Dragons captivate our imaginations as universal symbols in mythology and fantasy across countless cultures. While each culture's dragon may differ, these creatures are generally recognized as large, serpent-like beings known for their destructive power and profound wisdom. Their presence in folklore has inspired numerous adaptations in games, shows, plays, and movies.
When you think of a "Dragon Movie," you likely envision a film centered around these mythical creatures. However, despite their popularity, there aren't as many dragon-focused movies as one might expect. Therefore, some entries on our list feature dragons prominently, but the stories may not be exclusively about them.
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)
Image credit: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Robert Stromberg | Writer: Linda Woolverton | Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley | Release Date: | Review: IGN's Maleficent review | Where to watch: Stream on TBS, TNT, and tru TV, rentable on Amazon and other platforms
Kicking off our list is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In Maleficent, the titular character, played by Angelina Jolie, seeks revenge by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. While Maleficent herself doesn't transform into a dragon, she uses her magic to transform Diaval into a dragon near the film's end, adding a unique twist to the narrative.
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 tale from Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away showcases a dragon in a cameo role. As Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a mystical world to save her parents, a white dragon, inspired by Japanese folklore, plays a crucial part in her journey, enriching the plot and her character development.
For more from Studio Ghibli, check out 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 the main focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' in The NeverEnding Story is an unforgettable character. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. His limited screen time doesn't diminish his impact, making him one of the most beloved 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 8, 2016 | Review: IGN's Pete's Dragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms
This heartwarming remake of the 1977 original tells the story of Elliott, a young boy orphaned in a forest who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete. The film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, crafting a touching narrative about friendship and discovery.
Eragon (2006)
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Director: Stefan Fangmeier | Writer: Peter Buchman | Stars: Jeremy Irons, Robert Carlyle, Ed Speleers | Release Date: December 16, 2006 | Review: IGN's Eragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms
Adapted from the popular young adult book series, Eragon centers on a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg, launching him into a battle between good and evil. With his dragon companion, Saphira, Eragon (Ed Speleers) fights to protect his homeland. While the film offers plenty of dragon action, it's recommended to watch before reading the books for the best experience.
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 is a classic fantasy adventure. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) takes on his master's quest to slay a dragon terrorizing a kingdom. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its spot for its bold and creative storytelling.
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
In this second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions venture into the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique for featuring the dragon's name in the title, Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed, cunning, and territoriality.
For a complete viewing experience, see 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
Set in a modern-day dystopia, Reign of Fire offers an action-packed dragon movie experience. After a dragon is unearthed in 2020 England, it begins a reign of destruction. With a stellar cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film's original concept and solid effects make it a standout.
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 delivers a heartfelt, albeit cheesy, tale of a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who allies with the last dragon, voiced by Sean Connery, to defeat an evil king. This dragon is more refined and causes damage only out of necessity. The film's charm lies in the 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 21, 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 endlessly charming How to Train Your Dragon. This animated gem follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), who befriends a rare dragon and challenges the Viking tradition of dragon hunting. Packed with diverse dragon species and rich lore, it's not only a stellar dragon movie but a top-tier animated film.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set for release in June, may also make it onto this list.
These are our picks for the best dragon movies of all time. Dragons are fascinating creatures in all their varied forms, and we'd love to hear about your favorite dragon films in the comments. If you're eager for more genre-specific films, explore our guides on the best shark movies or how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
