The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Wolfgang Petersen's beloved fantasy epic takes a young boy on an extraordinary journey into a magical world that only he can save.
The NeverEnding Story - Movie Information
- Original Title: Die unendliche Geschichte
- Release Year: 1984
- Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Family, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 6, 1984 (Germany), July 20, 1984 (United States - PG), April 4, 1985 (United Kingdom - U), November 21, 1984 (France - TP), December 26, 1984 (Australia - G), July 20, 1984 (Brazil - L), December 6, 1984 (Italy - T), December 6, 1984 (Spain - A), July 16, 1988 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: Ιστορία χωρίς τέλος (GR), Begaline istorija (LT), La historia sin fin (AR), Dastan-e bipayan (IR), Den uendelige historie (DK), L'histoire sans fin (FR), ネバーエンディング・ストーリー (JP), Приказка без край (BG)
- Production Companies: Constantin Film, Bavaria Film
- Production Countries: Germany
The NeverEnding Story - Plot
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 - Trailer
See the magic of Fantasia come to life in the official trailer:
A boy who needs a friend finds a world that needs a hero in a land beyond imagination!
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The NeverEnding Story - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Wolfgang Petersen
Main Cast
- Noah Hathaway
- Barret Oliver
- Tami Stronach
- Alan Oppenheimer
- Sydney Bromley
- Patricia Hayes
- Moses Gunn
- Frank Lenart
- Robert Jadah
- Gerald McRaney
Writers
- Wolfgang Petersen
- Herman Weigel
Producers
- Dieter Geissler
- Bernd Eichinger
- Bernd Schaefers
The NeverEnding Story - FAQs
What is The NeverEnding Story about?
The NeverEnding Story follows Bastian, a bookish boy hiding from bullies who stumbles upon a magical book pulling him into Fantasia. There, the young warrior Atreyu and his luck dragon Falkor race to stop a mysterious force called The Nothing from erasing their entire world.
What is Falkor and why do fans love him?
Falkor is a luckdragon — a giant, white, dog-faced flying creature who becomes Atreyu's loyal companion. Fans adore him for his boundless optimism, gentle wisdom, and the sheer joy of watching him soar. He's become one of cinema's most beloved fantasy creatures and an enduring symbol of the film.
Is The NeverEnding Story based on a book?
Yes! The film is adapted from Michael Ende's 1979 German novel Die unendliche Geschichte. The book is considerably longer and richer than the film, covering events well beyond what the movie depicts. Ende himself was famously unhappy with the adaptation, feeling it missed the deeper themes of his original work.
What does The Nothing represent in the film?
The Nothing is widely interpreted as a metaphor for the loss of imagination, hope, and storytelling in the modern world. As people stop dreaming and reading, Fantasia fades. It's a surprisingly poignant message for a children's fantasy film, giving the story emotional depth that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Who are the main actors in The NeverEnding Story?
The film stars Noah Hathaway as the brave warrior Atreyu and Barret Oliver as Bastian, the boy reading the magical book. Tami Stronach plays the ethereal Childlike Empress, while Alan Oppenheimer provides the voices of Falkor, Rockbiter, G'mork, and the Narrator. Gerald McRaney appears as Bastian's father.
Where can I stream The NeverEnding Story?
You can watch The NeverEnding Story by renting or buying it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's also available to rent on Plex. Availability may vary by region, so check your local options on JustWatch.
Is The NeverEnding Story suitable for young children?
The film carries a PG rating. While it's a beloved family fantasy, some scenes can be genuinely intense for younger viewers — particularly the death of Atreyu's horse Artax in the Swamps of Sadness and the menacing wolf G'mork. Parents of sensitive children under six may want to watch alongside them.
Who directed The NeverEnding Story and when was it released?
Wolfgang Petersen directed the film, best known later for Das Boot and Air Force One. It premiered in Germany on April 6, 1984, and reached US theaters on July 20, 1984. It was a major international co-production between Constantin Film and Bavaria Film, shot largely in Germany.
More About The NeverEnding Story
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