The Neverending Story

1984, Kids & family/Fantasy, 1h 32m

45 Reviews 250,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

A magical journey about the power of a young boy's imagination to save a dying fantasy land, The NeverEnding Story remains a much-loved kids adventure. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

On his way to school, Bastian (Barret Oliver) ducks into a bookstore to avoid bullies. Sneaking away with a book called "The Neverending Story," Bastian begins reading it in the school attic. The novel is about Fantasia, a fantasy land threatened by "The Nothing," a darkness that destroys everything it touches. The kingdom needs the help of a human child to survive. When Bastian reads a description of himself in the book, he begins to wonder if Fantasia is real and needs him to survive.

Cast & Crew

Barret Oliver
Bastian
Noah Hathaway
Atreyu
Tami Stronach
The Childlike Empress
Moses Gunn
Cairon
Patricia Hayes
Urgl
Sydney Bromley
Engywook
Gerald McRaney
Bastian's Father
Thomas Hill
Carl Conrad Coreander
Wolfgang Petersen
Director
Mark Damon
Executive Producer
Bernd Eichinger
Producer
Dieter Geissler
Producer
John W. Hyde
Executive Producer
Klaus Kähler
Associate Producer
Günter Rohrbach
Co-Producer
Jost Vacano
Cinematographer
Jane Seitz
Film Editing
Risa Kes
Casting
Penny Perry
Casting
Rolf Zehetbauer
Production Design
Herbert Strabel
Art Director
Georg Borgel
First Assistant Director
Don French
First Assistant Director
Wolfgang Petersen
Writer
Herman Weigel
Writer
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News & Interviews for The Neverending Story

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Critic Reviews for The Neverending Story

All Critics (45) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (37) | Rotten (8)
Full Review… Ian Nathan Empire Magazine Full Review… Variety Staff Variety Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Full Review… Verina Glaessner Time Out Full Review… Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Full Review… Vincent Canby New York Times Full Review… Andrew Galdi Movie Bitches Full Review… Avaryl Halley Movie Bitches Full Review… Tim Brayton Alternate Ending Full Review… James Croot Stuff.co.nz Full Review… Sezín Koehler Black Girl Nerds Full Review… Christopher Lloyd The Film Yap
View All Critic Reviews (45)

Audience Reviews for The Neverending Story

  • Apr 12, 2017
    This is a strong classic film that lives on thanks to an incredibly sharp storyline. The effects have aged but this film is timeless, you forget how much Hollywood spells out everything in the first 20 mins, this film is storytelling and it's refreshing in this day and age. The acting is spot on and that epic film song kicks things off in style. Never grew up with this film and It's a shame but you are never too old to discover a clever film like this. You can see the filmmaking ability of Peterson with this limited budget, this is why the film is so successful in the end. Strong film and a classic with dark undertones. 28/07/2019
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Aug 05, 2014
    Nope, I didn't enjoy it. Perhaps in 1984 it was entertaining, but neither the acting nor the special effects were satisfactory. I gave it 2 out of 5 as the story has possibilities.
    Red L Super Reviewer
  • May 14, 2012
    The Neverending Story is a magical film with an enchanting and imaginative story. The film follows a young boy named Bastian who begins to read a mysterious book, but soon finds himself becoming an interactive character in the story. The characters are all captivating, and feel real and unique to the world of Fantasia. Additionally, the story has an inspirational message about the power of imagination and the part that fantasy plays in our lives. The Neverending Story holds up as a beloved classic, and endures a fun and enjoyable family film.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Jul 09, 2011
    what can i say, Falcor was a pimp.
    Nay Nay B Super Reviewer
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