Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Each culture has its unique interpretation of a dragon, yet they are generally recognized as large, serpent-like creatures often associated with destruction, power, and profound wisdom. These mythical beings have been adapted into various forms of media, including games, shows, plays, and movies.
When you hear the term "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film centered around a dragon or multiple dragons. Despite their popularity in culture, there are fewer dragon-centric movies than one might expect. Therefore, some films on our list feature dragons but may not be exclusively about them.
Read on to discover our curated selection of the best dragon movies of all time.
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Kicking off our list with a film that may not be the most dragon-focused, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The story follows princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) who is cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as an act of revenge. A unique twist in this retelling is that Maleficent does not transform into a dragon herself; instead, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the movie's end.
In this entry, dragons play a cameo role in Hayao Miyazaki's magical journey into Japanese folklore, Spirited Away. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase in English and Rumi Hiiragi in Japanese) embarks on a quest to save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs. While the dragon in this film, styled after Japanese mythology, is not the main focus, it plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's personal growth.
For more enchanting films, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
Although not centered around dragons, The NeverEnding Story features Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon,' a beloved character who aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Falkor, though not the main character, is an essential part of the film and has become one of its most iconic elements.
This heartwarming remake of the 1977 classic follows young Elliott (Oakes Fegley), who, after being orphaned, befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete. The film blends elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative about friendship and belonging.
Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon is predominantly about dragons. The story follows a young farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic journey to defend his homeland with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers thrilling dragon action, it's often recommended to watch it without prior knowledge of the books.
Despite its dated effects and sometimes average acting, Dragonslayer remains a cherished fantasy adventure. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who takes on the task of slaying a dragon terrorizing a kingdom after his master's demise. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its place for its bold storytelling and creative execution.
The second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, The Desolation of Smaug, 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. Notably, this is the only film on our list that features the dragon's name in the title, highlighting Smaug's central role as a cunning and territorial adversary.
For a comprehensive viewing experience, see our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire offers an action-packed dragon movie set in modern-day England. After a dragon is accidentally awakened from a deep mine, it begins a reign of terror. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film delivers an original and thrilling take on the dragon genre.
Dragonheart is a heartfelt and somewhat corny film that benefits from a talented cast. Dennis Quaid plays Bowen, a knight who forms an unlikely alliance with the last dragon (voiced by Sean Connery) to overthrow an evil king. Their unique friendship and the dragon's sophisticated demeanor add depth and charm to this classic tale.
Topping our list, How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and insightful animated film that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), an aspiring dragonslayer, befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative journey that challenges the traditions of his Viking community. This film is not only a stellar dragon movie but also a standout animated feature, rich with various dragon species and lore.
We anticipate that the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, may also earn a spot on this list, possibly even surpassing the original animated version.
That concludes our list of the top 10 dragon movies of all time! Dragons captivate us in myriad forms, and we can all appreciate their mythical allure. If your favorite dragon movie didn't make the cut, feel free to share it in the comments.
For more cinematic adventures, explore our guides to the best shark movies or discover how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
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