42 Years Later, This 84% RT Movie Is Still The Best Way To Introduce Someone To The Fantasy Genre

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These classic fantasy films rightfully earned their place in history by influencing generations of filmmakers and establishing standards that are still followed today. Watching them is more than just a trip down memory lane – it’s a deeply rewarding experience that broadens your perspective.

Rewatching fantasy movies can be incredibly rewarding because you often notice small details you missed before, deepening your enjoyment and offering fresh insights into the story. Fantasy often uses symbolic elements – what some might see as simple tricks – to represent real-world issues. As a result, many fantasy films end by prompting you to think about bigger philosophical ideas through the journeys of their characters.

Great fantasy films draw you into incredible journeys through imaginative societies – some perfect, others mirroring our own world. They make basic values feel profound and offer inspiring examples of true heroism. The most memorable fantasy stories embrace our desires and dreams, rather than making fun of them.

The NeverEnding Story Has A Classic Fantasy Premise

As a critic, I often get asked where someone new to fantasy should start, and honestly, Wolfgang Petersen’s The NeverEnding Story from 1984 is almost always my answer. It’s just a perfect entry point. The film centers around Bastian, a lonely kid brilliantly played by Barret Oliver, who escapes some schoolyard bullies by ducking into a bookstore. He finds this incredible-looking book, The NeverEnding Story, and gets completely lost in it – I mean, he reads the whole thing in one sitting, forgetting to even go home! It’s a testament to how captivating the story within the story truly is.

The movie alternates between scenes from the story and shots of Bastian as he reads it. The story itself centers on Atreyu (Noah Hathaway), a brave boy on a quest to save his magical world, Fantasia, from a mysterious force called the Nothing, which is causing everything to vanish. To stop the Nothing, they need to heal Fantasia’s sick Empress.

The beginning of The NeverEnding Story is a classic setup for a children’s book. A lonely boy, often picked on, escapes into a magical world where he realizes he’s not as different as he thought. This new world gives him the courage to face his problems and embrace his imagination, even though his dad doesn’t like him daydreaming.

The NeverEnding Story’s World Is Whimsical And Gorgeous

Okay, so I recently rewatched Petersen’s The NeverEnding Story, and even though it’s over four decades old and the special effects definitely show their age, there’s still something magical about it. Honestly, the world-building is incredible – it really makes you wonder why more fantasy films don’t prioritize that kind of pure imagination.

Fantasia creates a wonderfully strange and captivating world, filled with everything from creatures that eat rocks to magical dragons, enormous tortoises, and even quicksand brought on by sadness. It’s a vibrant and colorful film, full of life, and clearly made with a lot of creative freedom – you can see it in every little detail of the plants and animals. The movie is also impressively grand in scope.

The NeverEnding Story Is About The Power Of Imagination

The enduring popularity of The NeverEnding Story comes from its timeless message. At first, it might not be obvious, but the film champions the importance of imagination and wonder. It encourages viewers to hold onto their ability to dream, even when facing the pressures of work and a world that often discourages such creativity.

Whether it was a good idea to kill off a cherished character in The NeverEnding Story is open for discussion, but the story’s core message is both meaningful and strong. It powerfully emphasizes the importance of holding onto hope, even when facing intense sadness and hopelessness. Importantly, the film doesn’t dismiss these difficult feelings; instead, it uses a symbolic story to convey its hopeful message.

The NeverEnding Story Is Meta Without Being Self-Aware

A common criticism of many modern movies is that they’re too aware of themselves, making them feel distant, predictable, and ultimately, dull. One of the great things about filmmaking is the freedom to let your imagination run wild. That’s why it’s so enjoyable to watch The NeverEnding Story, which doesn’t hesitate to embrace its own creativity.

The message in The NeverEnding Story is very direct. Interestingly, the story eventually acknowledges it is a story, breaking the barrier between fiction and reality. What’s impressive is that it does this without becoming overly self-conscious or trying to appear more profound. I really hope the remake keeps this unique quality of the original.

The NeverEnding Story Shows Why Fantasy Is A Popular Genre

As a lifelong movie fan, I always recommend The NeverEnding Story to anyone getting into fantasy. It really gets what makes the genre special. You’ve got a relatable hero, a big bad problem that feels real, and some of the most imaginative creatures and worlds I’ve ever seen. It’s a classic quest story about courage, with a clear sense of right and wrong, and ultimately, it just leaves you feeling good. It’s the perfect starting point, whether you’re a kid or just new to fantasy films.

The scary parts of The NeverEnding Story actually work well for a children’s film. They help reinforce positive values and celebrate qualities like courage and individuality. The movie also beautifully captures the power of fantasy to both transport us to another world and help us learn to cope with our own fears.

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2026-01-24 16:09