Dragons, with their rich symbolism and diverse representations across cultures, are a staple in mythology and fantasy. These mythical creatures are often depicted as large, serpent-like beings known for their destructive power and profound wisdom. Despite their widespread appeal, movies featuring dragons are less common than one might expect. Our list includes films where dragons play a significant role, even if they are not always the central focus.
Read on to discover our top picks for the best dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
11 Images
Maleficent (2014)
Kicking off our list with a film that features dragons in a less prominent role, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the classic villain from Sleeping Beauty. In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge on the kingdom that betrayed her, leading to the curse on Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning). While Maleficent herself does not transform into a dragon, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon, which plays a crucial part in the film's climax.
Spirited Away (2001)
In Spirited Away, a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, dragons make a notable appearance amidst a tapestry of Japanese folklore. The story follows Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) as she navigates a magical world to save her parents. A white dragon, inspired by traditional Japanese myths, plays a pivotal role in her journey, adding depth to the narrative and her personal growth.
For more enchanting films, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Though not the central focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is an unforgettable character. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor's role is essential to the plot and remains one of the most iconic elements of the film.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Pete's Dragon is a heartwarming remake of the 1977 original, telling the 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 adventure and friendship, delivering a touching narrative that resonates with audiences.
Eragon (2006)
Adapted from the popular young adult novel, Eragon focuses heavily on dragons. The story follows a young farm boy, Eragon (Ed Speleers), who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on a journey to protect his homeland with his dragon, Saphira. While the film offers thrilling dragon action, it's recommended to watch it without prior knowledge of the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure that, despite its dated effects, holds a special place in dragon movie lore. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon to save a kingdom. Its bold storytelling and creative choices make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In this second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions venture into the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film stands out as it prominently features the dragon in its title and narrative, showcasing Smaug's cunning and territorial nature.
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 brings dragons into a modern setting with thrilling action. 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 offers a unique and engaging take on the dragon movie genre.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart is a heartfelt tale of an unlikely friendship between a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), and the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery). Their journey to defeat an evil king is filled with humor and warmth, making it a standout in the dragon movie category.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Topping our list, 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, Toothless, leading to a transformative journey that challenges the traditions of his Viking community. This film not only excels as a dragon movie but also as a universally appealing story.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also earn a spot on this list.
And 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 thrilling cinematic experiences, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
