Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy, captivating audiences across various cultures. While each culture's depiction of dragons may vary, they are commonly recognized as large, serpent-like creatures embodying power, destruction, and wisdom. These mythical beings have inspired numerous adaptations in games, shows, plays, and movies. However, despite the widespread fascination with dragons, truly dragon-centric films are fewer than one might expect. Our list includes films that feature dragons prominently, even if they are not the sole focus of the narrative.
Read on to discover our top picks for the best dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
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Maleficent (2014)
Image credit: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Robert Stromberg | Writer: Linda Woolverton | Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley | Release Date: May 30, 2014 | Review: IGN's Maleficent review | Where to watch: Stream on TBS, TNT, and truTV, rentable on Amazon and other platforms
Kicking off our list with a film that features dragons less prominently, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the classic 1959 film Sleeping Beauty. In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. A notable difference from the original is that Maleficent herself does not transform into a dragon; instead, she magically transforms Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie's end.
Spirited Away (2001)
Image credit: Studio Ghibli
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Writer: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: JP: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki; Eng: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Jason Marsden | Release Date: July 20, 2001 | Review: IGN's Spirited Away review | Where to watch: Max, or rentable on other platforms
In this enchanting film by Hayao Miyazaki, dragons make a notable cameo. Spirited Away follows Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) as she navigates a mystical realm to save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs. Although the white dragon, rooted in Japanese folklore, is not the central focus, it plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's journey.
For more enchanting films, explore our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Image credit: Warner Bros.
Director: Wolfgang Petersen | Writer: Wolfgang Petersen, Herman Weigel | Stars: Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach | Release Date: April 6, 1984 | Review: IGN's The NeverEnding Story review | Where to watch: Rentable on most platforms
Though not centered around dragons, The NeverEnding Story features the iconic Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon.' Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite limited screen time, Falkor's role is pivotal, and he remains one of the most memorable elements of the film.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Image credit: Walt Disney Studios
Director: David Lowery | Writer: David Lowery, Toby Halbrooks | Stars: Oakes Fegley, Bryce Dallas Howard, Wes Bentley | Release Date: August 12, 2016 | Review: IGN's Pete's Dragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms
A heartwarming remake of the 1977 original, Pete’s Dragon tells the story of a boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) who, after being orphaned in a forest, befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott. This film blends elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, delivering a touching narrative that resonates well with audiences.
Eragon (2006)
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: Stefan Fangmeier | Writer: Peter Buchman | Stars: Jeremy Irons, Robert Carlyle, Ed Speleers | Release Date: December 15, 2006 | Review: IGN's Eragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms
Based on the acclaimed 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, Eragon (Ed Speleers), who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on a journey to defend his homeland, Alagaesia, with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the movie offers exciting dragon action, fans are often advised to watch it before reading the books to avoid disappointment.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: Matthew Robbins | Writer: Hal Barwood, Matthew Robbins | Stars: Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, Ralph Richardson | Release Date: June 26, 1981 | Where to watch: Kanopy, Hoopla, Paramount+, Apple TV, or rentable on other platforms
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer remains a beloved classic in the fantasy genre. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with defeating a dragon that threatens a kingdom, after his master's untimely death. This film's bold storytelling earns it a spot on our list.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Peter Jackson | Writer: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage | Release Date: December 13, 2013 | Review: IGN's The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug review | Where to Watch: Max, or rentable on other platforms
The second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, The Desolation of Smaug, continues the epic journey in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions strive to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Unique to our list, this film bears the name of the dragon in its title, embodying the traditional dragon traits of greed, cunning, and territoriality.
For a complete viewing experience, check out our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Image credit: Buena Vista Pictures
Director: Rob Bowman | Writer: Gregg Chabot, Kevin Peterka, Matt Greenberg | Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Christian Bale, Izabella Scorupco | Release Date: July 12, 2002 | Review: IGN's Reign of Fire review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon or other platforms
Reign of Fire stands out as a thrilling action movie set in a modern world overrun by dragons. After a dragon awakens from a deep mine in 2020 England, it ushers in a new era of chaos. With a talented cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film delivers a fresh and gripping dragon narrative.
Dragonheart (1996)
Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: Rob Cohen | Writer: Charles Edward Pogue, Patrick Read Johnson | Stars: Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery, David Thewlis | Release Date: May 31, 1996 | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and other platforms
Dragonheart offers a heartfelt and somewhat cheesy tale of a knight named Bowen (Dennis Quaid) who forms an unlikely alliance with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. This film stands out for its sophisticated and patient dragon character, who causes damage only out of necessity or self-defense, and the charming buddy-cop dynamic between Bowen and Draco.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois | Writer: Will Davies, Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois | Stars: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson | Release Date: March 26, 2010 | Review: IGN's How to Train Your Dragon review | Where to watch: Stream on Max, rent on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms
Topping our list is the enchanting and heartwarming How to Train Your Dragon. This animated film follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a young Viking who befriends a rare dragon, Toothless, shifting the dynamics of his dragon-hunting community. Packed with various dragon species and rich lore, this film is not only a standout in dragon movies but also a top-tier animated feature.
Anticipation is high for the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, which may potentially join or even surpass its animated counterpart on this list.
Dragons come in many forms, yet they consistently captivate audiences with their mythical allure. If we've missed your favorite dragon film, feel free to share it in the comments. For more cinematic adventures, explore our guides on the best shark movies or how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
