Watch The NeverEnding Story films in release order: The NeverEnding Story (1984), The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (commonly labeled 1990; released in the United States in 1991), then The NeverEnding Story III (commonly labeled 1994; released in the United States in 1996).
There are three films in the series covered here. Release order is the practical order because the first movie establishes the screen version of the story, the second follows it as a sequel, and the third continues with an original plot. The films do not form a complete, faithful adaptation of Michael Ende’s 1979 novel: the first adapts roughly its first half, the second loosely draws on the latter half, and the third is not adapted from the book.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What order should you watch The NeverEnding Story movies in?
Use this order:
- The NeverEnding Story — franchise label: 1984; United States release date: July 20, 1984.
- The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter — commonly labeled 1990; United States release date: February 8, 1991.
- The NeverEnding Story III — commonly labeled 1994; United States release date: April 2, 1996.
This is both the release sequence and the clearest way to follow the films as screen stories. There is no established alternate order that improves continuity. A first-time viewer should begin with the 1984 film, even if a streaming or disc listing displays one of the sequels under a different year.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11How many NeverEnding Story movies are there?
The film series consists of three released movies:
| Viewing order | Film | Common franchise year | United States release information | Runtime information | Relationship to Ende’s novel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The NeverEnding Story | 1984 | July 20, 1984 | 94 minutes in the series reference; 102 minutes in a BAFTA screening handout | Roughly the first half of the 1979 novel |
| 2 | The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter | 1990 | February 8, 1991, in the United States | 90 minutes in the series reference; Apple TV’s current US listing says 1 hour 29 minutes | A loose basis in the latter half of the novel |
| 3 | The NeverEnding Story III | 1994 | April 2, 1996, in the United States | Not stated in the supplied source material | Original story rather than a novel adaptation |
The table separates two dating systems that are often mixed together. “1990” and “1994” are the commonly used franchise-year labels in reference material, while the United States theatrical dates for the second and third movies are in 1991 and 1996. If you are searching for a sequel, use both the title and the territory-specific date when a listing looks inconsistent.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why release order is the best viewing order
The movies were made as a sequence, not as three independent interpretations of Ende’s novel. The 1984 film introduces the screen continuity and the central idea of a reader entering a fantastical story. The second movie is presented as a sequel to that film, and the third continues the film series with a new plot. Watching them in another order would move you into later screen continuity before the first film has established it.
The adaptation history also favors release order. The first movie uses the opening portion of the novel as its main foundation. The second takes the latter part only as a rough basis, so it is not a straightforward film version of “book two.” The third does not adapt the novel at all. Reading the book before watching can help you notice those changes, but it does not create a different recommended movie sequence.
BAFTA’s 2015 screening handout describes the premise of the first film as Bastian discovering Fantasia through a book and becoming part of the story as he reads. That story-within-a-story construction is central to why the first film belongs at the start. Roger Ebert’s review, quoted in the same handout and attributed to The Chicago Sun-Times on January 1, 1984, captured the device this way: “The idea of a story within a story is one of the nice touches in The NeverEnding Story.”
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →1. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
What the first film establishes
Wolfgang Petersen directed and co-wrote the 1984 film with Herman Weigel. Its entry point is Bastian, who encounters a book and discovers Fantasia through reading. The film’s premise makes the audience move between the ordinary world and the world inside the book, with Bastian becoming part of the story rather than remaining a detached observer.
That setup matters for the sequels because it defines the series’ screen language: a fantasy adventure connected to the act of reading and imagining. Even if you already know the broad premise, the first movie supplies the context that later entries assume. It also establishes the film continuity separately from the exact structure of Ende’s novel.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How much of the book it adapts
The 1984 film adapts approximately the first half of Michael Ende’s 1979 novel. “Approximately” is important: the movie is not a scene-by-scene transfer, and its ending does not mean the entire book has been filmed. The adaptation selects and reshapes material for a feature-length movie, leaving the novel’s later material outside the first film’s main adaptation.
This is why a viewer who reads the novel afterward may encounter substantial material that was not included in the 1984 movie. It is also why the second film is sometimes described as drawing from the book’s latter half rather than as a direct continuation of every event on the page.
Runtime and cut differences
Listings for the first film do not all use the same runtime. A series reference lists 94 minutes, while BAFTA’s 2015 screening handout lists 102 minutes. The difference should not automatically be treated as an error: editions can reflect different cuts, restoration choices, or listing conventions.
When choosing a digital rental, disc, or television recording, check the runtime attached to that exact edition. A listing that says 94 minutes and one that says 102 minutes may not represent identical versions. The runtime alone does not establish which cut is superior; it tells you that the edition needs to be identified before you compare it with another release.
2. The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990/1991)
Why the year appears as both 1990 and 1991
Reference material commonly labels the sequel as 1990, but its United States release date was February 8, 1991. Apple TV’s current US listing also identifies the film as a sequel to the 1984 movie and displays 1991. Both year labels can therefore appear in legitimate listings, depending on whether the source is using a franchise-year convention or the US release date.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For a US viewing guide, February 8, 1991, is the useful date. For a compact franchise list, “1990” may be the familiar label. Do not combine the common year with the US date as if they described one identical release event; state the territory whenever the distinction matters.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Director, sequel status, and adaptation basis
George T. Miller directed The Next Chapter. It follows the 1984 film as a sequel, so it belongs second even when a catalog sorts it under 1990 rather than 1991.
