Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked
- By Jack
- Apr 13,2025
Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Each culture may have its unique depiction of dragons, but there's a common understanding that they are large, serpent-like creatures known for their power, potential for destruction, and often, great wisdom. These legendary creatures have been adapted into numerous forms of media, including games, shows, plays, and movies.
When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film centered around a dragon or dragons. Despite their popularity in our culture, there are fewer dragon-centric movies than one might assume. Therefore, some films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively about them.
Without further ado, let's explore our selection of the top dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
11 Images
Maleficent (2014)
Starting our list with a film that features dragons but isn't primarily about them, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this story, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge for past betrayals by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. A notable difference from the original is that Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself; instead, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the film's end.
Spirited Away (2001)
In Spirited Away, another film where dragons play a supporting role, Hayao Miyazaki weaves a magical tale rooted in Japanese mythology. 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 being permanently transformed into pigs. Though the white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore isn't the main focus, it becomes crucial to the plot and Chihiro's development.
For more films like this, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Though not focused on dragons, The NeverEnding Story features the unforgettable Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon.' Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) on his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor's role is vital to the story's progression and remains one of the movie's most iconic elements.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
A heartwarming remake of the 1977 original, Pete's Dragon follows the 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 of Tarzan and The Iron Giant into a touching tale that, while derivative, works effectively.
Eragon (2006)
Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon is the first movie on our list primarily focused on dragons. The story follows a young farm boy, Eragon (Ed Speleers), who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on a journey to defend his homeland, Alagaesia, with his dragon, Saphira. While the film features multiple dragons and offers exciting dragon action, it's recommended to watch before reading the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Though it may feel dated due to its visual effects and acting, Dragonslayer remains a classic fantasy adventure that any dragon movie fan should see. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must take up his master's quest to free a kingdom from a dragon after the sorcerer's death. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its place for its bold and creative storytelling.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his group of Dwarves continue their journey to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique among our list, this film includes the dragon's name in its title, and Smaug embodies the classic traits of a dragon: greed, cunning, curiosity, and territoriality.
For a complete viewing experience, see our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire stands out as the best action movie on our list, bringing the dragon movie concept into a modern setting. Set in a future where dragons have devastated the world, the film follows a group led by Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey as they battle to survive against these formidable creatures. The film's original concept, strong acting, and fitting effects make it a standout dragon movie.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart offers a heartfelt and somewhat cheesy take on the dragon genre, elevated by its talented cast. The story follows Bowen (Dennis Quaid), a dragonslaying knight, who teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat an evil king. Unlike typical dragon tales, Draco is portrayed as sophisticated and patient, causing harm only out of necessity or self-defense. The charming chemistry between Bowen and Draco adds a delightful buddy-cop vibe to the film.
How to Train your Dragon (2010)
Topping our list, How to Train Your Dragon is an enchanting and heartwarming tale that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. The story follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a young Viking who befriends a rare dragon, changing his community's dragon-hunting ways. Packed with diverse dragon types and rich lore, this film is not only a standout in the dragon genre but also a remarkable animated movie overall.
We anticipate that the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also make its mark on this list, potentially even surpassing the animated version.
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 similar cinematic experiences, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
