Atreju continues onward to search for a cure for The Nothing, he encounters an assortment of strange creatures. Bastian is so consumed with the tale that he finds himself catapulted into the land of Fantasia himself. Atreju realizes that the only way to save the land from its blight is with the help of this strange earth boy, Bastian. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Flixster Users

77% liked it

344,354 ratings

Critics

86% liked it

21 critics

PG, 1 hr. 34 min.

Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen

Release Date: July 20, 1984

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: September 4, 2001

Stats: 21,998 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Torre de Marfil Barret Oliver as "Bastian' Thank you, pretty girl! Atreyu Cute Falcor The Neverending Story Falcor Atreyu Auryn Atreyu and Falkor fantasia Auryn Ivory Tower fantasia The Childlike Empress Artax and atreyu fantasia fantasia
Upload a Photo | View All The Neverending Story Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (21,998)

  • RCCLBC
    April 4, 2011
    RCCLBC
    The title says it all.
    I saw it years ago and didn't think much of it. Gave it another try and it is still mostly a bore.
    It's like SId & Marty Kroft meets Jim Henson without all the fun.
  • cosmo313
    March 31, 2011
    cosmo313
    Let me start off by saying that I've never read the source material, and that I never had seen this before. That's right, this was not some film I have a nostalgic attachment to. As a result, I must say that while I can appreciate some of this, it didn't really win me over all th... read moreat much.

    I know it's a fantasy film, but even then, it just seems a little silly, and kind of like the filmmakers automatically assumed you'd have an emotional investment from the start. A good example of this is the swamo scene with Artax. I don't have ice in my veins, but it was hard for me to care about things. It felt shallow and I wasn't really all that moved by what happens.

    I like the fact that this is a film made when animatronics and puppetry were king, though. Practical just almost always seems better to me. The film does look good, and the direction is nice, but some of the performances are a little iffy for me, mostly because these aren't exactly the best child actors. They're not terrible though.

    Hate me if you want, but I can't help it that this didn't win me over as being some kind of masterpiece. I'm glad I finally saw it, but it's just not really my thing.
  • ajv2688
    January 18, 2011
    ajv2688
    One of my absolute favourite fantasy movies in the world. This is an 80s classic, and if you like fantasy films, you should see this one.
  • skactopus
    January 16, 2011
    skactopus
    Wolfgang Peterson's adaptation of Michael Ende's novel, or part of it anyway, by the same name is pure fantasy enjoyment.

    The NeverEnding Story is not a masterpiece, but that doesn't mean the 90 minutes are complete rubbish. The story is engulfing enough as the protagon

    ... read moreist moves from location to location attempting to save the world, all while delivering a good message behind it all.

    The visual effects are a mixed bag, as there are obvious green screen scenarios; however the creature and makeup effects are good enough to offset that. Overall, the look and feel of the film is a plus.

    The film is held together by its young stars. Noah Hathaway and Barret Oliver are enjoyable leads and so is Tami Stronach. Stronach doesn't have a whole lot of airtime, but her role is relevant to the story. The voice work for the fantasy creatures are also fitting.

    The NeverEnding Story is a film to easily get lost in the fantasy and that isn't a bad thing. Put on Limahl's great theme song and give it a go.
  • kenstachnik
    January 1, 2011
    kenstachnik
    Really really really bad. Sorry nostalgia, you can't save this stinker.
  • skeletonking101
    November 19, 2010
    skeletonking101
    this film is strange but clever and for the 80s the effects are fantastic to look at, the rockbiter at the beginning is amazing to watch and i still wonder how they do it. This film isn't the best film in the fantasy genre but when you compare it to the second film with the swapp... read moreed cast and plot holes this film is God
  • 3niR
    September 25, 2010
    3niR
    I remember watching this when I was young. This was watchable.
  • bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1
    July 23, 2010
    bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1
    C
  • TheMachinist
    June 11, 2010
    TheMachinist
    "In the beginning, it is always dark."

    'The Neverending Story' is a fantasy film based on Michael Ende's same titled German novel from 1979. There aren't that many books that have been transferred to the big screen as fast as this one. The novel was a success and Wolfgang Peters... read moreen ('Das Boot', 'In the Line of Fire','Troy') directed the film that was at the time the most expensive film made in Europe.

    Bastian is a young boy, who lives with his father. His mother has recently died and his father isn't so close to him. On his way to school, Bastian is bullied by three kids. He escapes them in to a book store, where he gets his hands on a book that "is not safe", as the store owner says. Bastian gets to school but rather than going to classes, he goes to the attic where he starts reading the book called The Neverending Story. He does not realize that he is becoming a part of the book, as he reads it..

