Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across numerous cultures. Though each culture has its own unique depiction of dragons, there is a general consensus that they are large, serpent-like creatures often associated with destruction, power, and 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," it typically implies a film that revolves around a dragon or multiple dragons. Despite their popularity in popular culture, there are fewer dragon-centric movies than one might expect. Consequently, some films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively focused on them.
Now, let's explore our selection 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 isn't primarily about dragons, Maleficent is Disney’s reimagining of the iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this story, Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) falls victim to Maleficent's (Angelina Jolie) curse as revenge for past betrayals. Although Maleficent herself never transforms into a dragon, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the end of the film.
Spirited Away (2001)
Another film where dragons play a secondary role is Spirited Away, a magical tale from Hayao Miyazaki that delves into various Japanese myths. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a quest to save her parents, who have been turned into pigs, navigating a fantastical world filled with spirits and mystical creatures. While the white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore is not the central focus, it becomes crucial to the plot and Chihiro's journey.
For more enchanting films, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Although The NeverEnding Story isn't centered around dragons, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' is a unique and memorable character. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his mission to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor is an essential part of the story and one of the most iconic aspects of the film.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A remake of the 1977 original, Pete’s Dragon tells the heartwarming story of a boy and his dragon friend. After becoming orphaned in a forest following a car crash, Elliott (Oakes Fegley) befriends a camouflaged dragon he names Pete. The film blends elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that resonates well with audiences.
Eragon (2006)
Adapted from the popular young adult book series, Eragon is one of the few films on this list that primarily focuses on dragons. The story follows a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg, leading to an epic journey to defend his homeland of Alagaesia with the help of his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers plenty of dragon action, it's recommended to watch the movie before reading the books for the best experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Despite its dated visual effects and average acting, Dragonslayer remains a classic fantasy adventure. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must fulfill his master's mission to free a kingdom from a dragon after his mentor's untimely death. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its place for its bold and creative choices that hold up surprisingly well.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, The Desolation of Smaug takes viewers back to Tolkien's Middle Earth. Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his group of Dwarves continue their quest to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique among our list, this film includes the dragon's name in its title, and Smaug embodies the quintessential dragon traits of greed, cleverness, curiosity, and territoriality.
For more on the series, see our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire is perhaps the best action-packed dragon movie on our list, set in a modern-day post-apocalyptic world. The story begins when a dragon is accidentally unearthed in a deep mine in 2020 England, leading to a new era where humans are prey. With strong performances from Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Izabella Scorupco, and Gerard Butler, the film offers a thrilling and original take on the dragon genre.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart is a heartfelt, albeit somewhat cheesy, film that exceeds expectations. It follows Bowen (Dennis Quaid), a knight who teams up with the last dragon, voiced by Sean Connery, to overthrow an evil king. This dragon is notably more sophisticated and patient than others, causing damage only by accident or in self-defense. The chemistry between Bowen and his dragon companion, Draco, adds a charming buddy-cop dynamic to the film.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and heartwarming animated film that blends coming-of-age with fantasy brilliantly. The story follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a young Viking who befriends a rare dragon, leading to an unexpected alliance that could change his community's dragon-hunting ways. As the top dragon movie on our list, it features a variety of dragons and deepens the lore surrounding them. Beyond its dragon-centric appeal, it stands as a great film overall, contributing to the pantheon of exceptional animated movies.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon might also make this list when it releases in June—perhaps even surpassing the animated original.
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 movie recommendations, explore our guide to the best shark movies or how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
