The NeverEnding Story
User Score
5.7 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 7 out of 24

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. JC
    Dec 9, 2007
    8
    A great fantasy tale that left a lasting impression. It may pale in comparison to children's movies today, but it was way ahead of its time back in 1984.
  2. MovieLonely94
    Oct 20, 2010
    10
    this fantasy adventure movie kicks a**. it has great character development, awesome visual effects, and beautiful music.

    Rating: 10/10
  3. lasttimeisaw
    Jan 25, 2012
    4
    I am genuinely underwhelmed by this film, and to tell the truth many adventurous family fantasy films from past decades nearly live up to their fame, the most notorious one is THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987), and now TNS is another competent contender (the first three STAR WARS are the scarce exceptions). The film is Petersenâ
  4. ILHM
    Jan 31, 2013
    10
    THE NEVERENDING STORY is a feat in fantasy filmmaking, truly one of the most incredible fantasy adventures ever made. The imaginative character designs and enchanting environments bring the world of Fantasia to life in amazing detail. Director Wolfgang Petersen employs an astonishing array of special effects, from life-like puppets to matte paintings and miniatures that meld together to give the film an epic look unlike any other. Although it is based in childhood fantasy, the film touches on many darker tones and twisted villains that, along with its haunting score, often make for a frightening viewing experience for younger audiences. A series of meaningful and memorable characters are introduced to fight the forces of darkness, characters who personify the values of courage (found in the brave warrior Atreyu), wisdom (shown by the ancient one, Morla), and valor (as seen in the self-sacrifice made by The Rockbiter and others). In the face of such heroism, the corruptive creature that is attempting to destroy this whimsical world fares no chance. On top of the High Fantasy elements the film possesses, it also delivers a powerful message against the death of imagination at the hands of apathetic parents and their disenchanted children. By frequently breaking the fourth wall, THE NEVERENDING STORY engages young Bastian as well as the viewing audience to enter the world of Fantasia and participate in the events as they unfold on screen right beside Atreyu and his companions, thereby saving all who live within this realm. THE NEVERENDING STORY holds a special place beside other timeless classics like THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE DARK CRYSTAL, and LABYRINTH.… Expand
  5. sil3nt_nick
    Mar 24, 2013
    9
    Enchanting, wondrous and creative for a film during the mid 1980's where technology was somewhat limited. The story line is a bit long, containing some scary images not suited for children, one being a close up of the 'bad guy' of the film, known as the "Gmork."

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
46 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 3 out of 10
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    The idea of the story within a story is one of the nice touches in The NeverEnding Story. Another one is the idea of a child's faith being able to change the course of fate. Maybe not since the kids in the audience were asked to save Tinker Bell in Peter Pan has the outcome of a story been left so clearly up to a child's willingness to believe.
    Read full review
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    90
    Wolfgang Petersen's The NeverEnding Story is a marvelously realized flight of pure fantasy.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    30
    Despite the sophistication of the source material, this 1984 film isn't particularly successful: Petersen insists on forcing the superficial moral lessons, and the half hour removed from the film by its American distributors leaves it with a harsh, choppy rhythm.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »