Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked
Author: Isaac
Apr 11,2025
Dragons have long captured the imagination of people worldwide, symbolizing power, destruction, and wisdom in various mythologies and fantasy narratives. Although each culture portrays dragons differently, they are universally recognized as large, serpentine creatures. These fascinating beings have been adapted into numerous forms of media, from games and shows to plays and movies. However, despite their widespread popularity, there aren't as many dragon-centric films as one might expect. Some movies on our list feature dragons prominently, even if they aren't exclusively about them.
Read on to discover our curated selection of the top dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
11 Images
Maleficent (2014)
Kicking off our list with a film where dragons play a supporting role, "Maleficent" is Disney's reimagining of the iconic villain from "Sleeping Beauty." In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. Notably, Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself; instead, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the film's end.
Spirited Away (2001)
In "Spirited Away," dragons make a notable cameo in this enchanting tale by Hayao Miyazaki. As Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a mystical world to save her parents, a white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore plays a crucial role in the plot and her personal journey. For more from this acclaimed studio, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Though not centered around a dragon, "The NeverEnding Story" features the unforgettable Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon.' Falkor assists Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) on his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite limited screen time, Falkor's impact on the story and his iconic status make him a memorable part of this beloved film.
Pete's Dragon (2016)
A heartwarming remake of the 1977 film, "Pete's Dragon" tells the story of Elliott (Oakes Fegley), an orphaned boy who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete. This film blends elements of "Tarzan" and "The Iron Giant," creating a touching narrative that, while derivative, effectively showcases the bond between a boy and his dragon friend.
Eragon (2006)
Adapted from the popular young adult novel series, "Eragon" is the first film on our list primarily focused 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 movie offers thrilling dragon action, it's recommended to watch before reading the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
"Dragonslayer" is a classic fantasy adventure that, despite its dated effects and average acting, remains a must-watch for dragon enthusiasts. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon after his master's death. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its place for its innovative approach to fantasy storytelling.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In the second installment of "The Hobbit" trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions seek to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film stands out as the only one on our list with a dragon's name in the title, and Smaug embodies the quintessential dragon traits of greed, cunning, and territoriality. For a complete viewing experience, see our guide on watching the Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
"Reign of Fire" offers a modern take on the dragon movie genre with thrilling action and a unique setting. Set in a future where dragons have devastated the earth, this film stars Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey in a gripping tale of survival and resistance against these formidable creatures.
Dragonheart (1996)
"Dragonheart" is a heartfelt and somewhat cheesy film that transcends its 90s roots with a strong cast and an engaging story. Dennis Quaid plays Bowen, a dragonslayer who forms an unlikely alliance with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. Their friendship adds a charming, buddy-cop dynamic to the narrative.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Topping our list, "How to Train Your Dragon" is an enchanting animated film that beautifully blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative journey that challenges the dragon-hunting traditions of his Viking community. This film not only excels as a dragon movie but also stands out as a remarkable animated feature, rich with lore and diverse dragon species.
We anticipate that the upcoming live-action adaptation of "How to Train Your Dragon," set to release in June, might join or even surpass the original on this list.
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.
Trending Games
Trending apps
