Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons are iconic figures in mythology and fantasy across various cultures, universally recognized as large, serpentine creatures synonymous with power, destruction, and often profound wisdom. These legendary beings have been reimagined countless times in games, shows, plays, and movies, captivating audiences worldwide. When you think of a "Dragon Movie," you likely imagine a film that revolves around these majestic creatures. Despite their widespread appeal, truly dragon-centric movies are fewer than one might expect. Thus, our list includes films where dragons play significant roles, even if they aren't the sole focus.

Let's explore our selection of the top 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, rentable on Amazon and other platforms

Kicking off our list, Maleficent, while not primarily a dragon movie, introduces a dragon element. This Disney reimagining of the villain from Sleeping Beauty follows Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as she seeks revenge on Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning). Though Maleficent herself doesn't transform into a dragon, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the film'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 Spirited Away, a dragon plays a cameo yet crucial role in this enchanting story from Hayao Miyazaki. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a world of spirits and magic to save her parents, turned into pigs. The white dragon, inspired by Japanese folklore, adds depth to the plot and Chihiro's journey.

For more from Studio Ghibli, 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

The NeverEnding Story features Falkor, the ‘Luck Dragon,’ who, despite limited screen time, is integral to Atreyu's (Noah Hathaway) quest to save Fantasia. Falkor's unique charm makes him an unforgettable part 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 8, 2016 | Review: IGN's Pete's Dragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms

Pete’s Dragon is a touching remake of the 1977 film, following young Pete (Oakes Fegley) who, after a car crash, befriends a camouflaged dragon named Elliott. The story blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, crafting a unique and heartfelt 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

Eragon, inspired by the acclaimed book series, focuses on a young farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, leading to an epic battle against evil. With multiple dragons and exciting action, Eragon stands out as a dragon-focused film, though it's suggested 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 remains a beloved fantasy adventure. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) on a quest to slay a dragon terrorizing a kingdom, earning its place as a classic dragon movie.

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

In this thrilling installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions seek to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Named in the title, Smaug embodies the quintessential dragon traits, making this film a standout on our list.

For more on the series, see 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 offers a modern twist on the dragon movie genre, set in a post-apocalyptic world where dragons have become humanity's greatest threat. With a stellar cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, it's a gripping action-packed entry.

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 offers a heartwarming tale of a dragonslaying knight (Dennis Quaid) teaming up with the last dragon (voiced by Sean Connery) to overthrow an evil king. This film stands out for its unique dragon-human friendship and clever 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

Topping our list, How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and inventive animated film. It follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), who befriends a rare dragon, challenging the norms of his Viking community. Rich in dragon lore and emotional depth, it's a standout in both the dragon movie genre and animation as a whole.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might join or even surpass the animated original on this list.

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!)

And that concludes our top 10 picks for the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons, in their diverse forms, are truly fascinating creatures. If we missed your favorite dragon film, please share in the comments.

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