Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons have captivated human imagination across cultures, often portrayed as large, serpentine creatures embodying destruction, power, and wisdom. These mythical beings have inspired countless adaptations in games, shows, plays, and movies. When we think of "dragon movies," we expect films centered around these magnificent creatures. However, despite their popularity, there aren't as many dragon-focused movies as one might expect. Some films on our list feature dragons prominently but may not be exclusively about them.

Here are our top picks for the best dragon movies of all time.

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: | 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 is "Maleficent," Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic "Sleeping Beauty." In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge for past betrayals by putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. While Maleficent herself doesn't transform into a dragon, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon, which plays a significant role in the film's climax.

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

"Spirited Away" by Hayao Miyazaki features a dragon in a supporting role. As Chihiro (Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a magical world to save her parents, a white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore becomes crucial to her journey and personal growth. For more enchanting tales, explore 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 the central character, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' in "The NeverEnding Story" is unforgettable. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor's impact on the story and the hearts of viewers is undeniable, making him one of the most memorable elements of the film.

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" tells the story of Elliott (Oakes Fegley), an orphaned boy who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete in the forest. This film blends elements of "Tarzan" and "The Iron Giant," creating a touching narrative that resonates deeply despite its familiar plot devices.

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 acclaimed young adult book series, "Eragon" focuses on a young farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, sparking a battle between good and evil. With multiple dragons and exciting action sequences, this film delivers on dragon-centric storytelling, though it's recommended to watch before reading the books for the best experience.

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" is a beloved fantasy adventure. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) takes up his master's quest to free a kingdom from a dragon. Its bold and creative storytelling secures its place as a classic dragon movie.

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 second installment of "The Hobbit" trilogy, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions seek to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique for featuring the dragon's name in the title, Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed, intelligence, and territoriality. For more on this universe, check out 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" brings dragons to a modern setting with thrilling action. A dragon awakens in 2020 England, ushering in a new era of survival. With a strong cast and original concept, this film stands out as an exceptional dragon movie of its time.

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 heartfelt, if somewhat corny, tale. A knight (Dennis Quaid) teams up with the last dragon (voiced by Sean Connery) to defeat an evil king. Their unique bond and the dragon's sophisticated nature make this film a standout in the dragon movie genre.

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

"How to Train Your Dragon" is a charming and heartfelt animated film that masterfully blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, challenging the traditions of his Viking community. With its rich dragon lore and compelling storytelling, this film tops our list as the best dragon movie, and a standout in animated cinema overall. We're excited to see if the upcoming live-action adaptation, set to release in June, will also earn a spot on this list.

And there you have it—our top 10 picks for the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons are fascinating creatures, revered and feared in equal measure. If we've missed your favorite dragon movie, let us know in the comments.

For more thrilling cinematic experiences, check out our guides on the best shark movies and how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.