Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Each culture has its unique interpretation of a dragon, yet there's a common understanding that dragons are large, serpent-like creatures known for their power, often associated with destruction, and sometimes revered for their 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 that revolves around dragons. Despite their popularity in our culture, there aren't as many dragon-centric movies as one might assume. Therefore, some films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively about them.
Let's dive into our curated list of 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 about dragons, 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. 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 Spirited Away, a film where dragons play a cameo role, Hayao Miyazaki weaves a magical tale rooted in Japanese mythology. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a quest to save her parents from being permanently turned into pigs. While the white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore isn't the main focus, it plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's journey.
For more enchanting films, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Though not centered around dragons, The NeverEnding Story features Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon,' who is too iconic to ignore. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor's role is pivotal, and he remains one of the most memorable elements of the film.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A remake of the 1977 film, 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, leading him on an epic journey to defend his homeland with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers plenty of dragon action, it's recommended to watch it without prior knowledge of the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure that dragon movie enthusiasts will appreciate. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must slay a dragon to save a kingdom after his master's death. Its bold and creative choices make it a standout in the genre.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions continue their quest to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely features the dragon's name in its title, and Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed, cleverness, and territoriality.
For a complete viewing experience, see our guide on watching the Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire stands out as an action-packed dragon movie set in a modern world. After a dragon is accidentally awakened in 2020 England, humanity faces a new era of survival. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film delivers thrilling action and impressive effects for its time.
Dragonheart (1996)
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. The film's unique buddy-cop dynamic between Bowen and Draco adds charm and humor to the narrative.
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. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative friendship that challenges the Viking dragon-hunting culture. 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 make its way onto this list, possibly even surpassing the original.
And that's our selection of the top 10 dragon movies of all time! Dragons captivate us in various forms, and we can all agree they are fascinating creatures. If we've missed your favorite dragon movie, please share it 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.
