Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked
Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Each culture has its own unique interpretation of a dragon, yet there's a common understanding that dragons are large, serpent-like creatures known for their power, often associated with destruction, and sometimes revered for their 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 in culture, there are fewer dragon-centric movies than one might expect. Therefore, some films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively about them.
Read on to discover our picks for the best dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
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Maleficent (2014)
Kicking off our list with a film that's less focused on dragons, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The story follows Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), who is cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as an act of revenge. A notable difference from the original is that Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself; instead, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie's end.
Spirited Away (2001)
In this enchanting tale from Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away features a dragon as a cameo within a rich tapestry of Japanese myths. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a quest to save her parents from being permanently turned into pigs, navigating a world filled with spirits and mystical beings. The white dragon, inspired by Japanese folklore, plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's journey.
For more films like this, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Though not the central focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is an iconic dragon that deserves mention. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing, providing luck and companionship. Despite limited screen time, Falkor's role is pivotal, and he remains one of the most memorable elements of the film.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A remake of the 1977 film, Pete's Dragon 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 of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that resonates well with audiences.
Eragon (2006)
Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon is the first film on our list that primarily focuses on dragons. The story follows a young farm boy, Eragon (Ed Speleers), who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on a journey to defend his homeland with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers exciting dragon action, it's recommended to watch it before reading the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure that dragon movie enthusiasts will appreciate. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must slay a dragon terrorizing a kingdom after his master's death. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its place for its bold and creative storytelling.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
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 stands out as it features the dragon's name in the title, and Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed, cleverness, and territoriality.
For a complete viewing experience, see our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire is a thrilling action movie set in a modern world where dragons have emerged as apex predators. After a dragon is accidentally awakened in 2020 England, humanity must fight for survival. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers an original concept and impressive effects for its time.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart is a heartfelt, if somewhat cheesy, film that benefits from a talented cast. The story follows a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat an evil king. The film's unique take on dragon lore and the charming chemistry between Bowen and Draco make it a memorable entry in the genre.
How to Train your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and heartwarming animated film that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. The story follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), who befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative friendship that challenges the Viking community's dragon-hunting traditions. With its rich dragon lore and engaging narrative, this film tops our list as the best dragon movie.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also make its way onto this list, possibly even surpassing the animated original.
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.For more movie recommendations, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
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