Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. While each culture has its own unique interpretation of a dragon, there's a general consensus that dragons are large, serpent-like creatures known for their power, often associated with destruction, and sometimes imbued with great wisdom. These mythical beings have inspired numerous adaptations across games, shows, plays, and movies.
When you think of a "Dragon Movie," you likely expect a film centered around a dragon or multiple dragons. Despite their popularity in our culture, true dragon-centric movies are rarer than you might expect. Therefore, some of the films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively focused on them.
Here are our picks for 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 movie that isn't entirely focused on dragons, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this tale, Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) is cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as an act of revenge. A notable twist from the original 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 film.
Spirited Away (2001)
In this enchanting film from Hayao Miyazaki, dragons play a cameo role in a story deeply rooted in Japanese mythology. Chihiro (Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a magical world to save her parents, who have been turned into pigs. Though the white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore isn't the central focus, it becomes crucial to the plot and the protagonist's journey.
Explore more films like this in our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
While not the main character, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' is an unforgettable part of The NeverEnding Story. Falkor, whose primary role is to bring luck, aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite limited screen time, Falkor's impact is significant and has made him one of the most memorable elements of the film.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A heartwarming remake of the 1977 original, Pete's Dragon tells the story of a boy, Pete (Oakes Fegley), who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott after becoming orphaned in a forest. The film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that, while derivative, effectively captures the magic of the original story.
Eragon (2006)
Based on the popular young adult novel series, Eragon is one of the few films on our list primarily focused 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 movie offers thrilling dragon action, it's generally recommended to watch it without prior knowledge of the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Despite its dated visual effects and average acting, Dragonslayer remains a beloved fantasy adventure. The film follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must slay a dragon terrorizing a kingdom after his master's untimely death. As the oldest entry on our list, Dragonslayer earns its spot 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 journey to the Lonely Mountain 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, curiosity, and territoriality.
Check out our guide on watching the Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire is a thrilling action movie set in a modern world where dragons have emerged as apex predators. After a dragon is accidentally awakened in a deep mine in 2020 England, humanity faces a new era of survival. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers an original concept and impressive effects for its time.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart is a heartfelt, if somewhat cheesy, film featuring a talented cast. 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. Unlike typical dragon tales, Draco is portrayed as sophisticated and patient, causing damage only by accident or necessity. The chemistry between Bowen and 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 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 features a variety of dragons and delves into their lore, making it not only a great dragon movie but a standout animated film overall.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon will also make this list when it releases in June, possibly even surpassing the animated version.
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, check out our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
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