Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons, as a universal symbol, captivate imaginations across various cultures, often depicted as large, serpent-like creatures embodying power, destruction, and wisdom. Their presence in mythology and fantasy has inspired numerous adaptations across games, shows, plays, and movies. When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film centered around these mythical beings. Surprisingly, despite dragons' popularity, truly dragon-focused movies are less common than one might expect. Thus, our list includes films featuring dragons, even if they aren't the sole focus.

Read on to discover our curated selection of 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

Kicking off our list, Maleficent, Disney's reimagining of the iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty, introduces us to a tale where dragons play a secondary role. In this film, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge by cursing Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), but instead of transforming into a dragon herself, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie'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

Spirited Away, a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, integrates dragons into its rich tapestry of Japanese myths. The film follows Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) as she navigates a mystical world to save her parents. Though the dragon in this movie is not the central character, it plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's development.

Explore more like this with 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 may not revolve around dragons, but Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' is unforgettable. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing, becoming an iconic figure in the film despite his limited screen time.

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 classic, Pete’s Dragon tells the touching story of Elliott (Oakes Fegley), an orphaned boy who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete in the forest. The film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a heartwarming narrative that effectively utilizes its dragon-centric plot.

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 series, Eragon marks the first film on our list primarily about dragons. It follows a young farm boy named Eragon (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, embarking on an epic journey to defend his land with his dragon, Saphira. While the movie offers thrilling dragon action, it's recommended to watch it without prior knowledge of the books.

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 cherished classic in fantasy cinema. The film follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must slay a dragon to free a kingdom, offering a nostalgic adventure that showcases bold creativity.

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 confront the dragon Smaug in their quest to reclaim Erebor. This film uniquely features the dragon's name in its title, portraying Smaug as the quintessential dragon—greedy, clever, and territorial.

For a comprehensive 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 world. After a dragon is awakened in 2020 England, humanity faces a new era of survival. With a stellar cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, this film delivers an original and thrilling experience.

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, while corny, charms with its heartfelt story and talented cast. 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 and the dragon's sophisticated nature make this a memorable entry in dragon cinema.

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 an enchanting tale of friendship and adventure. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a young Viking, befriends a rare dragon, challenging the traditions of his dragon-hunting community. This film excels in its detailed world-building and diverse dragon lore, making it the top dragon movie on our list.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set for release in June, might even surpass its animated counterpart.

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 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.

For more movie recommendations, check out our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.