Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy, captivating audiences across many cultures. Each culture has its unique interpretation, yet there's a common understanding that dragons are large, serpent-like creatures, often associated with destruction, power, and profound wisdom. Their presence in folklore has 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 these mythical creatures. Despite their popularity in culture, there are surprisingly fewer dragon-focused movies than one might anticipate. Some films on our list include dragons but may not be exclusively about them.
Now, let's explore our curated 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 homage to the iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The narrative follows Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as retribution for past grievances. A notable deviation from the original is that Maleficent herself does not transform into a dragon. Instead, she magically alters her servant Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie's climax.
Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away, another entry where dragons play a supporting role, is a magical journey into Japanese mythology crafted by Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase in English and Rumi Hiiragi in Japanese) as she navigates a spirit world to rescue her parents from a curse. While the dragon in this film, inspired by Japanese folklore, isn't the main focus, it plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's development.
For more enchanting films, explore our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
While not centered on dragons, The NeverEnding Story features the iconic Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon.' Falkor's role is pivotal in aiding Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) on his quest to save Fantasia from the destructive force known as The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor remains a beloved and integral part of the film's narrative.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A touching remake of the 1977 original, Pete’s Dragon tells the heartwarming 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, crafting a derivative yet effective narrative.
Eragon (2006)
Adapted from the acclaimed young adult book series, Eragon is the first film on our list primarily focused on dragons. The story follows a young farm boy named Eragon (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, setting him on a path to battle evil with the help of his dragon, Saphira. While the film offers exciting dragon-centric action, it is recommended to watch the movie before reading the books.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer remains a classic fantasy adventure. The film follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon to liberate a kingdom after his master's demise. As the oldest movie on our list, it earns its place for its bold and creative approach to fantasy storytelling.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
The second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, The Desolation of Smaug, expands Tolkien's Middle Earth with a thrilling adventure. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions journey to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film stands out as it uniquely features the dragon's name in the title, showcasing Smaug's embodiment of typical dragon traits: greed, cunning, curiosity, and territoriality.
For a comprehensive viewing experience, check out our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire is likely the most action-packed movie on our list, setting dragon mythology in a modern context. A dragon awakens in 2020 England, ushering in a new era of human-dragon conflict. With a stellar cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers an original concept and fitting effects for its time.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart is a heartfelt yet corny film that transforms a typical 90s fantasy into a memorable dragon movie. The story centers on Bowen (Dennis Quaid), a dragonslayer who allies with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. Their unique partnership adds a humorous, buddy-cop dynamic to the narrative.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and heartwarming tale that skillfully blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. The story follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a young Viking who befriends a rare dragon, sparking a friendship that challenges the dragon-hunting traditions of his people. As the best dragon movie on our list, it is rich with diverse dragon species and lore. This film stands out not only as a dragon movie but as a top-tier animated feature.
We anticipate that the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also earn a spot on this list, potentially even surpassing the animated version.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd there you have it—our top 10 picks for the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons, in their various forms, are universally admired for their mystique and power. If your favorite dragon film didn't make the list, share it with us in the comments.
For more themed movie lists, check out our guide to the best shark movies or our guide on how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
