The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Synopsis:
While hiding from bullies in his school's attic, a young boy named Bastian discovers the extraordinary land of Fantasia through a magical book called The Neverending Story. The book tells the tale of Atreyu, a young warrior who must save Fantasia from destruction by The Nothing, a mysterious force threatening to consume the entire realm. With the help of Falkor, a luck dragon, Atreyu embarks on a perilous quest to find a cure for the ailing Childlike Empress and stop The Nothing from destroying their world. As Bastian reads deeper into the story, he finds himself drawn into an adventure that blurs the line between reality and fantasy, discovering that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin within the pages of a book.
Where To Watch: The NeverEnding Story
Parental Feedback
The NeverEnding Story blends wonder and melancholy in a fantasy adventure that moves between the real world of a bullied boy and the magical realm of Fantasia. Parents should expect emotional intensity alongside imaginative visuals, as themes of loss, courage, and the power of imagination take center stage. The pacing alternates between quiet, reflective moments and urgent quests, creating a tone that is both enchanting and surprisingly poignant for a family-oriented fantasy.
Why Kids Should Watch The NeverEnding Story
This fantasy adventure offers young viewers a richly imaginative world that celebrates the power of storytelling and belief.
The story champions bravery through Atreyu, a young warrior who embarks on a heroic quest to save Fantasia from destruction. His determination and courage in the face of overwhelming odds provide a strong example of perseverance for young audiences.
The bond between Atreyu and Falkor, the luck dragon, demonstrates the value of friendship and loyalty during difficult times. Their partnership shows how trust and companionship can help overcome seemingly impossible challenges.
The parallel narrative of Bastian discovering Fantasia through a magical book encourages children to embrace reading and imagination. The story reinforces how books can transport us to extraordinary places and help us find strength within ourselves.
The fantastical creatures and imaginative landscapes of Fantasia spark creativity and wonder. From the Childlike Empress to the various inhabitants of this magical realm, the visual storytelling invites children to expand their own imaginative horizons.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The NeverEnding Story
Despite its family-friendly rating, certain elements may prove challenging for sensitive or younger children.
The central threat of The Nothing—a force of destruction consuming Fantasia—creates an atmosphere of existential dread that may be difficult for younger viewers to process. The concept of entire worlds disappearing into nothingness can be abstractly frightening.
Emotional scenes involving loss and sacrifice appear throughout the narrative, potentially overwhelming children who are sensitive to sad or intense moments. The weight of these themes may require parental guidance and discussion afterward.
Bastian's experiences with bullies in the real-world segments depict intimidation and isolation that some children may find distressing. These scenes, while brief, show a vulnerable child being chased and tormented by older kids.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The NeverEnding Story earns approval for families with children ready for emotionally complex fantasy adventures that reward imagination and courage, though parents should prepare sensitive viewers for its poignant themes.
What Parents Should Know About The NeverEnding Story
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Atreyu demonstrates courage, determination, and selflessness throughout his quest, while the story celebrates the power of belief and imagination. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the film contains scenes of loss and the abstract threat of The Nothing destroying Fantasia, which may be emotionally challenging for younger or sensitive children. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film focuses more on heroic actions than on punishing negative behavior, though the destructive force of The Nothing serves as a consequence of losing hope and imagination. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the friendship between Atreyu and Falkor demonstrates loyalty and mutual support, while various characters in Fantasia work together toward the common goal of saving their world. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the story emphasizes that imagination, belief, and courage are powerful forces that can overcome darkness and despair, and that stories have the power to transform both fictional worlds and our own lives. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate The NeverEnding Story as a meaningful fantasy adventure that introduces children to more complex emotional themes within an imaginative framework. Many families value its celebration of reading and storytelling, noting that it encourages children to embrace books and creativity. However, parents consistently advise that the film's emotional intensity and abstract concepts about loss and nothingness may be too heavy for very young or particularly sensitive children. Most recommend the adventure for school-age children who are ready for fantasy stories with genuine stakes and poignant moments, suggesting that parents watch alongside younger viewers to help process the more challenging scenes and discuss the film's deeper themes about imagination and belief.
Official The NeverEnding Story Trailer
Why Kids Love The NeverEnding Story
Atreyu races through Fantasia on thrilling quests, battling The Nothing as it swallows entire landscapes. Kids love watching this young warrior prove himself as a hero, riding across bright, colorful worlds filled with strange creatures and magical dangers at every turn.
Falkor the luck dragon becomes Atreyu's ultimate animal friend, soaring through clouds and rescuing him from deadly situations. The giant, furry dragon's playful personality and incredible flying scenes make him an unforgettable sidekick who helps save the day when things look hopeless.
The adventure takes Atreyu through wild locations like the Swamps of Sadness and encounters with bizarre characters including the grumpy Rockbiter and the tiny Engywook. Each new place in Fantasia bursts with imagination, from talking rocks to mysterious forests, keeping the fast-paced action moving as Atreyu solves puzzles to reach The Childlike Empress.
Meanwhile, Bastian discovers he's connected to this fantasy world through the magical book he's reading in his school's attic. Kids get double the excitement watching both Bastian's journey and Atreyu's epic battles, as the brave young warrior faces the terrifying wolf G'mork and races against time to stop The Nothing from destroying everything.