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Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. While each culture has its unique take on dragons, there's a general consensus that they are large, serpent-like creatures known for their power, potential for destruction, and often profound wisdom. These mythical beings have inspired countless adaptations in games, shows, plays, and movies.
When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," expectations naturally lean toward a film centered around one or more dragons. Despite the popularity of dragons in our culture, truly dragon-focused movies are rarer than one might expect. Therefore, our list includes films that feature dragons prominently, though they might not be exclusively about them.
Read on to discover our selection of the top dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
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Maleficent (2014)
Kicking off our list with a film where dragons play a less central role, "Maleficent" is Disney's reimagining of the iconic villain from the 1959 classic "Sleeping Beauty." In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. A unique twist in this version is that Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself; instead, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon, near the film's climax.
Spirited Away (2001)
"Spirited Away" features a dragon as a cameo in this enchanting tale from Hayao Miyazaki, exploring various Japanese myths. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a journey to rescue her parents, transformed into pigs, navigating a world filled with spirits and mystical creatures. The white dragon, inspired by Japanese folklore, plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's development, despite not being the main focus.
For more enchanting films, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
While "The NeverEnding Story" isn't centered around dragons, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' is an unforgettable character. Falkor provides luck and crucial assistance to Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Though his screen time is limited, Falkor's impact on the story and his iconic status make him a standout element 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, after being orphaned in a forest, befriends a camouflaged dragon he names Elliott. This tale, reminiscent of "Tarzan" and "The Iron Giant," weaves derivative elements into a touching narrative that resonates well with audiences.
Eragon (2006)
Based on the popular young adult book series, "Eragon" is one of the few films on our list primarily focused on dragons. The story follows a young farm boy named Eragon (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, leading to an epic battle of good versus evil with the help of his dragon, Saphira. While the film is action-packed and dragon-centric, it's recommended to watch it before diving into the books for the best experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
"Dragonslayer" may have dated visual effects and average acting, but its fantasy-filled adventure remains a must-watch for dragon movie enthusiasts. The plot follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must fulfill his master's mission to slay a dragon terrorizing a nearby kingdom. As the oldest film on our list, its bold choices and creative storytelling make it a classic.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In the second installment of "The Hobbit" trilogy, "The Desolation of Smaug" expands Tolkien's Middle Earth with a thrilling adventure. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his group of Dwarves aim to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique among our list, this film includes the dragon's name in its title, and Smaug embodies all the classic dragon traits: greed, cunning, and territoriality.
For guidance on watching the entire Lord of the Rings saga, check out our comprehensive guide.
Reign of Fire (2002)
"Reign of Fire" stands out as the most action-packed dragon movie on our list, set in a modern, post-apocalyptic England. After a dragon is accidentally awakened in a deep mine, it begins a reign of terror. With a stellar cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film's original concept and appropriate effects for its time make it a standout dragon movie.
Dragonheart (1996)
"Dragonheart" offers a heartfelt, if somewhat corny, take on dragon lore. A dragonslaying knight named Bowen (Dennis Quaid) forms an unlikely alliance with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. Draco's sophisticated and patient nature, along with the charming buddy-cop dynamic between him and Bowen, elevates this film beyond typical 90s fare.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
"How to Train Your Dragon" combines coming-of-age themes with fantasy in a captivating and heartwarming way. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), an aspiring dragonslayer, befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative journey that challenges the Viking community's traditions. As the top dragon movie on our list, it features a rich variety of dragons and delves into their lore, making it not just a great dragon movie, but a great film overall.
We anticipate that the upcoming live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" might also make this list when it releases in June—potentially even surpassing its animated counterpart.
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 thrilling cinematic experiences, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
