Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Although each culture has its unique take on dragons, there's a common understanding that they are large, serpent-like creatures often associated with destruction, power, and great wisdom. These mythical beings have been adapted into various forms of media, including games, shows, plays, and movies.

When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film that focuses on or is centered around a dragon or dragons. Despite their popularity in culture, there are fewer dragon-centric movies than one might expect. Therefore, some films on our list include dragons but may not be exclusively about them.

With that in mind, let's explore 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

Kicking off our list with a movie that's not entirely about dragons, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The story follows princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) who is cursed by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as revenge for past wrongs. While Maleficent herself doesn't transform into a dragon, she magically turns Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie's end.

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 this magical tale from Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away explores various Japanese myths. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a journey to save her parents from being permanently turned into pigs. Though 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 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 | Where to watch: Rentable on most platforms

While not the central character, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is a standout. Designed to bring luck, Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Though his screen time is limited, Falkor's presence is vital to the story and remains one of the film's most memorable elements.

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 original, Pete's Dragon tells the heartwarming story of a boy and his dragon friend. After becoming orphaned in a forest due to a car crash, Elliott (Oakes Fegley) befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete. The film blends elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching and 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 focuses primarily on dragons. A young farm boy discovers a dragon egg, sparking a journey of good versus evil as Eragon (Ed Speleers) and his dragon companion, Saphira, defend their homeland. While the film offers plenty of 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 is a classic fantasy adventure that deserves attention from dragon movie fans. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) must complete his master's mission to free a kingdom from a dragon's tyranny. As the oldest movie on our list, it earns its spot for its bold storytelling and creative choices.

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

The second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, The Desolation of Smaug, expands on J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth with an adventurous spirit. Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions seek to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Notably, this is the only film on our list with a dragon's name in the title, and Smaug embodies all the classic dragon traits: greed, intelligence, curiosity, and territoriality.

For a complete viewing experience, check out 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 the best action movie on our list, set in a modern world where a dragon awakens from a deep mine in England, ushering in an era of predator and prey. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers an original concept and solid effects, making it an exceptional dragon movie.

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 and somewhat cheesy 90s movie that exceeds expectations. The story follows dragonslaying knight Bowen (Dennis Quaid) who teams up with the last dragon, voiced by Sean Connery, to defeat an evil king. The dragon, Draco, is sophisticated and only causes harm out of necessity. The film's buddy-cop dynamic between Bowen and Draco adds charm and humor.

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 and clever animated film that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Aspiring dragonslayer Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative friendship that could change the Viking dragon hunters' way of life. As the top dragon movie on our list, it features a variety of dragon species and delves into their lore. This film is not only a great dragon movie but also a stellar animated feature overall.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also make this list, potentially 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 top 10 picks for the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons may come in various forms, but we can all agree they are fascinating creatures. If we missed your favorite dragon movie, please let us know in the comments.

For more thrilling movies, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.