Dragons are a fascinating and enduring symbol in mythology and fantasy across various cultures. Universally recognized as large, serpent-like creatures, dragons are often associated with destruction, immense power, and profound wisdom. These mythical beings have been adapted into numerous forms of entertainment, including games, shows, plays, and movies, each offering a unique take on dragon lore.
When you think of a "Dragon Movie," you likely expect a film centered around these majestic creatures. Surprisingly, despite the popularity of dragons in our culture, truly dragon-centric movies are rarer than you might assume. Therefore, our list includes films that feature dragons prominently, even if they aren't exclusively about them.
Let's explore our top picks for the best dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
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Maleficent (2014)
Image credit: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Robert Stromberg | Writer: Linda Woolverton | Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley | Release Date: May 30, 2014 | Review: IGN's Maleficent review | Where to watch: Stream on TBS, TNT, and truTV, rentable on Amazon and other platforms
Kicking off our list is Maleficent, a Disney reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) puts princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep as an act of revenge. Although Maleficent herself doesn't transform into a dragon, she magically transforms Diaval into one, adding a thrilling twist towards the movie's climax.
Spirited Away (2001)
Image credit: Studio Ghibli
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Writer: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: JP: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki; Eng: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Jason Marsden | Release Date: July 20, 2001 | Review: IGN's Spirited Away review | Where to watch: Max, or rentable on other platforms
Spirited Away is a magical journey into Japanese mythology, where dragons play a pivotal role despite not being the central focus. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a quest to save her parents, encountering a white dragon that significantly influences her journey and personal growth.
For more enchanting films, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Image credit: Warner Bros.
Director: Wolfgang Petersen | Writer: Wolfgang Petersen, Herman Weigel | Stars: Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach | Release Date: April 6, 1984 | Review: IGN's The NeverEnding Story review | Where to watch: Rentable on most platforms
Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story, may not be the main character, but his unique presence is unforgettable. He aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia, making him an iconic figure despite his limited screen time.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Image credit: Walt Disney Studios
Director: David Lowery | Writer: David Lowery, Toby Halbrooks | Stars: Oakes Fegley, Bryce Dallas Howard, Wes Bentley | Release Date: August 12, 2016 | Review: IGN's Pete's Dragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms
The heartwarming Pete's Dragon tells the story of a boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) who befriends a camouflaged dragon after being orphaned. This tale of friendship and adventure blends elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that resonates with audiences.
Eragon (2006)
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: Stefan Fangmeier | Writer: Peter Buchman | Stars: Jeremy Irons, Robert Carlyle, Ed Speleers | Release Date: December 15, 2006 | Review: IGN's Eragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms
Eragon is based on the popular young adult book series and focuses heavily on dragons. The story follows Eragon (Ed Speleers), a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg, leading to an epic battle between good and evil with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers exciting dragon action, it's recommended to watch it before reading the books.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: Matthew Robbins | Writer: Hal Barwood, Matthew Robbins | Stars: Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, Ralph Richardson | Release Date: June 26, 1981 | Where to watch: Kanopy, Hoopla, Paramount+, Apple TV, or rentable on other platforms
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer remains a beloved classic among fantasy enthusiasts. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must confront a dragon after his master's demise, offering a thrilling adventure that showcases the boldness of 1980s fantasy cinema.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Peter Jackson | Writer: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage | Release Date: December 13, 2013 | Review: IGN's The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug review | Where to Watch: Max, or rentable on other platforms
In this second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions embark on a quest to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film stands out as it features a dragon in its title and delivers a true-to-form depiction of a dragon's traits—greed, intelligence, and territoriality.
For a complete viewing experience, see our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Image credit: Buena Vista Pictures
Director: Rob Bowman | Writer: Gregg Chabot, Kevin Peterka, Matt Greenberg | Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Christian Bale, Izabella Scorupco | Release Date: July 12, 2002 | Review: IGN's Reign of Fire review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon or other platforms
Reign of Fire transforms the dragon movie genre by setting its action in a modern world. When a dragon is unearthed in 2020 England, it ushers in an era of chaos. Featuring a strong cast and innovative concept, this film is a standout action-packed dragon movie.
Dragonheart (1996)
Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: Rob Cohen | Writer: Charles Edward Pogue, Patrick Read Johnson | Stars: Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery, David Thewlis | Release Date: May 31, 1996 | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and other platforms
Dragonheart brings a touch of humor and heart to the genre. A knight named Bowen (Dennis Quaid) teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. Their partnership develops into a charming buddy-cop dynamic, making this film a delightful watch despite its cheesy elements.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois | Writer: Will Davies, Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois | Stars: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson | Release Date: March 26, 2010 | Review: IGN's How to Train Your Dragon review | Where to watch: Stream on Max, rent on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms
Topping our list is How to Train Your Dragon, an animated masterpiece that blends coming-of-age with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) forms an unlikely bond with a rare dragon, challenging the traditions of his Viking community. Rich in dragon lore and brimming with charm, this film is a must-watch for dragon enthusiasts and animation lovers alike.
We anticipate the live-action How to Train Your Dragon will make waves when it releases in June, possibly even contending with the animated version for a spot on this list.
And that's our selection of the top 10 dragon movies of all time! Dragons are captivating creatures that come in various forms, and we believe they are truly magnificent. If your favorite dragon movie didn't make the cut, feel free to share it in the comments.
For more cinematic adventures, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
