Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Although each culture has its own version of a dragon, there's a shared understanding that dragons are typically large, serpent-like creatures known for their power, destruction, and often, great wisdom. These mythical beings have been adapted into various forms of media, including games, shows, plays, and movies.
When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film centered around one or more dragons. Despite their popularity in culture, there aren't as many dragon movies as one might expect. Therefore, some of the films on our list include dragons but may not be exclusively about them.
Continue reading to discover our selection of the top dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
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Maleficent (2014)
Starting our list is Maleficent, Disney's reimagining of the villain from the classic 1959 film Sleeping Beauty. In this version, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. A unique twist in this film 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 end of the movie.
Spirited Away (2001)
Next on our list, Spirited Away features a dragon in a more cameo role. This enchanting tale from Hayao Miyazaki explores various Japanese myths. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) must navigate a mystical world to save her parents from being turned into pigs permanently. The white dragon, inspired by Japanese folklore, plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's journey.
For more like this, see our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Although not the central character, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is too iconic to overlook. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor is a beloved and memorable part of the film.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A remake of the 1977 original, Pete’s Dragon is a heartwarming story of a boy and his dragon friend. After being orphaned in a forest, young Elliott (Oakes Fegley) befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete. The film combines elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching and effective narrative.
Eragon (2006)
Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon is predominantly about dragons. A young farm boy discovers a dragon egg, leading to an epic journey to defend his homeland, Alagaesia, with his dragon, Saphira. While the film offers plenty of dragon action, it's recommended to watch it before reading the books.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) must slay a dragon to save a kingdom after his master's untimely death. Its creative choices make it a must-watch for dragon movie fans.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his group of Dwarves journey to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely features the dragon's name in the title, and Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed and territoriality.
See our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire brings dragon movies into a modern setting with thrilling action. A dragon awakens in 2020 England, sparking a new era of survival. With strong performances from Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, this film stands out for its original concept and impressive effects.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart offers a heartfelt, albeit cheesy, story of a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who teams up with the last dragon, voiced by Sean Connery, to defeat an evil king. Their unique bond and humorous dynamic make this film a charming addition to the dragon movie genre.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Topping our list, How to Train Your Dragon is a delightful and clever 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 traditions. This film is not only a top dragon movie but also a standout in animated cinema.
We anticipate that the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also make this list, possibly 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.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.
