The NeverEnding Story Movie Review
Lori Silberman Brauner
Fantasy for book-lovers has scary images, traumatic death. Read Common Sense Media's The NeverEnding Story review, age rating, and parents guide.
/themes/custom/common_sense/images/favicons/favicon-16x16.png
Common Sense Media
Timeless special effects, beautiful scenery, colorful characters, and deep themes make up for a plot that can be slow and difficult to understand. Both children and adults will enjoy The NeverEnding Story's message of daring to dream and soaring to new heights through books.

A word of warning, though -- this movie goes to some dark places. The characters are up against the Nothing, a physical incarnation of nihilism that's making everything just disappear. The movie also depicts depression in the movie's most enduring scene -- Atreyu's horse sinking into the Swamp of Sadness. Many adults remember being traumatized by that early scene alone, and it doesn't get easier to watch with age. Still, The NeverEnding Story is a welcome contrast to the brightly colored musicals you typically find in media for children. It's an excellent vehicle for discussing negative emotions, and every rewatch will yield something new you didn't notice or understand before.