Dragons have captivated our imaginations across cultures, symbolizing power, wisdom, and often destruction. These mythical creatures, often depicted as large and serpent-like, are a staple in folklore, games, movies, and more. While dragons are a beloved element in popular culture, true dragon-centric movies are rarer than one might expect. Therefore, our list includes films where dragons play a significant role, even if they aren't the sole focus.

Discover our curated selection of the top dragon movies that have left an indelible mark on cinema.

Top Dragon Movies of All Time

11 Images10. 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

Maleficent kicks off our list, though it's less focused on dragons. This Disney reimagining of the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty follows Maleficent's (Angelina Jolie) quest for revenge, leading to the curse on Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning). Unlike the original, Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself but uses her magic to turn Diaval into one, showcasing her power and adding a thrilling twist to the climax.

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 Hayao Miyazaki's enchanting Spirited Away, dragons make a memorable cameo. As Chihiro (Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) navigates a spirit world to save her parents, a dragon inspired by Japanese folklore becomes crucial to her journey, adding depth to the film's rich tapestry of myth and magic.

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

While not centered on dragons, The NeverEnding Story introduces the iconic Falkor the 'Luck Dragon.' Falkor's role in aiding Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) on his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing is pivotal, making him one of the film's most beloved characters and a staple of dragon lore in cinema.

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

A heartwarming tale of friendship, Pete's Dragon follows young Elliott (Oakes Fegley) who, after losing his parents, finds solace with a camouflaged dragon named Pete. This film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that showcases the bond between a boy and his dragon.

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

Based on the popular young adult series, Eragon centers on a farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, launching him into a battle of good versus evil with his dragon, Saphira. This film is a thrilling entry for dragon enthusiasts, though fans of the books might find the adaptation lacking.

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

Dragonslayer may show its age with dated effects, but its charm and fantasy adventure remain compelling. The story follows a young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) tasked with slaying a dragon to save a kingdom, offering a classic tale that dragon movie fans will appreciate.

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 continuation of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions journey to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. This film stands out not only for its epic scope but also for featuring a dragon, Smaug, directly in its title, embodying the classic traits of greed, cunning, and territoriality.

For more on Middle Earth, check out 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 brings dragons into a modern context with intense action and suspense. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where dragons have scorched the earth, this film features strong performances and innovative storytelling, making it a standout in the 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 offers a unique blend of action and heart. The story of a dragonslaying knight (Dennis Quaid) who teams up with the last dragon (voiced by Sean Connery) to defeat an evil king is both corny and endearing. Their chemistry adds a light-hearted touch to this tale of friendship and redemption.

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 delightful and innovative animated film. It follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), who befriends a rare dragon, challenging his Viking community's traditions. This film is not only a dragon lover's dream, with its diverse dragon species and lore, but also a compelling coming-of-age story.

Anticipate the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, set to release in June, which might just claim a spot on this list.

And that concludes our selection of the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons are fascinating creatures, revered and beloved across various narratives. If we missed your favorite dragon movie, share it in the comments below.

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