Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons have long captured the imagination of people worldwide, appearing as powerful, often wise, and sometimes destructive beings in the mythologies and fantasies of countless cultures. These serpent-like creatures are a staple in various forms of media, including games, shows, plays, and movies. However, despite their popularity, truly dragon-centric movies are rarer than you might expect. Some films on our list feature dragons prominently, but may not be exclusively about them. Dive into our selection of the best dragon movies of all time, where we celebrate these majestic creatures in cinema.

Top Dragon Movies of All Time

11 Images10. Maleficent (2014)

Image credit: Walt Disney PicturesDirector: Robert Stromberg | Writer: Linda Woolverton | Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley | Release Date: May 30, 2014 | 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 film that includes dragons in a less central role, Maleficent reimagines the classic Disney villain from Sleeping Beauty. In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) curses Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) as revenge for past betrayals. Although Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself, she magically turns Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon, in the film's climax, adding a thrilling twist to the narrative.

9. Spirited Away (2001)

Image credit: Studio GhibliDirector: 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 enchanting film from Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away incorporates a dragon inspired by Japanese folklore, though it's not the main focus. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a journey through a magical world to save her parents, transformed into pigs. The dragon plays a crucial role in Chihiro's development and the unfolding of the plot, adding depth to this beloved animated masterpiece.

For more magical adventures, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.

8. The NeverEnding Story (1984)

Image credit: Warner Bros.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 centered on a dragon, The NeverEnding Story features the beloved Falkor the 'Luck Dragon.' Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Though his screen time is limited, Falkor's role is indispensable to the story's progression, making him an unforgettable part of this fantasy classic.

7. Pete’s Dragon (2016)

Image credit: Walt Disney StudiosDirector: 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

This heartwarming remake of the 1977 film follows Pete (Oakes Fegley), an orphan who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott in the forest. Their story, reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, is a touching tale of friendship and adventure, showcasing the magic and wonder of dragons in a family-friendly setting.

6. Eragon (2006)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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 novel series, Eragon tells the story of a young farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic journey with his dragon, Saphira. This film is one of the few on our list where dragons take center stage, offering thrilling dragon action and a compelling narrative of good versus evil.

5. Dragonslayer (1981)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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 visual effects, Dragonslayer remains a beloved classic in the fantasy genre. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must slay a dragon terrorizing a kingdom. This film's bold storytelling and creative elements make it a must-watch for any dragon movie enthusiast.

4. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: 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 this second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions venture into the Lonely Mountain to confront the dragon Smaug. Unique for featuring the dragon's name in the title, Smaug embodies the classic dragon archetype—greedy, clever, and territorial—making this film a standout in the dragon movie genre.

Explore our guide on watching the Lord of the Rings movies in order for more adventures in Middle Earth.

3. Reign of Fire (2002)

Image credit: Buena Vista PicturesDirector: 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 presents a modern twist on the dragon movie genre, featuring dragons emerging in 2020 England and wreaking havoc. With a talented cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, this action-packed film offers a thrilling and original take on the classic dragon narrative.

2. Dragonheart (1996)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 tells the story of a knight (Dennis Quaid) who teams up with the last dragon, voiced by Sean Connery, to overthrow an evil king. This film stands out for its heartfelt narrative and the unique bond between the knight and the dragon, Draco, offering a mix of action and humor that appeals to audiences of all ages.

1. How to Train your Dragon (2010)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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

Topping our list, How to Train Your Dragon is a delightful animated film that explores the bond between a young Viking, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), and a rare dragon, Toothless. This coming-of-age story is rich with dragon lore and features a variety of dragon species, making it not only a standout dragon movie but also a beloved animated classic.

We're excited about the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, which may well claim a spot on this list.

And that concludes our roundup of the top 10 dragon movies of all time! Dragons, in their many forms, continue to captivate audiences with their majesty and mystery. If your favorite dragon film didn't make the cut, share it with us in the comments.

For more cinematic adventures, explore our guides on the best shark movies or how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.