The NeverEnding Story III (1994)

The NeverEnding Story III is the kind of breezy, candy-colored ’90s fantasy that remembers movies can be silly, sincere, and fun all at once. It leans into a lighthearted, kid-powered adventure vibe, with a spirited young cast and a playful comic streak that keeps the stakes approachable even when Fantasia is in trouble. The effects and imagination have that era’s tactile charm, and the story carries an easy, family-friendly moral about courage and standing up to bullies without turning preachy. If you’re looking for prestige fantasy, this isn’t it—but if you want a cozy, feel-good portal romp that plays like a Saturday afternoon treat, it’s an easy yes.

The NeverEnding Story III is clearly trying to recapture the kid-friendly wonder of the earlier films with a simple “bullies meet magic” premise and a lighter, goofier tone. The problem is it feels like a bargain-bin sequel: the writing is thin, the continuity with what fans loved before is shaky, and the adventure rarely sparks the imagination the way Fantasia should. A lot of the humor leans crude and juvenile, and the characters can come off more annoying than charming, which makes it tough to stay invested. If you’re a loyal fan of the original or you want rich fantasy world-building, this will likely frustrate you, but very young kids who just want bright creatures and straightforward slapstick may still get some mileage out of it.