The NeverEnding Story
7.3
The NeverEnding Story fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Spectacular
- Spectacle7
- Fast Pace6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Awe-inspiring and nostalgic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Wonder9
- Nostalgia8
- Coming of Age8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Physical Comedy2
- Absurdist Humor2
World
Fantasy and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty7
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Narrative Structure7
- Character Depth7
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition9
- Music Centrality9
- Cinematography7
Energy
MediumSpectacular
The NeverEnding Story is spectacular.
All energy traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Heart
HighAwe-inspiring and nostalgic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's awe-inspiring, nostalgic, and wholesome. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFantasy and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around fantasy and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Fantasy10Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Meta Narrative7Stories about storytelling.
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
A boy who needs a friend finds a world that needs a hero in a land beyond imagination!
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Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The NeverEnding Story
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The NeverEnding Story worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, and Metacritic 49). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The NeverEnding Story rated?
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The NeverEnding Story?
1 h 41 min
The NeverEnding Story runs 1 h 41 min.
Is The NeverEnding Story based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The NeverEnding Story?
Not quite. Audiences rate The NeverEnding Story higher (77) than critics (67). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The NeverEnding Story a box office hit?
No. It cost about $27 million to make and earned $20 million worldwide, 75% of its budget.
What language is The NeverEnding Story in?
It was made in German, with some English. Produced in Germany.
In how many countries can I watch The NeverEnding Story?
+80GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The NeverEnding Story in 94 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The NeverEnding Story use?
TV Tropes lists 201 storytelling tropes for The NeverEnding Story, including Nice Job Fixing It, Villain!, I Know Your True Name, Fade to Black.