Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. Each culture has its own unique interpretation of a dragon, yet there's a common understanding that dragons are large, serpent-like creatures known for their power, often associated with destruction, and sometimes revered for their 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 centered around 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 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: May 30, 2014 | Review: IGN's Maleficent review | Where to watch: Stream on TBS, TNT, and tru TV, or rent on Amazon and other platforms

Kicking off our list with a film that's less focused on dragons, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this version, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge for past betrayals by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. Unlike the original, Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself; instead, she uses her magic to turn 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: Available on Max, or rent on other platforms

In Spirited Away, another film where dragons play a secondary role, Hayao Miyazaki weaves a magical tale rooted in Japanese mythology. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a quest to save her parents from being permanently turned into pigs. While the white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore isn't the main focus, it plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's journey.

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: Rent on most platforms

Though not centered around dragons, The NeverEnding Story features Falkor, the 'Luck Dragon,' who is too iconic to ignore. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor's role is pivotal, and he remains one of the most memorable elements 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 | Where to watch: Available on Disney+, or rent on other platforms

A remake of the 1977 film, Pete's Dragon tells the heartwarming story of a boy and his dragon friend. After being orphaned in a forest, Elliott (Oakes Fegley) befriends a camouflaged dragon he names Pete. The film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that resonates well 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 | Where to watch: Available on Disney+, or rent on other platforms

Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon is the first film on our list primarily focused on dragons. A young farm boy discovers a dragon egg, leading him on an epic journey to defend his homeland with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers exciting dragon action, it's recommended to watch it before reading 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: Available on Kanopy, Hoopla, Paramount+, Apple TV, or rent on other platforms

Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure that dragon movie enthusiasts will appreciate. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) must complete his master's mission to free a kingdom from a dragon. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its place with bold and creative storytelling.

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: Available on Max, or rent on other platforms

In the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (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, and Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed, cunning, and territoriality.

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 | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon or other platforms

Reign of Fire is likely the best action movie on our list, setting the dragon movie concept in a modern, thrilling context. After a dragon is accidentally awakened in 2020 England, humanity faces a new era of survival. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film delivers an original and engaging dragon narrative.

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, film that benefits from a talented cast. A dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat an evil king. This dragon is more sophisticated and less destructive, adding depth to the story and creating a charming buddy-cop dynamic between Bowen and Draco.

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 | Where to watch: Stream on Max, rent on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms

How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and heartwarming tale that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), an aspiring dragonslayer, befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative friendship that challenges the Viking community's way of life. As the top dragon movie on our list, it features a variety of dragons and rich lore, making it not only a great dragon movie but a standout animated film overall.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might also make this list, possibly even surpassing the animated version.

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