Top 10 Dragon Movies: All-Time Favorites %v

Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. While each culture has its unique depiction of dragons, there's a general consensus that dragons are large, serpent-like creatures known for their power, destructive capabilities, and often profound wisdom. These mythical creatures have inspired countless adaptations in games, shows, plays, and movies, each adding its own twist to the dragon lore.

When you think of a "Dragon Movie," you might expect a film that revolves around dragons. Despite their popularity, there aren't as many dragon-centric films as one might anticipate. Therefore, some of the movies on our list feature dragons prominently but may not be exclusively about them.

Let's dive into our 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, or rent on Amazon and other platforms

Kicking off our list with a less dragon-focused movie, Maleficent is Disney's modern take on the iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this reimagined tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) puts princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep as an act of vengeance. Unlike the original, Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself; instead, she uses 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 rent on other platforms

In this enchanting film from Hayao Miyazaki, dragons play a cameo role within a rich tapestry of Japanese myths. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) must navigate a mystical world to save her parents, transformed into pigs. The white dragon, inspired by Japanese folklore, is crucial to the plot and Chihiro's journey.

For more magical tales, check out 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: Rent on most platforms

Though not the central character, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is too iconic to ignore. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite limited screen time, Falkor's role is pivotal, and his charm has made him one of the most memorable aspects of the 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 rent on other platforms

A heartfelt remake of the 1977 original, Pete's Dragon follows the story of a boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott after being orphaned in the forest. The film blends elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, crafting a touching 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 rent on other platforms

Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon is one of the few movies on this list primarily about dragons. A farm boy named Eragon (Ed Speleers) discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic journey with his dragon, Saphira, to protect his homeland. The film offers thrilling dragon action, though it's often recommended to avoid reading the books beforehand to prevent disappointment.

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 rent on other platforms

Despite dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer remains a beloved fantasy adventure. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) must slay a dragon terrorizing a kingdom after his master's death. Its bold and creative approach secures its place among classic dragon movies.

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 rent on other platforms

In this thrilling second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions journey to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique for having the dragon's name in the title, Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed, cleverness, and territoriality.

Explore our guide on watching the Lord of the Rings movies in order for more Middle Earth adventures.

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 an action-packed dragon movie set in modern-day England. A dragon awakens from a deep mine and begins a reign of terror. With a stellar cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, this film offers original concepts and fitting effects for its time.

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 heartfelt, if somewhat corny, story of a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. This film stands out with its sophisticated dragon character and the charming buddy-cop dynamic between Bowen and Draco.

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

How to Train Your Dragon is a heartwarming and clever animated film that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative journey that challenges the Viking tradition of dragonslaying. Rich with various dragon types and lore, this film tops our list as an exceptional dragon movie and a great film overall.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon will also make this list when it releases in June, potentially even surpassing the animated version.

And that's our top 10 picks for the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons captivate us in many forms, and we celebrate their mythical allure. If we missed your favorite dragon movie, let us know in the comments.

For more thrilling adventures, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.