Dragons, those legendary creatures steeped in myth and fantasy, captivate audiences across cultures with their powerful, often destructive, yet wise personas. Despite their widespread appeal, true dragon-centric films are surprisingly scarce. Some movies on our list feature dragons prominently, while others merely include them, yet all contribute to the enchanting world of dragon cinema.
Dive into our curated selection of the top 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:
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 reimagines the iconic villain from Disney's Sleeping Beauty. In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge on those who betrayed her, leading to the curse on Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning). Though Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself, she magically morphs her companion Diaval into one, adding a thrilling dragon element to the 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 the enchanting world of Spirited Away, dragons play a cameo role yet are crucial to the narrative. As Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a spirit-filled realm to rescue her parents, a white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore becomes a key ally in her journey.
For more cinematic magic from Studio Ghibli, 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: Rentable on most platforms
While not the star, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' is an unforgettable part of The NeverEnding Story. Assisting Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia, Falkor embodies hope and luck, making him one of the film's most cherished elements.
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
A heartfelt remake of the 1977 original, Pete's Dragon tells the story of young Elliott (Oakes Fegley) who, after losing his parents in a forest accident, befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete. The film beautifully blends elements of adventure and friendship, making it a must-watch for dragon enthusiasts.
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
Adapted from the popular young adult series, Eragon focuses on a young farmer (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, sparking an epic adventure to protect his homeland with his dragon, Saphira. Despite its deviations from the books, the film offers thrilling dragon-centric action.
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 beloved fantasy adventure. When a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) must confront a dragon to save a kingdom, the film delivers classic dragon movie thrills.
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 continuation of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions venture into the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film stands out for its titular dragon, embodying all the classic traits of greed and cunning.
For a complete viewing experience, see our guide on watching the Lord of the Rings movies in order.
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 brings dragons into a modern setting with intense action. When a dragon awakens in 2020 England, humanity faces a new era of survival. With a stellar cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, this film offers a fresh take on dragon lore.
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 unique twist on the dragon narrative, featuring a sophisticated dragon voiced by Sean Connery. As a dragonslaying knight (Dennis Quaid) teams up with the last dragon to overthrow an evil king, their unlikely friendship adds depth and humor to this classic tale.
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 heartwarming and visually stunning animated film. As Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, their bond challenges the traditions of his Viking community. This film not only excels as a dragon movie but also as a timeless animated masterpiece.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon to be a strong contender for this list upon its June release.
And that's our selection of the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons, in their many forms, continue to enchant and inspire. If we've missed your favorite dragon film, let us know in the comments.
For more cinematic adventures, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
