Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Though each culture has its own interpretation of a dragon, there is a shared understanding that a dragon is a large, serpent-like creature typically associated with destruction, power, and often great wisdom. These fascinating creatures have been adapted into various forms of media, including games, shows, plays, and movies.

When one hears "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film centered around a dragon or dragons. Despite the popularity of dragons in our culture, there are surprisingly fewer dragon movies than one might expect. As a result, some films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively focused on them.

With that in mind, here are 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: | 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 less dragon-centric movie, Maleficent is Disney's homage to the iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this reimagining, princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) is cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as an act of revenge. Interestingly, Maleficent herself doesn't transform into a dragon; instead, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the film'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 another film where dragons make a cameo, Spirited Away is a magical journey from Hayao Miyazaki, exploring various Japanese myths. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) must navigate a mystical world to save her parents from a permanent transformation into pigs. While the white dragon, inspired by Japanese folklore, isn't the main focus, it plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's development.

For more like this, 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

While not centered around dragons, The NeverEnding Story features the iconic Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon.' Falkor, though appearing briefly, plays a vital role in helping Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) on his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Falkor's unique character has made him one of the most memorable 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 8, 2016 | Review: IGN's Pete's Dragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms

A remake of the 1977 film, Pete’s Dragon tells the heartwarming story of a boy and his dragon friend. After being orphaned in a forest car crash, Elliott (Oakes Fegley) befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete. The film combines elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a surprisingly effective narrative.

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 is predominantly about dragons. A young farm boy discovers a dragon egg, embarking on a journey of good versus evil 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.

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 remains a beloved fantasy adventure. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) must complete his master's mission to free a kingdom from a dragon. As the oldest movie on our list, it earns its spot for its 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 group of Dwarves continue their quest to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique for featuring the dragon's name in the title, 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 a modern context. A dragon, awakened from a deep mine in 2020 England, begins a reign of terror. With a talented cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers original storytelling 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 offers a heartfelt yet somewhat cheesy take on dragon tales. A knight named Bowen (Dennis Quaid) teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat an evil king. Their unique friendship adds 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 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

How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and heartwarming tale of an aspiring dragonslayer, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), who befriends a rare dragon. This film stands out for its rich dragon lore and engaging narrative, making it not just a great dragon movie but a standout animated feature overall.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set for release in June, might also make it onto this list, possibly even surpassing the original animated film.

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 selection of the top 10 dragon movies of all time! Dragons are portrayed in diverse ways, but we can all appreciate their majesty. Is your favorite dragon movie missing from our list? Share your thoughts 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.