Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy, captivating audiences across various cultures. Each culture has its unique interpretation of dragons, yet there's a common understanding that these creatures are large, serpent-like beings known for their power, often associated with destruction, and sometimes revered for their wisdom. Dragons have been adapted into numerous forms of media, including games, shows, plays, and movies, enriching our cultural landscape.
When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film centered around these mythical creatures. Despite their popularity, there are fewer dragon-centric movies than one might expect. Therefore, our list includes films that feature dragons prominently, even if they aren't exclusively about them.
Explore our curated selection of the best dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
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Maleficent (2014)
Image credit: Walt Disney PicturesDirector: Robert Stromberg | Writer: Linda Woolverton | Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley | Release Date: May 30, 2014 | Review: IGN's Maleficent review | Where to watch: Stream on TBS, TNT, and tru TV, rentable on Amazon and other platforms
Kicking off our list with a film that's less about dragons but still features them, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. A notable twist is that 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)
Image credit: Studio GhibliDirector: Hayao Miyazaki | Writer: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: JP: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki; Eng: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Jason Marsden | Release Date: July 20, 2001 | Review: IGN's Spirited Away review | Where to watch: Max, or rentable on other platforms
In this enchanting film from Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away features a dragon as a cameo but plays a crucial role in the plot. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a mystical world to save her parents, encountering a white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore that significantly impacts her journey.
For more magical tales, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Image credit: Warner Bros.Director: Wolfgang Petersen | Writer: Wolfgang Petersen, Herman Weigel | Stars: Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach | Release Date: April 6, 1984 | Review: IGN's The NeverEnding Story review | Where to watch: Rentable on most platforms
Though not the central focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is an iconic dragon that deserves mention. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing, becoming one of the most memorable elements of the film despite limited screen time.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Image credit: Walt Disney StudiosDirector: David Lowery | Writer: David Lowery, Toby Halbrooks | Stars: Oakes Fegley, Bryce Dallas Howard, Wes Bentley | Release Date: August 8, 2016 | Review: IGN's Pete's Dragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms
A heartwarming remake of the 1977 original, Pete's Dragon tells the story of Elliott (Oakes Fegley), an orphaned boy who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete. This film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that resonates well with audiences.
Eragon (2006)
Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: Stefan Fangmeier | Writer: Peter Buchman | Stars: Jeremy Irons, Robert Carlyle, Ed Speleers | Release Date: December 16, 2006 | Review: IGN's Eragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms
Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon is the first film on our list that primarily focuses on dragons. A young farm boy discovers a dragon egg, leading to an epic journey of good versus evil with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers exciting dragon action, it's recommended to watch it before reading the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Matthew Robbins | Writer: Hal Barwood, Matthew Robbins | Stars: Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, Ralph Richardson | Release Date: June 26, 1981 | Where to watch: Kanopy, Hoopla, Paramount+ Apple TV, or rentable on other platforms
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer remains a classic fantasy adventure. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) must slay a dragon to save a kingdom, showcasing bold and creative storytelling that holds up well for its time.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: Peter Jackson | Writer: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage | Release Date: December 13, 2013 | Review: IGN's The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug review | Where to Watch: Max, or rentable on other platforms
In this thrilling continuation of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions venture into the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely features the dragon's name in its title, embodying the classic 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)
Image credit: Buena Vista PicturesDirector: Rob Bowman | Writer: Gregg Chabot, Kevin Peterka, Matt Greenberg | Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Christian Bale, Izabella Scorupco | Release Date: July 12, 2002 | Review: IGN's Reign of Fire review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon or other platforms
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, this film offers an original concept and impressive effects for its time.
Dragonheart (1996)
Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: Rob Cohen | Writer: Charles Edward Pogue, Patrick Read Johnson | Stars: Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery, David Thewlis | Release Date: May 31, 1996 | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and other platforms
Dragonheart offers a heartfelt, if somewhat cheesy, take on the dragon genre. A dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat an evil king. Their unique bond and humorous interactions add charm to this classic tale.
How to Train your Dragon (2010)
Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois | Writer: Will Davies, Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois | Stars: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson | Release Date: March 21, 2010 | Review: IGN's How to Train Your Dragon review | Where to watch: Stream on Max, rent on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms
Topping our list, How to Train Your Dragon is a delightful 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 community's dragon-hunting traditions. This film not only excels as a dragon movie but also stands out 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 also earn a spot on this list.
And that's our selection of the top 10 dragon movies of all time! Dragons, in their many forms, continue to captivate and inspire. If we've missed your favorite dragon film, let us know in the comments.
For more themed movie lists, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
