Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

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.

Top Dragon Movies of All Time

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10. Maleficent (2014)

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

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.

9. Spirited Away (2001)

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 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.

8. The NeverEnding Story (1984)

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

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.

7. Pete’s Dragon (2016)

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

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.

6. Eragon (2006)

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

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.

5. Dragonslayer (1981)

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, 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.

4. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

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 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.

3. Reign of Fire (2002)

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 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.

2. Dragonheart (1996)

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 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.

1. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

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

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.

What's the best dragon movie of all time? -----------------------------------------

How to Train Your DragonDragonheartEragonMaleficentSpirited AwayThe NeverEnding StoryPete's Dragon (2016)DragonslayerThe Hobbit: The Desolation of SmaugReign of FireSomething else (let us know in the comments!)

AnswerSee Results

And 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.