Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across various cultures. Though each culture has its unique interpretation, there's a common understanding that dragons are large, serpent-like creatures typically associated with destruction, power, and often profound wisdom. These mythical beings have been adapted into numerous games, shows, plays, and movies, captivating audiences worldwide.
When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film centered around dragons. Despite their popularity in culture, there aren't as many dragon-focused movies as one might assume. Therefore, some entries on our list feature dragons prominently 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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10. Maleficent (2014)
Kicking off our list with a film where dragons play a lesser role, Maleficent is Disney’s reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this version, Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) is cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as revenge for past betrayals. Interestingly, Maleficent herself does not transform into a dragon; instead, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie's end.
Spirited Away (2001)
In this film, a dragon makes a brief but impactful appearance. Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a magical journey through Japanese folklore. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) must navigate a world of spirits and mystical creatures to save her parents from their pig transformation. The white dragon, inspired by Japanese mythology, plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's development.
For more enchanting films, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
While not the central character, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is an unforgettable presence. Falkor, whose main role is to bring luck, aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor is pivotal to the story and remains one of the movie's most beloved elements.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A remake of the 1977 classic, Pete’s Dragon tells the heartwarming story of a boy and his dragon friend. After becoming orphaned in a forest, Pete (Oakes Fegley) befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott. The film blends elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, delivering a touching narrative that resonates well with audiences.
Eragon (2006)
Adapted from the acclaimed young adult book series, Eragon focuses heavily on dragons. The story follows a young farm boy, Eragon (Ed Speleers), who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on a journey to defend his homeland with the help of his dragon, Saphira. While the film is exciting with multiple dragons, it's recommended to watch it before reading the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Though its dated visual effects and acting may seem corny, Dragonslayer remains a classic fantasy adventure. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon terrorizing a kingdom. As the oldest entry on our list, its bold and creative choices make it a standout dragon movie.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
The second installment in The Hobbit trilogy, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, expands on Tolkien's Middle Earth. Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions venture into the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely includes the dragon's name in its title, and Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed, cleverness, and territoriality.
For more on Tolkien's universe, 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 times. A dragon discovered in a deep mine in 2020 England unleashes chaos, turning humans into prey. With strong performances from Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, and others, this film offers a fresh take on the dragon genre.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart offers a heartfelt, albeit cheesy, take on the dragon narrative. A dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), teams up with the last dragon, voiced by Sean Connery, to overthrow an evil king. The film's unique charm lies in the sophisticated and patient nature of the dragon, Draco, and the buddy-cop dynamic between him and Bowen.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Topping our list is the enchanting How to Train Your Dragon. This animated gem tells the story of Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a young Viking who befriends a rare dragon, altering his community's dragon-hunting ways. With a rich array of dragon species and lore, this film stands out not just as a dragon movie but as a top-tier animated feature.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might even challenge the animated original's spot on our list.
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 movies, check out our guide to the best shark movies or explore how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
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