The day before yesterday, I talked about Labyrinth and Legend, but my childhood wouldn’t be complete without mentioning The NeverEnding Story. This film was, without a doubt, my absolute favourite fantasy movie growing up, and it’s one that still holds a special place in my heart. It was everything I could ever want in a film—magic, adventure, incredible creatures, and a story that touched me deeply.
Released in 1984, The NeverEnding Story was based on the novel by Michael Ende. The film tells the story of Bastian, a young boy who discovers a magical book that tells the tale of a land called Fantasia, which is under threat by a dark force known as The Nothing. As Bastian reads, he becomes more and more involved in the fate of Fantasia, and the characters within the story—especially Atreyu, the brave warrior sent on a quest to save the land—become his lifeline. The movie blends fantasy with the power of storytelling itself, and to this day, I find the idea of a book within a book incredibly enchanting.
As a child, I was completely captivated by the beauty of Fantasia. The landscapes, the creatures, the colourful and dreamy settings—all of it felt so real and alive. But it wasn’t just the visual aspects that drew me in. I was in love with the idea of Fantasia itself: a place where anything was possible, where imagination had no limits. I spent hours imagining myself in that world, hoping one day I could be a part of it.
But it wasn’t just Fantasia that captured my heart; it was also the characters. I adored the Childlike Empress. To me, she was the epitome of grace, beauty, and wisdom. I wanted to be her, to have her power and elegance. She seemed so otherworldly, so regal, and so effortlessly magical. There was a mystical, timeless quality to her that made me dream of being in her world.
And then there was Atreyu. He was everything a child could dream of—brave, strong, and noble. I had such a huge crush on him! His courage and determination in the face of unimaginable odds were completely inspiring. He went on an epic quest to save Fantasia, and I felt like I was right there with him, facing each challenge by his side. Even now, I can look back and say that I was completely in awe of Atreyu.
But the moment that really gets me every time, even as an adult, is the scene with the horse. It’s one of the most heartbreaking and powerful moments in the film. I won’t give away too much in case you haven’t seen it, but I can tell you that it always left me in tears. It’s one of those moments that stays with you long after the film ends, and it really speaks to the emotional depth the movie has. There was something about the bond between Atreyu and his horse that resonated deeply with me.
How could I forget Falkor?! He was, of course, one of the most memorable and beloved characters from The NeverEnding Story. The luck dragon, with his long, flowing white fur and his gentle, wise eyes, was the ultimate symbol of hope and adventure in the movie. Falkor’s ability to soar through the skies, offering Bastian and Atreyu guidance and comfort, was pure magic. His unwavering optimism and loyalty made him such a comforting presence. I remember how much I adored his personality—he was kind and loving, and yet still had that mischievous dragon spirit. Falkor wasn’t just a sidekick; he was a symbol of belief in something greater, and every time he appeared on screen, I couldn’t help but smile. He truly embodied the fantasy dream of a magical creature who can take you anywhere, if only you believe.
What I loved most about The NeverEnding Story was the way it blurred the lines between fantasy and reality. Bastian’s journey was not just one of discovering Fantasia; it was also a journey of self-discovery, learning to face fears, and learning to believe in the power of imagination. There was something so beautiful about how the story echoed the power of books and stories themselves—how they can transport us to different worlds and help us understand ourselves better.
This film has stayed with me throughout my life. It’s not just a nostalgic piece of my childhood, but something that helped shape my love for fantasy, storytelling, and the importance of imagination. The NeverEnding Story wasn’t just a movie for me; it was a gateway to a world where anything was possible, a place where dreams and reality intertwined. It reminded me, as a child, of the magic that could be found in stories—and it still reminds me of that today.
And yes, if you ever need me to pick a favourite childhood fantasy film, you can bet that The NeverEnding Story will always come out on top.
