Top 10 Dragon Movies Ever Ranked

Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy, captivating audiences across many cultures. Each culture has its unique take on these creatures, but there's a common understanding that dragons are large, serpent-like beings often associated with destruction, power, and wisdom. Their presence is felt across various media, including games, shows, plays, and movies.

When you think of a "Dragon Movie," you expect a film that revolves around one or more dragons. Despite their popularity in culture, there are surprisingly fewer dragon-centric movies than one might expect. Therefore, some entries on our list include dragons but might 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)

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 truTV, or rent on Amazon and other platforms

Kicking off our list with a film that's not primarily about dragons, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The story follows Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), who is cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as an act of revenge. Unlike the original, Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself but uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon, towards the end of the film.

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 rentable on other platforms

In Spirited Away, another film where dragons play a secondary role, Hayao Miyazaki weaves a magical tale rooted in Japanese mythology. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) must navigate a spirit world to save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs. A white dragon, styled after Japanese folklore, becomes a crucial element in the plot and Chihiro's journey.

For more enchanting films, 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

Though not the main focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is an unforgettable character. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite limited screen time, Falkor's role is pivotal, and his charm makes him one of the most iconic elements 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 12, 2016 | Review: IGN's Pete's Dragon review | Where to watch: Available on Disney+, or rentable on other platforms

This heartwarming remake of the 1977 film follows Elliott (Oakes Fegley), a young boy who befriends a camouflaged dragon after becoming orphaned. The film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, delivering a touching story that, while derivative, works well within its context.

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 rentable on other platforms

Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon tells the story of a farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on a journey to protect his homeland with his dragon, Saphira. While the film offers exciting dragon action, it's recommended to watch it before reading the books 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 rentable on other platforms

Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure about a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with defeating a dragon to save a kingdom. Its bold storytelling and creative choices make it a must-watch for dragon movie enthusiasts.

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 rentable on other platforms

In this second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions journey to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. As the only film on our list with the dragon's name in the title, it captures the essence of what a dragon should be: greedy, clever, and territorial.

For more on Tolkien's world, see our guide on watching the 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

Set in a modern, post-apocalyptic world, Reign of Fire features dragons as the dominant predators. A talented cast, including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, brings this thrilling and original concept to life, making it a standout action movie with dragons.

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 is a heartfelt, if somewhat corny, tale of a dragonslaying knight (Dennis Quaid) who teams up with the last dragon (voiced by Sean Connery) to defeat an evil king. The film's unique take on dragon behavior and the charming chemistry between the protagonists make it a memorable entry.

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

How to Train Your Dragon is a charming and heartfelt animated film about a young Viking (Jay Baruchel) who befriends a rare dragon. Its clever storytelling and detailed dragon lore make it not only the best dragon movie on our list but also a top-tier animated film overall.

We anticipate that the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, might join or even top 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's our list of the top 10 dragon movies! Dragons come in many forms, but they are universally beloved. If we missed your favorite dragon movie, let us know in the comments.

For more thrilling films, explore our guides to the best shark movies or how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.