Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons hold a special place in mythology and fantasy across various cultures, often depicted as large, serpent-like creatures symbolizing destruction, power, and wisdom. These mythical beings have inspired countless adaptations in games, shows, plays, and movies, yet when it comes to films specifically centered around dragons, the selection is surprisingly limited. Our list of the best dragon movies includes films where dragons play significant roles, even if they aren't the sole focus.

Top Dragon Movies of All Time

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10. Maleficent (2014)

Image credit: Walt Disney Pictures
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, rentable on Amazon and other platforms

Starting our list with a film that features dragons in a supporting role, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the classic Sleeping Beauty villain. The story follows Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), cursed by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie). While Maleficent herself doesn't transform into a dragon, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into one, adding a thrilling twist to the narrative.

9. Spirited Away (2001)

Image credit: Studio Ghibli
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 enchanting tale by Hayao Miyazaki, dragons make a memorable cameo. Spirited Away follows Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) on her quest to save her parents, encountering a white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore. This dragon plays a crucial role in the plot and Chihiro's development.

For more enchanting films, see 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

Though not centered around dragons, The NeverEnding Story features the iconic Falkor the 'Luck Dragon.' Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his mission to save Fantasia from The Nothing, becoming a beloved character despite limited screen time.

7. Pete’s Dragon (2016)

Image credit: Walt Disney Studios
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 heartwarming remake of the 1977 original, Pete's Dragon follows young Elliott (Oakes Fegley) who befriends a camouflaged dragon after being orphaned. This film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, delivering a touching story of friendship and discovery.

6. Eragon (2006)

Image credit: 20th Century Fox
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 series, Eragon is a film that fully embraces its dragon-centric narrative. A farm boy named Eragon (Ed Speleers) discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic journey with his dragon, Saphira, to save his homeland. The movie offers plenty of dragon action, though fans are often advised to watch it before reading the books.

5. Dragonslayer (1981)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures
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 remains a beloved classic. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon to save a kingdom. This film's bold storytelling and creative choices have earned it a place on our list.

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

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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

In this thrilling installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions face the formidable dragon Smaug. Unique for featuring the dragon's name in the title, this film captures the essence of what makes dragons fascinating: greed, intelligence, and territoriality.

For a complete viewing experience, see our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.

3. Reign of Fire (2002)

Image credit: Buena Vista Pictures
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 a modern dragon movie with intense action. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where dragons rule, the film follows a group led by Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey as they fight to survive. Its innovative concept and strong performances make it a standout.

2. Dragonheart (1996)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 offers a unique take on the dragon genre with a heartwarming and slightly corny story. A knight named Bowen (Dennis Quaid) teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat an evil king. Their unlikely friendship and humorous banter add charm to this memorable film.

1. How to Train your Dragon (2010)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures
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

Topping our list, How to Train Your Dragon is an enchanting animated film that blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative journey that challenges his Viking community's dragon-hunting traditions. This film stands out for its rich dragon lore and captivating storytelling.

We're excited about the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, which might even surpass the original.

And that's our selection of the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons captivate us in their many forms, and we're eager to hear if we've missed your favorite. Let us know in the comments.

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