Dragons captivate the imagination across cultures, often symbolizing destruction, power, and wisdom. These mythical creatures have been adapted into various forms of media, including games, shows, and movies. When we think of a "Dragon Movie," we expect films centered around these majestic beings. Surprisingly, despite their cultural prominence, there aren't as many dragon-centric films as one might expect. This list includes movies featuring dragons, even if they aren't the sole focus.

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. The story follows Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), cursed to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as revenge for past betrayals. A unique twist here is that Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself but uses her magic to turn Diaval into one towards the movie'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 features a dragon as a pivotal element, though not the central focus. Hayao Miyazaki's enchanting tale follows Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase in English and Rumi Hiiragi in Japanese) as she navigates a magical world to save her parents. The dragon, rooted in Japanese folklore, plays a crucial role in her journey and personal growth.

Explore more from Studio Ghibli with 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 centered on a dragon, The NeverEnding Story features Falkor the 'Luck Dragon,' a beloved character integral to Atreyu's (Noah Hathaway) quest to save Fantasia. Falkor's role, though limited, is essential and memorable, making him a standout in this timeless fantasy.

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. This film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that resonates well with audiences.

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 popular young adult book series, Eragon is one of the few films on this list that is primarily about dragons. The story follows a young farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic journey with his dragon, Saphira, to defend his homeland. While the movie offers thrilling dragon scenes, it's best enjoyed without prior knowledge of 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

Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer holds a special place in fantasy cinema. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon that threatens a kingdom. As the oldest film on our list, it earns its spot for its ambitious storytelling and creative flair.

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 venture into the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film is unique for having the dragon's name in its title, and Smaug embodies the quintessential dragon traits of greed, intelligence, and territoriality.

For a complete 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 action into a modern setting, where a dragon awakened in 2020 England wreaks havoc. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, this film stands out for its original premise and impactful action sequences.

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 cheesy, take on dragon lore. The story follows a dragonslaying knight (Dennis Quaid) who teams up with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat an evil king. Their unique bond and humorous exchanges elevate this film beyond typical 90s fare.

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 tops our list with its charming and inventive storytelling. The film follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a young Viking who befriends a rare dragon, challenging the traditions of his dragon-hunting community. This movie excels in its detailed dragon lore and heartwarming narrative, making it a standout in animated cinema.

We eagerly await the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, which may well join or even surpass the original on this list.

These are our picks for the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons, in all their varied forms, continue to fascinate and inspire. If your favorite dragon movie didn't make the cut, let us know in the comments.

For more mythical movie magic, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.