Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons captivate imaginations across cultures, often depicted as large, serpentine beings synonymous with power, destruction, and wisdom. Their presence is felt across various media, from games to movies, yet films featuring these mythical creatures are surprisingly scarce. While not all films on this list are exclusively about dragons, each one showcases their impact in unique ways. Dive into 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, or rent on Amazon and other platforms

Kicking off our list, Maleficent revisits the iconic villain from Disney's Sleeping Beauty. In this reimagined tale, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge on the kingdom that wronged her, ultimately putting Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. While Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself, she magically turns her companion Diaval into one, making it a notable mention for dragon enthusiasts.

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 Hayao Miyazaki's enchanting Spirited Away, dragons play a cameo role within a tapestry of Japanese folklore. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase in English and Rumi Hiiragi in Japanese) navigates a world of spirits to save her parents, encountering a white dragon that significantly influences her journey and personal growth.

Discover more captivating stories with 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

Though not the central figure, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' in The NeverEnding Story is unforgettable. This benevolent creature aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia, becoming a pivotal and beloved element of the film's enduring legacy.

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

Pete's Dragon offers a heartwarming narrative about friendship between a boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) and his dragon companion Elliott. This modern take on the 1977 classic blends elements of adventure and coming-of-age, making it a delightful watch for all ages.

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

Adapted from the popular young adult series, Eragon centers on a young farmhand (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic journey with his dragon Saphira. While the film captures the essence of dragon action, fans are often advised to watch before reading the source material 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, Dragonslayer remains a cherished fantasy adventure. A young apprentice (Peter MacNicol) must confront a dragon plaguing a kingdom after his mentor's demise. Its bold storytelling earns it a spot on our list.

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

The second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, The Desolation of Smaug, brings viewers deeper into Tolkien's Middle Earth. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions face the formidable dragon Smaug, whose name graces the film's title, embodying the classic dragon traits of greed and cunning.

Explore the complete saga with 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 presents a thrilling, modern twist on the dragon genre. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, dragons dominate after being accidentally released from a deep mine. With strong performances from Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, it stands out as a gripping action film.

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 combines heart and humor in a tale of an unlikely alliance between a knight (Dennis Quaid) and a dragon voiced by Sean Connery. Their quest to overthrow an evil king adds a unique buddy dynamic to the dragon genre, making it a beloved classic.

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

Topping our list, How to Train Your Dragon offers a heartwarming and inventive story of friendship and discovery. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, challenging the traditions of his Viking community. With its rich world-building and diverse dragon species, it's a standout in both dragon and animated genres.

Anticipate the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set for release in June, which may challenge the animated version's top spot.

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!)

That concludes our picks for the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons, in all their varied forms, continue to fascinate audiences. If your favorite dragon movie didn't make the list, share it in the comments below.

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