The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Kernel Score: 83% · 4,305 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Family, Drama
Released: 1984-04-06
Runtime: 97 minutes
Is The NeverEnding Story worth watching?
Worth watching. A bullied boy reads a magic book and finds himself pulled into a land that's dying. It's an imaginative, melancholy 80s fantasy, with dated effects, that many people still remember fondly.
Watch it if you
- grew up loving 80s fantasy
- like stories about imagination
- want family fantasy with a sad streak
Skip it if you
- dislike dated effects
- want modern pacing
Best for: Family nostalgia night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The NeverEnding Story
- Free with ads: Philo, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
While hiding from bullies in his school's attic, a young boy 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, with the help of a luck dragon named Falkor, must save Fantasia from the destruction of The Nothing.
The NeverEnding Story parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that The NeverEnding Story is a classic fantasy adventure with some frightening creatures and bullying themes, rated PG.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Fantasy peril including a young boy fleeing bullies and dangers in a fantasy world.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The NeverEnding Story
If you liked The NeverEnding Story, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bridge to Terabithia (2007) — 84%: Moving story about imagination and loss.
- The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Fantasy about a story within a story.
- The Wizard of Oz (1939) — 87%: Classic journey into a magical land.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) — 87%: A boy discovering a magical world.
- Big Fish (2003) — 87%: Fantastical story about storytelling.
- Wolfwalkers (2020) — 90%: Gorgeous hand-drawn fantasy.
Director
Cast
- Noah Hathaway as Atreyu
- Barret Oliver as Bastian
- Tami Stronach as The Childlike Empress
- Alan Oppenheimer as Rockbiter / Falkor / G'mork / Narrator (voice)
- Sydney Bromley as Engywook
- Patricia Hayes as Urgl
- Moses Gunn as Cairon - Empress' Servant
- Frank Lenart as Teeny Weeny / Night Hob (voice)
- Robert Jadah as Morla the Ancient One (voice)
- Gerald McRaney as Bastian's Father
The NeverEnding Story FAQ
Is The NeverEnding Story worth watching?
Worth watching. A bullied boy reads a magic book and finds himself pulled into a land that's dying. It's an imaginative, melancholy 80s fantasy, with dated effects, that many people still remember fondly.
Where can I watch The NeverEnding Story?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Philo, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The NeverEnding Story OK for kids?
The NeverEnding Story is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that The NeverEnding Story is a classic fantasy adventure with some frightening creatures and bullying themes, rated PG.
What movies are like The NeverEnding Story?
If you liked The NeverEnding Story, try Bridge to Terabithia, The Princess Bride, The Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.