    'The Neverending Story' is a wonderful movie. One of my closest memories from my early moviebuff years. I was approx 10 years old when I saw the film for a first time. And since, have seen it many times. Later on, I got a copy of the novel. It clearly differs fom the movie, as the movie basically tells the story that is the first half of the novel. Some minor changes have been made but in my opinion, the filmmakers have done a good job on capturing the magic of the book.

    The visual image of the film was probably groundbreaking at the time of the films release, back in 1984. The film has aged well but the effects are not that amazing as they may have been years ago. I still remembered several key scenes (and effects) and some of 'em still excited me. For example the Rockbiter's entrance,the Luckdragon, the Ivory Tower etc.

    'The Neverending Story' is not for the smallest of children. The film has severel unsettling and brutal images that may cause nightmares. I know what I'm talking about 'cause I've had 'em myself. The world of Fantasia is dark and almost hopeless. Why? This is explained in the book and the movie. Just don't be waiting for some cheerful story of love and understanding.

    'The Neverending Story' is a rugged, engrossing fantasy that is worth seeing. I'm pretty sure that many people of my age and under have not seen it (or just forgotten). It is a mature tale of hope and imagination that many kids seem to have lack of (especially the later). I'm sure that you will not regret it if you choose to let your imagination take you to the world of Fantasia.
  • ythelastman89
    June 7, 2010
    ythelastman89
    An extremely unwarranted adventure into madness, yet I still love it and it's a complete classic. Unlike most family movies, this is demented and filled with death and horror. As such, Falcor the flying pink luck dragon makes everything even out. I love the visuals, they beat Jim... read more Henson's any day of the week, and it's an interesting way of telling a story. The child actors are great and make the characters believable and iconic. I still don't know how they achieved the look of the nothing, it's one of the greatest villains of all time. There's just nothing I don't love about this movie, I've seen it countless times and it still holds up when I was younger.

View All The Neverending Story Reviews

Critic Reviews

Mark Pfeiffer
July 24, 2011
Mark Pfeiffer, Reel Times: Reflections on Cinema

As a testament to the power of books, the often gloomy The Neverending Story comes off as a Reading Rainbow episode covering existentialism. Full Review

Peter Canavese
May 28, 2010
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews

It's very hard not to give in to The Neverending Story's heart-in-the-right-place charms amidst an increasingly anti-literate society. [Blu-ray] Full Review

John J. Puccio
March 3, 2010
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis

...has enough charm, delight, and wonder going for it to entertain most youngsters, and that's all that matters. Full Review

Steve Crum
March 14, 2009
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com

Magical storytelling targeted at children still fascinates.

Kevin A. Ranson
November 9, 2005
Kevin A. Ranson, MovieCrypt.com

Even better if you never see the sequels.

Gregory Weinkauf
October 1, 2004
Gregory Weinkauf, New Times

An enjoyable departure from both Das Boot and Kajagoogoo.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 19, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

An above-average children's flick with interesting characters and an imaginative premise. Full Review

Widgett Walls
September 11, 2003
Widgett Walls, Needcoffee.com

The 'NeverEnding' part of the title is certainly accurate.

Luke Y. Thompson
July 30, 2003
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times

Nowhere near as good as the book, but not bad for the kids.

Fred Topel
July 14, 2003
Fred Topel, About.com

Classic fantasy, full of wonderful creatures and characters.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Labyrinth
    Labyrinth (87%)
  • The Dark Crystal
    The Dark Crystal (88%)
  • The Wizard of Oz
    The Wizard of Oz (99%)
  • The Forbidden Kingdom
    The Forbidden Kingdom (72%)

More Movies like The Neverending Story

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Falkor: Never give up and good luck will find you.
    • Falkor: I like children.
    • Atreyu: [nervously] For breakfast?
    • Falkor: [laughs] Never!
    • Koreander: The video arcade is down the street. Here we just sell small rectangular objects. They're called books. They require a little effort on your part, and make no bee-bee-bee-bee-beeps. On your way please.
Submit a Fact | View All

The Neverending S... : Watch Free on TV

The Neverending Story Trivia

  • Which movie has the following characters, Bastian Bux, Atreyu, Falkor and The Childlike Empress?  Answer »
  • In which movie do you hear the line, "It has to hurt if it's to heal?"  Answer »
  • In The Neverending Story, what mythological character is used in the film as the two statues of the Southern Oracle?  Answer »
  • What movie featured the following quote? The Childlike Empress: Call my name. Bastian, please! Save us!   Answer »
More The Neverending Story Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All The Neverending Story Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add The Neverending Story to favorites

Recent News

Submit a Story |

View The Neverending Story News

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

butterfly34363 Skin by butterfly34363
460 Profiles
Add to Profile

More Skins