Dragons are a universal symbol in mythology and fantasy across many cultures. While each culture boasts its own unique version of a dragon, there's a common understanding that these creatures are large, serpent-like beings often associated with destruction, power, and profound wisdom. Their presence is widely adapted in games, shows, plays, and movies, enriching our cultural landscape with their mystique.

When someone mentions a "Dragon Movie," the expectation is a film centered around dragons or featuring them prominently. Despite the popularity of dragons in our culture, there aren't as many dragon-centric movies as one might expect. Therefore, our list includes films that feature dragons but may not be exclusively focused on them.

Explore our curated selection of the top dragon movies of all time.

Top Dragon Movies of All Time

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10. Maleficent (2014)

Image credit: Walt Disney PicturesDirector: 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

Starting our list, though not primarily about dragons, Maleficent is Disney’s reimagining of the villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In this retelling, princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) is put to sleep by Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) as an act of revenge. Interestingly, Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself but uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the film's end.

9. Spirited Away (2001)

Image credit: Studio GhibliDirector: 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 this enchanting film from Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away features a dragon as part of its rich tapestry of Japanese folklore. Chihiro (voiced by Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a quest to save her parents, navigating a world filled with spirits and mythical beings. The white dragon, a pivotal element in the plot, adds depth to the protagonist's journey.

For more enchanting films, check out 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 the central focus, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is an unforgettable character. Falkor plays a crucial role in assisting Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) on his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing, despite limited screen time. Falkor's charm and significance have made him a beloved figure in the film.

7. Pete’s Dragon (2016)

Image credit: Walt Disney StudiosDirector: 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

This heartwarming remake of the 1977 film tells the story of Elliott, a young boy (Oakes Fegley) who befriends a camouflaged dragon after losing his parents in a forest. The film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that resonates with audiences.

6. Eragon (2006)

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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

Adapted from the popular young adult novel series, Eragon is the story of a farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, leading him on an epic journey against evil. The film showcases multiple dragons, adding excitement and action, though it's recommended to watch it before reading the books for a better experience.

5. Dragonslayer (1981)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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 remains a classic fantasy adventure. It follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who must defeat a dragon terrorizing a kingdom after his master's demise. The film's creative choices and bold storytelling secure its place on our list.

4. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: 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 thrilling sequel, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions journey to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. The film, unique for featuring a dragon's name in its title, captures the essence of a dragon with Smaug's greed, intelligence, and territorial nature.

For more on this epic saga, see our guide on watching Lord of the Rings movies in order.

3. Reign of Fire (2002)

Image credit: Buena Vista PicturesDirector: 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 stands out as an action-packed dragon movie set in a modern context. After a dragon is discovered in a mine in 2020 England, it unleashes chaos, redefining human survival. With a strong cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers an original and gripping take on the dragon genre.

2. Dragonheart (1996)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 touching, albeit corny, tale of a dragonslaying knight (Dennis Quaid) who allies with the last dragon, voiced by Sean Connery, to overthrow a corrupt king. The film's charm lies in the unlikely friendship and witty banter between the knight and the dragon, making it a beloved entry in the dragon movie genre.

1. How to Train your Dragon (2010)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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

Topping our list, How to Train Your Dragon is a captivating animated film that blends coming-of-age with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative friendship that challenges the Viking community's dragon-hunting traditions. Rich with various dragon species and lore, this film stands out as a top-tier animated masterpiece.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, will be a strong contender for this list.

And that's our selection of the top dragon movies of all time! Dragons captivate us with their diverse portrayals, and we celebrate their presence in cinema. If your favorite dragon movie didn't make the list, share it in the comments.

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