Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Made

Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Though each culture has its own unique interpretation of dragons, there is a general understanding that they are large, serpent-like creatures often associated with destruction, power, and 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 that centers around one or more dragons. Despite their popularity in culture, there aren't as many dragon-focused movies as one might expect. Therefore, some films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively about them.

Below, we present our curated selection of the best 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: | Review: IGN's Maleficent review | Where to watch: Stream on TBS, TNT, and tru TV, rentable on Amazon and other platforms

Starting our list with a film that includes dragons in a less central role, Maleficent is Disney's modern take on the iconic villain from the 1959 classic, Sleeping Beauty. In this reimagining, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. Notably, Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself but uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon, towards the movie's climax.

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, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, dragons play a cameo role within a rich tapestry of Japanese folklore. The story follows Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi), who navigates a mystical realm to save her parents from being permanently transformed into pigs. A white dragon, inspired by traditional Japanese mythology, becomes crucial to the plot and Chihiro's development.

See our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies for more like this.

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

While not solely focused on dragons, The NeverEnding Story features Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon,' who plays a vital role in Atreyu's (Noah Hathaway) quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Falkor, despite limited screen time, is a beloved and iconic element of the film.

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 is a heartwarming tale of friendship between a young boy, Pete (Oakes Fegley), and his dragon companion, Elliott. After becoming an orphan in a forest, Pete befriends the camouflaged dragon, leading to a story that blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant.

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 popular young adult book series, Eragon centers around a young farm boy, Eragon (Ed Speleers), who discovers a dragon egg, leading to a battle of good versus evil. With the help of his dragon, Saphira, Eragon defends his homeland, making this film a prime example of a dragon-focused movie.

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 and acting, Dragonslayer remains a classic fantasy adventure. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon to save a kingdom, showcasing bold storytelling for its time.

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 the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions continue their quest to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely features the dragon's name in the title and presents Smaug as the quintessential dragon—greedy, clever, and territorial.

See our guide on watching 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 stands out as an action-packed dragon movie set in modern-day England. After a dragon is discovered and begins to devastate the world, humans must fight for survival. Featuring strong performances and innovative storytelling, this film offers a thrilling dragon experience.

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 offers a heartfelt, if somewhat cheesy, tale of a knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who forms an unlikely alliance with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat a tyrannical king. Their buddy-cop dynamic adds charm to this dragon adventure.

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

Topping our list, How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and inventive animated film. It follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), who befriends a rare dragon, Toothless, and challenges the Viking tradition of dragon hunting. Rich in dragon lore and types, this movie is a standout in the genre.

We anticipate that the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also earn a spot on this list, potentially even surpassing the animated original.

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 ResultsAnd that's our 10 picks of the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons come in many forms, but we can all agree they are very good boys and girls. Are we missing your favorite fire breather? Let us know in the comments.

If you're looking for more movies like this, take a look at our guide to the best shark movies or dive into how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.