Dragons are iconic figures in mythology and fantasy, universally recognized as large, serpent-like creatures symbolizing destruction, power, and wisdom. Despite their widespread popularity, movies centered around dragons are surprisingly rare. Consequently, some of the films on our list feature dragons but aren't solely focused on them. Dive into our curated selection of the best dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
11 Images
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 tru TV, rentable on Amazon and other platforms
Kicking off our list, Maleficent is a reimagined take on Disney’s classic Sleeping Beauty villain. While not primarily a dragon movie, it features a dragon transformation. The story follows Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as she seeks revenge, using her magic to transform Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the film's climax.
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 Spirited Away, dragons play a secondary yet crucial role in this enchanting tale by Hayao Miyazaki. As Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a world filled with spirits and mythical beings, a white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore becomes pivotal to her journey and personal growth.
For more cinematic magic, 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 the star of the show, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' is a beloved character in The NeverEnding Story. His role in aiding Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) on his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing is indispensable, making Falkor one of the most memorable aspects of this classic 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
The heartwarming Pete’s Dragon is a remake that follows young Elliott (Oakes Fegley) who, after losing his parents, befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete. This touching tale blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a delightful narrative that resonates 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 16, 2006 | Review: IGN's Eragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms
Eragon is the first film on our list primarily focused on dragons. Based on the popular book series, it follows a young farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic journey with his dragon, Saphira, to defend his homeland against evil forces.
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, Dragonslayer remains a cherished fantasy adventure. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) takes up his master's quest to slay a dragon terrorizing a kingdom, offering a classic tale that dragon movie enthusiasts should not miss.
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 thrilling chapter of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions venture to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely features a dragon's name in its title, highlighting Smaug's cunning and territorial nature.
Discover the best way to watch the Lord of the Rings movies in order with our guide.
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 modern action-packed dragon movie. After a dragon emerges from a mine in 2020 England, humanity faces a new era of survival. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, this film delivers gripping action and memorable dragon encounters.
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 blend of heartfelt storytelling and humor, featuring a dragonslaying knight (Dennis Quaid) who teams up with the last dragon (voiced by Sean Connery). Their unlikely partnership to defeat an evil king provides a unique take on dragon lore with a charming buddy dynamic.
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, How to Train Your Dragon is a captivating animated film about a young Viking, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), who forms an unlikely bond with a rare dragon. This coming-of-age story not only showcases a variety of dragons but also delivers a powerful narrative on friendship and change.
Anticipation is high for the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June. It may well secure a spot on this list.
And that's our selection of the top 10 dragon movies of all time! Dragons are fascinating creatures, and while our list may not include your personal favorite, we invite you to share your picks in the comments.
For more movie recommendations, check out our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
