Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Each culture has its unique interpretation of dragons, yet there's a common understanding that they are large, serpent-like creatures often associated with destruction, power, and wisdom. These mythical beings have been adapted into various forms of media, including games, shows, plays, and movies.
When you think of a "Dragon Movie," you likely expect a film centered around dragons. Despite their popularity in culture, there are fewer dragon-centric movies than one might assume. Therefore, some films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively about them.
Let's explore our picks for the best dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
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Maleficent (2014)
Kicking off our list with a film that's less about dragons, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this version, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge for past betrayals by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. Interestingly, Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself; instead, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie's end.
Spirited Away (2001)
In Spirited Away, a dragon makes a cameo in Hayao Miyazaki's enchanting tale that explores various Japanese myths. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) must navigate a mystical world to save her parents from being permanently turned into pigs. The white dragon, inspired by Japanese folklore, plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's journey.
For more like this, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
While not the central focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is too iconic to ignore. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite limited screen time, Falkor's role is pivotal, and he remains one of the most memorable elements of the film.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A remake of the 1977 film, Pete's Dragon tells the heartwarming story of a boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott after being orphaned in a forest. The film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that resonates well with audiences.
Eragon (2006)
Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon follows a young farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, leading him on a journey to defend his homeland with his dragon, Saphira. While the film offers plenty of dragon action, it's recommended to watch it without prior knowledge of the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure that any dragon movie enthusiast should see. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must slay a dragon to free a kingdom after his master's death. Its bold choices make it a standout in the genre.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions continue their quest to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely features the dragon's name in the title, and Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed, cleverness, and territoriality.
For a complete viewing experience, see our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire is a thrilling action movie set in a modern world where dragons have emerged as apex predators. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers an original concept and impressive effects for its time, making it a standout dragon movie.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart is a heartfelt, if somewhat cheesy, film featuring a dragonslaying knight (Dennis Quaid) who teams up with the last dragon (voiced by Sean Connery) to defeat an evil king. The dragon's sophisticated nature and the charming chemistry between the protagonists make this a memorable entry in the genre.
How to Train your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and heartwarming animated film that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative friendship that challenges the Viking dragon-hunting culture. With its rich lore and diverse dragon species, this film tops our list as the best dragon movie.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also make this list—potentially even surpassing the animated version.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our 10 picks of the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons come in many forms, but we can all agree they are very good boys and girls. Are we missing your favorite fire breather? Let us know in the comments.For more movie recommendations, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
