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Dragons, as mythological and fantastical creatures, have captivated audiences across various cultures, often symbolizing destruction, power, and profound wisdom. Though each culture's dragon differs, they are universally recognized as large, serpentine beings. These iconic creatures have been adapted into numerous forms of media, including games, shows, plays, and movies. When we mention "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film that prominently features dragons, yet despite their popularity, there aren't as many dragon-centric movies as one might expect. Some films on our list include dragons but aren't exclusively about them. Let's explore our picks for the best dragon movies of all time.
Top Dragon Movies of All Time
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10. Maleficent (2014)
Kicking off our list with a film that features dragons in a less central role, Maleficent is Disney’s reimagining of the iconic villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this rendition, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge against those who betrayed her, leading to the curse placed on Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning). Although Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon, near the film's climax.
Spirited Away (2001)
In Spirited Away, a mesmerizing film by Hayao Miyazaki, dragons play a cameo role but are integral to the plot. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase in English and Rumi Hiiragi in Japanese) embarks on a quest to save her parents from being permanently turned into pigs. Amidst a realm filled with spirits and mythical beings, a white dragon inspired by Japanese folklore becomes a crucial element in Chihiro's journey and personal growth.
For more films like this, check out our list of the best Studio Ghibli movies.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
While The NeverEnding Story isn't centered on its dragon character, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' is unforgettable. Falkor provides luck and support to Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) on 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 film's most beloved elements.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Pete's Dragon is a heartwarming tale of friendship between a boy, Pete (Oakes Fegley), and his dragon friend, Elliott. After being orphaned in a forest, Pete finds solace and companionship with Elliott, a camouflaged dragon. This film combines elements reminiscent of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that works well within its setting.
Eragon (2006)
Based on the popular young adult book series, Eragon is predominantly about dragons. The story follows a farm boy, Eragon (Ed Speleers), who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on a journey to defend his homeland, Alagaesia, with his dragon companion, Saphira. While the film offers thrilling dragon action, it's recommended to watch it without prior knowledge of the books for a better experience.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer remains a classic fantasy adventure. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must slay a dragon terrorizing a kingdom after his mentor's untimely death. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its spot for its bold storytelling and imaginative approach.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
In the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions venture into the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film uniquely features the dragon's name in the title and portrays Smaug as the quintessential dragon: greedy, clever, and territorial.
For more on the series, see our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire stands out as an action-packed dragon movie set in a modern world. After a dragon is accidentally released in 2020 England, it begins a reign of terror. With a stellar cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers a unique and thrilling take on the dragon genre.
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart is a heartfelt, if somewhat cheesy, film about a knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to overthrow an evil king. Unlike typical dragon portrayals, Draco is sophisticated and only causes harm out of necessity or self-defense. The bond between Bowen and Draco adds a charming buddy dynamic to the film.
How to Train your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon is a delightful and engaging animated film that seamlessly blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative journey that could change the dragon-hunting ways of his Viking community. This film is not only the best dragon movie on our list but also a standout animated feature with rich dragon lore.
We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, may also earn a spot on this list, possibly even surpassing the animated original.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our 10 picks of the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons come in many forms, but we can all agree they are very good boys and girls. Are we missing your favorite fire breather? Let us know in the comments.For more cinematic adventures, check out our guide to the best shark movies or explore how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.
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