Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy, appearing in the lore of many cultures around the world. While each culture has its unique take on these majestic creatures, there's a common understanding that dragons are large, serpent-like beings often associated with power, destruction, and profound wisdom. These mythical beasts have been adapted into various forms of media, including games, shows, plays, and movies, captivating audiences with their enchanting presence.

When you hear the term "Dragon Movie," you likely expect a film that revolves around dragons, showcasing their awe-inspiring nature. Despite their popularity in culture, dragon-centric movies are fewer than one might anticipate. Therefore, our list includes films that feature dragons prominently, even if they are not solely focused on these creatures.

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:** May 30, 2014 | **Review:** [IGN's Maleficent review](https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/30/maleficent-review) | **Where to watch:** Stream on TBS, TNT, and tru TV, rentable on Amazon and other platforms

Kicking off our list with a film that includes dragons but isn't primarily about them, "Maleficent" is Disney's reimagining of the iconic villain from "Sleeping Beauty." In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge against those who wronged her, leading her to curse Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning). A notable twist is that Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself; instead, she magically turns her companion Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon, in the movie's climactic scenes.

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](https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/12/spirited-away-review) | **Where to watch:** Max, or rentable on other platforms

"Spirited Away" is another film where dragons play a significant, yet secondary role. This masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki weaves a magical narrative rooted in Japanese mythology. Chihiro (Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a quest to save her parents, transformed into pigs, navigating a world teeming with spirits and mythical beings. The white dragon, inspired by Japanese folklore, becomes crucial to the plot and Chihiro's development.

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](https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/12/the-neverending-story-review) | **Where to watch:** Rentable on most platforms

While not the central focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from "The NeverEnding Story" is an unforgettable character. Falkor, whose primary role is to bring luck, aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in 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 standout feature 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](https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/11/petes-dragon-review) | **Where to watch:** Disney+, or rentable on other platforms

"Pete's Dragon" is a heartwarming remake of the 1977 original, telling the story of a boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) who, after being orphaned in a forest, befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott. The film combines elements reminiscent of "Tarzan" and "The Iron Giant," creating a touching narrative that resonates 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](https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/15/eragon-review) | **Where to watch:** Disney+, or rentable on other platforms

"Eragon," based on the popular young adult book series, is predominantly about dragons. The story follows a farm boy named Eragon (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, leading him on an epic journey to defend his homeland of Alagaesia with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers thrilling 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 sometimes campy acting, "Dragonslayer" remains a beloved classic in the fantasy genre. The film follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon terrorizing a nearby kingdom after his master's untimely death. As the oldest movie on our list, it earns its place for its bold storytelling and imaginative visuals.

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](https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/06/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-review) | **Where to Watch:** Max, or rentable on other platforms

"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," the second installment of the trilogy, delves deeper into J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions continue their quest to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film stands out as the only one on our list with the dragon's name in the title, showcasing Smaug's cunning and territorial nature.

For a complete viewing experience, see our guide on watching the 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](https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/07/12/reign-of-fire-review) | **Where to watch:** Rent on Amazon or other platforms

"Reign of Fire" offers a modern take on the dragon movie genre, set in a post-apocalyptic world where dragons rule. Discovered in a deep mine in 2020 England, a dragon begins a reign of terror. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film delivers gripping action and compelling visuals.

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, tale featuring a talented cast. The story follows a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. The film's unique take on the dragon's character and the charming chemistry between Bowen and Draco make it a standout.

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](https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/03/24/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" tops our list with its charming and heartwarming narrative. The film follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a young Viking who befriends a rare dragon, changing his community's perception of these creatures. Packed with diverse dragon species and rich lore, it's not only a standout dragon movie but also a beloved animated film.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" to potentially join this list upon its release in June, possibly even surpassing the animated 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!)

And 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 captivating creatures. If we've missed your favorite dragon movie, let us know in the comments.

For more cinematic adventures, explore our guide to the best shark movies or dive into how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.