Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Each culture has its own interpretation, but a common thread exists: dragons are often portrayed as large, serpent-like creatures known for their power, destruction, and sometimes profound wisdom. These mythical beings have been adapted into various forms of media including games, shows, plays, and movies.
When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," they typically expect a film centered around dragons. However, despite their popularity, there are fewer dragon movies than one might assume. As a result, some of the films on our list feature dragons but are not exclusively about them.
Below, discover 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 Pictures
Director: 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 not entirely about dragons, Maleficent is Disney’s reimagining of the iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In the story, Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) is cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as an act of revenge. Unlike the original, Maleficent doesn’t transform into a dragon herself but uses her magic to transform Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the film's climax.
Spirited Away (2001)
Image credit: Studio Ghibli
Director: 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 Spirited Away, a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, dragons play a more cameo role but are significant to the plot. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a magical journey to save her parents, transformed into pigs, navigating a world filled with spirits and mythical creatures. The white dragon, styled after Japanese folklore, becomes crucial to Chihiro’s development and the narrative.
For more enchanting films, 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 unforgettable character. Falkor's role is to bring luck and aid Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite limited screen time, Falkor is a beloved aspect of the film, significantly impacting Atreyu's journey.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Image credit: Walt Disney Studios
Director: David Lowery | Writer: David Lowery, Toby Halbrooks | Stars: Oakes Fegley, Bryce Dallas Howard, Wes Bentley | Release Date: August 12, 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 tale of a boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) who, after losing his parents in a forest accident, befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott. The film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching story of friendship and discovery.
Eragon (2006)
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: Stefan Fangmeier | Writer: Peter Buchman | Stars: Jeremy Irons, Robert Carlyle, Ed Speleers | Release Date: December 15, 2006 | Review: IGN's Eragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms
Based on the popular young adult novel series, Eragon is centered around dragons. The story follows a farm boy, Eragon (Ed Speleers), who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic journey to protect his land with the help of his dragon, Saphira. While the film is action-packed with multiple dragons, it's recommended to watch the movie before reading the books for a fresh experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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 is a classic fantasy adventure. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must slay a dragon to save a kingdom after his master's death. The film's creative choices and bold storytelling make it a must-watch for dragon enthusiasts.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: 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 the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions journey to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely features the dragon's name in its title, showcasing Smaug as a cunning, greedy, and territorial creature true to dragon lore.
For a comprehensive viewing experience, see our guide on watching the Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Image credit: Buena Vista Pictures
Director: 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 is a thrilling action movie set in a modern world dominated by dragons. After a dragon is awakened from a deep mine in 2020 England, humanity faces a new era of survival. The film boasts strong performances and innovative effects, making it a standout dragon movie.
Dragonheart (1996)
Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: 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 is a heartwarming and somewhat cheesy 90s film about a knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who forms an unlikely alliance with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. Their unique friendship and buddy-cop dynamic bring humor and charm to the movie, elevating it beyond typical dragon fare.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois | Writer: Will Davies, Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois | Stars: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson | Release Date: March 26, 2010 | Review: IGN's How to Train Your Dragon review | Where to watch: Stream on Max, rent on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms
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 journey that challenges the Viking tradition of dragon hunting. The film is rich with various dragon species and lore, making it not only the best dragon movie on our list but also a top-tier animated film.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon to be a strong contender for this list upon its June release.
And that's our selection of the top 10 dragon movies of all time! Dragons captivate us in many forms, and we believe they are truly magnificent creatures. If we've missed your favorite dragon movie, please share it 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.