The movie uses the latter half of Ende’s novel only as a rough basis. That wording distinguishes it from a faithful continuation of the first film’s adaptation. It also answers a common question: yes, the second movie is connected to the latter half of the book, but it is not a literal screen version of everything that happens there, and it should not be treated as a second complete adaptation of the novel.
Runtime listings
The sequel’s runtime is also listed slightly differently across sources. The series reference gives 90 minutes, while Apple TV’s current US listing gives 1 hour 29 minutes. Those figures are close enough to reflect rounding or catalog conventions, and they do not by themselves prove that viewers are receiving different cuts.
Use the runtime shown by the service or physical edition you intend to watch. If you are building a watchlist, record the title and territory along with the year so that the 1990/1991 discrepancy does not make you think two separate sequels exist.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
3. The NeverEnding Story III (1994/1996)
Common label versus US release date
The third movie is commonly labeled 1994 in franchise references, but the United States release date listed for it is April 2, 1996. As with the second film, a year-only search can produce apparently conflicting results. “1994” identifies the common franchise-year label; “April 2, 1996” identifies the US release date used in the available series information.
Its story is original to the films
The NeverEnding Story III is directed by Peter MacDonald. Unlike the first film and the loose book basis of the second, the third has an original plot rather than adapting a section of Ende’s novel. It is therefore best approached as the third film in the screen series, not as the movie version of an unfilmed chapter from the book.
This distinction also explains why reading the novel will not supply a direct roadmap for the third film. The book can provide background for the franchise’s imaginative premise, but the third movie’s narrative belongs to the film continuity created by the earlier entries.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Book order and movie order are not the same thing
Michael Ende’s 1979 novel is the source behind the first two films, but the relationship is uneven. The first movie adapts the first half. The second uses the latter half as a rough foundation. The third is an original screen story. The result is a trilogy that should not be advertised or understood as a complete, sequential filming of the novel.
If your goal is to compare the book with the movies, a sensible path is to read the novel first and then watch all three films in release order. That approach lets you identify which parts of the first movie come from the opening half of the book, which later material was reworked for the sequel, and where the third film leaves the novel entirely. If your goal is simply to watch the movies, reading is optional and does not change the order.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Which runtime should you expect for the first film?
Expect the exact runtime to depend on the edition. The supplied reference information gives 94 minutes, while BAFTA’s screening handout gives 102 minutes. Treat both as source-specific metadata rather than as a contradiction that can be resolved without identifying the print or cut.
One reported anniversary release helps explain why edition details matter. An Australian five-disc deluxe edition released in December 2024 reportedly includes the original US theatrical version restored from the original negative, the extended German version, and the feature-length documentary Life After Neverending Story. The same release context is separate from a reported 4K release of the German international cut in Germany in July 2021.
Those editions are relevant to collectors because they identify different cuts and supplementary material. They do not establish current stock, retailer availability, shipping eligibility, or compatibility with every region’s disc player. Before buying, verify the edition name, territory, video format, included cuts, subtitles, and region compatibility. Do not assume that a deluxe edition of the original film contains either sequel; the reported contents concern the first movie and its extras.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How to choose a version for your first watch
- Choose the title first. Start with the 1984 film, not whichever entry appears first in a platform’s “related” row.
- Check the territory. If a sequel is labeled 1990 or 1994, look for the country-specific release date before deciding that a listing is wrong.
- Record the runtime. A 94-minute or 102-minute listing for the original, and a 90-minute or 1-hour-29-minute listing for the sequel, may reflect edition or catalog differences.
- Identify the cut when collecting. For physical media, confirm whether the release contains the original US theatrical version, the extended German version, or another presentation.
- Verify region compatibility. A release described as Australian or German may not play on every player or include the same language and subtitle options as a local edition.
- Do not infer streaming availability. Catalog access changes by country and date, and the available information does not establish a current platform for all three films.
Are there any other NeverEnding Story movies to add?
The series covered by this guide has three released films. A 2024 announcement reportedly involved Michael Ende Productions and See-Saw Films planning a series of films based on the book. That announcement does not establish that production is underway, provide a release date, or say how many films will ultimately be made.
Until a dated release and confirmed production details are available, treat that project as a future adaptation plan rather than a fourth movie to insert into your watch order. It does not change the sequence of the three existing films.
A simple watch plan
For a first-time viewer
- Watch The NeverEnding Story (1984).
- Watch The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter next, using the 1990/1991 year distinction only to identify the correct listing.
- Finish with The NeverEnding Story III, commonly labeled 1994 and released in the United States in 1996.
For a book-and-film comparison
- Read Ende’s 1979 novel if you want the literary source as a reference point.
- Watch the 1984 film and note that it adapts roughly the book’s first half.
- Watch the second film and treat its relationship to the latter half as loose rather than literal.
- Watch the third film as an original story created for the screen.
For a collector
Start by deciding whether you want the US theatrical presentation, an extended international cut, or documentary supplements. Then confirm the edition’s territory and player compatibility. The reported Australian December 2024 five-disc release and German July 2021 4K release are examples of why the exact release description matters, but neither description guarantees current availability or suitability for your equipment.
Final viewing order
The answer is straightforward: watch the three films in release order—The NeverEnding Story (1984), The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990/1991), and The NeverEnding Story III (1994/1996). The split year labels come from different release conventions, not from additional movies. The first film adapts the novel’s opening half, the second only loosely uses its latter half, and the third tells an original story, so the trilogy is best understood as a screen sequence rather than a complete adaptation of Ende’s book.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
