Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Each culture has its own 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.
Read on to discover 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 focused on dragons, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this version, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. Unlike the original, 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 this enchanting tale from Hayao Miyazaki, dragons play a cameo role. Spirited Away follows Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) as she navigates a magical 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 main focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is an iconic dragon. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite limited screen time, Falkor's role is essential to the story and remains one of the film's most memorable elements.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A remake of the 1977 original, 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 and embarks on a journey to defend his homeland with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers plenty of dragon action, it's recommended to watch it before reading the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must slay a dragon to free a kingdom after his master's death. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its place for its bold and creative storytelling.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In this second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions journey to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique for featuring the dragon's name in the title, 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 stands out as an action-packed dragon movie set in modern-day England. After a dragon is accidentally awakened in a mine, it begins a reign of terror. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers an original concept and impressive effects for its time.
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, Draco, is portrayed as sophisticated and patient, adding depth to the story and creating a charming buddy-cop dynamic with Bowen.
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. It follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), who befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative friendship that challenges the Viking dragon-hunting culture. As the top dragon movie on our list, it features a variety of dragons and rich lore, making it a standout film in the genre.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also make this list, possibly 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 fascinating creatures. If we've missed your favorite dragon movie, 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.
