Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Though each culture has its unique interpretation of a dragon, there's an unspoken agreement that dragons are typically large, serpent-like creatures known for their power, destruction, and often profound wisdom. These legendary beings have inspired countless adaptations in games, shows, plays, and movies.
When you hear "Dragon Movie," you might expect a film that centers around a dragon or multiple dragons. Despite their popularity in our culture, you might be surprised to find that there aren't as many dragon-centric movies as you'd think. As such, some films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively about them.
Let's dive into our picks for the best dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
11 Images
Maleficent (2014)
Kicking off our list with the least dragon-centric movie, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this story, Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) is put to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as an act of revenge. A notable twist in this adaptation is that Maleficent herself doesn't transform into a dragon; instead, she uses her magic to transform Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie's end.
Spirited Away (2001)
Another movie where dragons play a more minor role is Spirited Away, a magical tale from Hayao Miyazaki steeped in Japanese folklore. As Chihiro (Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a mystical land to save her parents from being permanently turned into pigs, a white dragon styled after Japanese myths plays a pivotal role in her journey and character development.
For more like this, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Although not the main focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is too iconic to ignore. Falkor's role in aiding Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) to save Fantasia from The Nothing, despite his limited screen time, is crucial to the story. Falkor remains one of the most memorable elements of this beloved film.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A remake of the 1977 film, Pete's Dragon is a heartwarming story of a boy named Elliott (Oakes Fegley) who, after being orphaned in a forest, befriends a camouflaged dragon he names Pete. The film, blending elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, uses these familiar tropes effectively to craft a touching narrative.
Eragon (2006)
Adapted from the popular young adult book series, Eragon is the first movie on our list primarily focused on dragons. The story follows a young farm boy, Eragon (Ed Speleers), who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on a journey of good versus evil with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers exciting dragon action, it's often suggested to watch it before reading the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Despite its dated visual effects and average acting, Dragonslayer holds a special place as a classic fantasy adventure for dragon movie enthusiasts. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must complete his master's mission to free a kingdom from a dragon's terror. Its bold and creative choices make it a standout despite its age.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions must infiltrate the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique for having the dragon's name in the title, Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed, cleverness, and territoriality.
For more on this series, see our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire brings the dragon movie concept into a modern setting with thrilling action. After a dragon is accidentally awakened in a deep mine in 2020 England, humanity faces a new era of survival. With a strong cast and innovative concept, it's a standout action-packed dragon movie.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart is a heartwarming yet cheesy tale of a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who forms an unlikely alliance with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. Their buddy-cop dynamic adds humor and charm to this otherwise typical 90s fantasy film.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
An enchanting and heartwarming tale, How to Train Your Dragon combines coming-of-age with fantasy brilliantly. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative friendship that challenges the Viking community's dragon-hunting ways. This film not only excels as a dragon movie but also stands as a top-tier animated feature.
We're eagerly anticipating the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, which might even surpass 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 magnificent creatures. 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.
