Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy, revered in various cultures worldwide. Although each culture has its unique take on dragons, there is a general understanding that they are large, serpentine creatures often associated with destruction, power, and wisdom. This fascination has led to numerous adaptations in games, shows, plays, and movies.
When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film focused on dragons. However, despite their popularity, dragon-centered movies are fewer than one might expect. Some films on our list feature dragons but aren't exclusively about them.
Below, discover our curated list of the top dragon movies of all time.
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Maleficent, Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty, kicks off our list. In this film, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. While Maleficent herself does not transform into a dragon, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie's end.
In Spirited Away, a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, a dragon appears as a cameo yet plays a significant role in the plot. The story follows Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) as she navigates a mystical world to save her parents, who have been turned into pigs. The white dragon, rooted in Japanese folklore, is crucial to her journey.
For more enchanting films, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story introduces Falkor the 'Luck Dragon,' a unique dragon that aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite limited screen time, Falkor's role is indispensable, making him one of the film's most memorable aspects.
Pete's Dragon, a remake of the 1977 film, tells the heartwarming story of Elliott (Oakes Fegley), an orphaned boy who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete in the forest. This film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, crafting a touching narrative about friendship and belonging.
Based on the acclaimed young adult series, Eragon follows a farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, leading him to defend his homeland with his dragon, Saphira. While the film offers exciting dragon action, it's best enjoyed without prior knowledge of the books.
Despite its dated effects, Dragonslayer remains a cherished fantasy adventure. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon to free a kingdom. Its bold storytelling secures its place among classic dragon movies.
In this second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions confront the dragon Smaug to reclaim Erebor. This film stands out as the only one on our list with the dragon's name in the title, showcasing Smaug's greed and cunning.
Explore our guide on watching the Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire is an exhilarating modern take on dragon movies, set in a future where dragons dominate Earth. With strong performances from Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, it delivers thrilling action and innovative storytelling.
Dragonheart is a touching tale of a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), teaming up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat an evil king. Their unlikely friendship and humorous banter add charm to this heartfelt story.
How to Train Your Dragon is a delightful animated film that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. It follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), who befriends a rare dragon, challenging his Viking community's dragon-hunting traditions. This film stands out for its rich dragon lore and compelling storytelling, making it the top dragon movie on our list.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set for release in June, may also earn a spot on this list.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd that concludes our top 10 dragon movies of all time! Dragons are celebrated in many forms, and we appreciate their diverse portrayals. If we've missed your favorite dragon film, share it in the comments.
For more thrilling cinematic experiences, check out our guides to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
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