Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Made

Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy, transcending cultural boundaries. While each culture has its unique depiction, dragons are universally recognized as large, serpent-like creatures often associated with destruction, power, and profound wisdom. These mythical beings have 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 dragons. Despite their popularity, true dragon-centric movies are fewer than one might anticipate. Therefore, our list includes films where dragons play a significant role, even if they are not the sole focus.

Here's our curated selection of the best dragon movies of all time:

Top Dragon Movies of All Time

11 Images10. Maleficent (2014)

Image credit: Walt Disney PicturesDirector: 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 is Maleficent, Disney's reimagining of the villain from the classic 1959 Sleeping Beauty. The narrative follows Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), who is cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as revenge for past betrayals. A notable departure from the original is that Maleficent herself does not transform into a dragon; instead, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie's climax.

9. Spirited Away (2001)

Image credit: Studio GhibliDirector: 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 from Hayao Miyazaki, dragons appear as a cameo amidst a rich tapestry of Japanese folklore. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase in English and Rumi Hiiragi in Japanese) embarks on a magical journey to save her parents from a curse that turns them into pigs. The white dragon, though not the central character, plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's personal growth.

For more enchanting films, explore our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.

8. 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 a dragon-centric film, The NeverEnding Story features Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon,' a beloved character who aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor is indispensable to the story and remains one of the most iconic elements of the film.

7. Pete’s Dragon (2016)

Image credit: Walt Disney StudiosDirector: 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 original, tells the heartwarming story of a boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) who, after being orphaned in a forest, befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott. The film blends elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, crafting a touching narrative that resonates with audiences.

6. Eragon (2006)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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, based on the popular young adult novel, is one of the few films on this list predominantly about dragons. The story follows a young farm boy, Eragon (Ed Speleers), who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic journey to protect his homeland with the help of his dragon, Saphira. While the movie offers thrilling dragon action, it is recommended to watch it without prior knowledge of the books for a better experience.

5. Dragonslayer (1981)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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

Dragonslayer, though somewhat dated in its visual effects and acting, remains a cherished fantasy adventure for dragon enthusiasts. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon to free a kingdom. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its place with its creative storytelling and bold cinematic choices.

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

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: 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 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the second part of the trilogy, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his group of Dwarves venture into the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique to our list, this film prominently features Smaug, whose name is even in the title, embodying all the classic traits of a dragon: greed, intelligence, curiosity, and territoriality.

For a complete viewing experience, check out our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.

3. Reign of Fire (2002)

Image credit: Buena Vista PicturesDirector: 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 thrilling action movie set in a modern world ravaged by dragons. After a dragon is accidentally awakened in a deep mine in 2020 England, humanity faces a new era of survival against these formidable creatures. With strong performances from Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Izabella Scorupco, and Gerard Butler, the film's concept and effects make it a standout dragon movie.

2. Dragonheart (1996)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 heartfelt, albeit somewhat cheesy, tale of a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who forms an unlikely alliance with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. This dragon is portrayed as sophisticated and patient, causing harm only when necessary. The bond between Bowen and Draco adds a charming buddy-cop dynamic to the film.

1. How to Train your Dragon (2010)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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 tops our list as a delightful and inventive animated film that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), an aspiring dragonslayer, forms an unexpected friendship with a rare dragon, leading to a transformation in the Viking community's relationship with dragons. This film not only excels as a dragon movie but stands as a testament to quality animation and storytelling.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, may also earn a spot on this list, potentially even surpassing its animated predecessor.

And that's our selection of the top 10 dragon movies of all time! Dragons, in their many forms, captivate us with their mythical allure. If your favorite dragon movie didn't make the cut, share it with us in the comments.

For more cinematic adventures, explore our guides on the best shark movies or how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.