Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Although each culture has its unique interpretation of a dragon, there's a common understanding that dragons are large, serpent-like creatures often associated with destruction, power, and profound wisdom. These legendary beings have inspired numerous adaptations in games, shows, plays, and movies.
When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film that focuses on a dragon or multiple dragons. However, despite the popularity of dragons in our culture, there are surprisingly fewer dragon-centric movies than one might assume. Therefore, some films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively about them.
Now, let's dive into our curated list of the top dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
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Maleficent (2014)
Kicking off our list with a movie that features dragons in a less prominent role, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The story follows princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) who is cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as revenge for past betrayals. A notable difference from the original is that Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon; instead, she uses her magic to transform Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon at the film's climax.
Spirited Away (2001)
In this enchanting tale from Hayao Miyazaki, a dragon plays a cameo but becomes crucial to the plot. Spirited Away follows Chihiro (Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) as she navigates a mystical land to save her parents from being permanently transformed into pigs. The white dragon, styled after Japanese folklore, plays a pivotal role in Chihiro's journey and character development.
For more similar films, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
While not centered around dragons, The NeverEnding Story features the unforgettable Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon.' Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Though his screen time is limited, Falkor's role is vital to the story, and he remains one of the most iconic elements of the film.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
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. The film blends elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that works well within its own right.
Eragon (2006)
Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon is the first film on our list that primarily focuses 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 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)
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure that any dragon movie enthusiast should watch. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must complete his master's mission to free a kingdom from a dragon. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its place for its bold and creative storytelling.
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 stands out as the only one on our list with the dragon's name in the 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 is likely the best action movie on our list, set in a modern world where a dragon emerges from a deep mine in England and begins a reign of terror. With a talented cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers an original concept and impressive effects for its time, making it a standout dragon movie.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart is a heartfelt, if somewhat corny, film featuring a talented cast that elevates it beyond typical 90s fare. The story follows a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat an evil king. The film's unique take on dragon lore and the charming chemistry between Bowen and Draco make it a memorable entry on our list.
How to Train your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and heartwarming tale that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. The story follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a young Viking who befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative friendship that challenges his community's dragon-hunting traditions. As the top dragon movie on our list, it offers a rich variety of dragon types and lore, making it not only a great dragon movie but a great film overall.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon to potentially join or even surpass the animated version on this list when it releases in June.
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.If you're looking for more movies like this, take a look at our guide to the best shark movies or dive into how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
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