The 10 Best Dragon Movies of All Time

Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Each culture has its own unique take on dragons, yet there's a common understanding that dragons 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 you think of a "Dragon Movie," you might expect a film that revolves around dragons. Despite their popularity, there are fewer dragon-centric movies than one might anticipate. Therefore, our list includes films that feature dragons prominently, even if they aren't exclusively about dragons.

Let's explore our picks for 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: May 30, 2014 | Review: IGN's Maleficent review | Where to watch: Stream on TBS, TNT, and tru TV, rentable on Amazon and other platforms

Our list kicks off with Maleficent, Disney's reimagining of the iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The story follows Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), who is cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as revenge for past betrayals. Unlike the original, Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself but instead uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the end of the film.

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

Spirited Away, another film where dragons play a supporting role, is a magical tale from Hayao Miyazaki that explores various Japanese myths. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase in English and Rumi Hiiragi in Japanese) must navigate a world of spirits and mystical creatures to save her parents from becoming pigs permanently. The white dragon, inspired by Japanese folklore, is crucial to the plot and Chihiro's journey.

For more enchanting films, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.

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

Though not the central focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is iconic. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite limited screen time, Falkor's role is indispensable to the story, and he remains one of the most beloved elements 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 12, 2016 | Review: IGN's Pete's Dragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms

A remake of the 1977 original, Pete's Dragon tells the heartwarming story of a boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott after being orphaned in a forest. The film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that resonates well with audiences.

6. Eragon (2006)

Director: Stefan Fangmeier | Writer: Peter Buchman | Stars: Jeremy Irons, Robert Carlyle, Ed Speleers | Release Date: December 15, 2006 | Review: IGN's Eragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms

Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon follows a farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on a journey to defend his homeland of Alagaesia with his dragon, Saphira. While the film offers plenty of dragon action, it's recommended to watch it without prior knowledge of the books for a better experience.

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 average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) must slay a dragon to free a kingdom after his master's death. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its place with bold and creative storytelling.

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 journey to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely 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.

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 accidentally awakened in a mine, it begins a reign of terror. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers an original concept and impressive effects for its time.

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 is a heartfelt, if somewhat cheesy, film featuring a dragonslaying knight (Dennis Quaid) who teams up with the last dragon (voiced by Sean Connery) to defeat an evil king. The dragon, Draco, is portrayed as sophisticated and patient, adding depth to the story. The chemistry between Bowen and Draco brings a charming buddy-cop dynamic to the film.

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 26, 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 charming and heartwarming animated film that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative friendship that challenges the Viking dragon-hunting culture. This film is not only the best dragon movie on our list but also a standout in animated cinema, offering a rich variety of dragons and detailed lore.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might join or even surpass the animated version on this list.

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 Results

And that's our 10 picks for the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons come in many forms, but we can all agree they are fascinating creatures. If we've missed your favorite dragon movie, let us know in the comments.

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