Dragons are iconic figures in mythology and fantasy, appearing in diverse cultures around the world. Though the specifics may vary, dragons are universally recognized as large, serpentine creatures often associated with destruction, immense power, and profound wisdom. These mythical beings have been reimagined in countless forms across games, shows, plays, and movies, captivating audiences with their majesty and mystery.

When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," one might expect a film that revolves around these legendary creatures. However, despite dragons' widespread appeal, truly dragon-centric movies are surprisingly scarce. Therefore, our list includes films where dragons play significant, yet not always central, roles.

Let's dive into our curated selection of 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: 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 is Maleficent, Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) puts princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep as an act of vengeance. 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 climax, adding a thrilling twist to the story.

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 Spirited Away, a beloved film by Hayao Miyazaki, dragons make a notable cameo amidst a tapestry of Japanese folklore. As Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a magical world to save her parents, a white dragon inspired by Japanese mythology plays a crucial role in her journey and personal growth.

For more enchanting films, 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

Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story may not be the star of the show, but his unique charm and pivotal role in Atreyu's (Noah Hathaway) quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing make him unforgettable. Falkor's limited screen time belies his importance to the narrative and his enduring popularity among fans.

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 12, 2016 | Review: IGN's Pete's Dragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms

The heartwarming Pete's Dragon tells the story of Elliott, an orphaned boy (Oakes Fegley) who befriends a camouflaged dragon named Pete in the forest after a tragic car crash. This modern retelling combines elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, crafting a touching tale 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 15, 2006 | Review: IGN's Eragon review | Where to watch: Disney+, or rentable on other platforms

Eragon, based on the popular young adult series, follows a young farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic journey with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers plenty of dragon action, fans might find the movie's adaptation less satisfying than 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

Dragonslayer offers a classic fantasy adventure with a dragon at its core. Despite dated special effects and acting, the film's creative storytelling and bold choices make it a must-watch for dragon enthusiasts. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) as he battles a dragon to liberate a kingdom.

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 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the second installment of the trilogy, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his company of dwarves confront the mighty dragon Smaug. This film uniquely highlights the dragon by naming him in the title, showcasing his greed, intelligence, and territorial nature in true dragon fashion.

For a complete viewing experience, check out our guide on watching the 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 dragon mythology into a modern setting, delivering a thrilling action-packed adventure. When a dragon is accidentally unleashed in 2020 England, humanity faces a new era of survival. With strong performances and innovative storytelling, this film stands out in the dragon movie genre.

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 combines humor and heart in a tale of an unlikely alliance between a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), and the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery). This film's charm lies in its buddy-cop dynamic and Draco's sophisticated character, offering a refreshing take on dragon mythology.

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 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 tops our list with its captivating blend of coming-of-age themes and fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, sparking a journey that challenges the Viking way of life. With a rich tapestry of dragon lore and compelling storytelling, this film stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of dragons in cinema.

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

That concludes our list of the top dragon movies of all time! Dragons may come in various shapes and sizes, but they never fail to captivate us. If your favorite dragon film didn't make the cut, let us know in the comments below.

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