Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Although each culture has its own unique depiction of a dragon, there is a common understanding that dragons are large, serpent-like creatures typically associated with destruction, power, and often profound 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 likely expect a film that revolves around or prominently features dragons. Despite their popularity in culture, there are fewer dragon-centric movies than one might anticipate. Therefore, some entries on our list include dragons but may not be exclusively focused on them.

Let's explore our top 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, or rent on Amazon and other platforms

Starting our list is Maleficent, Disney’s reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this film, Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) is cursed and put to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as an act of vengeance. Unlike the original, Maleficent herself does not transform into a dragon; instead, she uses her magic to transform 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: Available on Max, or rent on other platforms

Spirited Away, a magical tale by Hayao Miyazaki, incorporates various Japanese myths. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase in English and Rumi Hiiragi in Japanese) must navigate a spirit world to save her parents, who have been turned into pigs. A white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's development, though it's not the main focus of the film.

For more like this, see 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

The NeverEnding Story features Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon', who, despite limited screen time, is pivotal to Atreyu's (Noah Hathaway) quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Falkor's role in the story and his unique design make him one of the most iconic elements of the movie.

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: Available on Disney+, or rent on other platforms

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 he names Elliott. The film blends elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching and engaging narrative.

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: Available on Disney+, or rent 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 with the help of his dragon, Saphira. While the film is exciting with its dragon-centric plot, 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: Available on Kanopy, Hoopla, Paramount+, Apple TV, or rent on other platforms

Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must slay a dragon terrorizing a kingdom after his master's death. The film's creative storytelling makes it a must-watch for dragon movie enthusiasts.

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: Available on Max, or rent on other platforms

In this second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his group of Dwarves attempt to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely features the dragon's name in its title, embodying the typical dragon traits of greed, cleverness, and territoriality.

For guidance on watching the Lord of the Rings movies in order, check our comprehensive guide.

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 is an action-packed dragon movie set in a modern context. After a dragon is awakened from a deep mine in England, it begins a reign of terror. With a talented cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, this film stands out for its originality and effective special effects.

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 heartwarming yet cheesy 90s film where a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), forms an unlikely alliance with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. Their unique friendship adds a charming buddy-cop dynamic to the story.

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, or rent on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms

How to Train Your Dragon is a captivating animated film that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, changing the way his Viking community views these creatures. With its rich dragon lore and engaging narrative, it's the top dragon movie on our list.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also earn a spot on this list, possibly even surpassing the original.

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!)

These are our top 10 picks for the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons, with their diverse portrayals, captivate audiences with their power and charm. If your favorite dragon movie isn't on our list, share it in the comments.

For more movie recommendations, explore our guides to the best shark movies and how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.