Dragons have captured the imagination of cultures worldwide, symbolizing power, destruction, and wisdom in myths and fantasy narratives. Despite their prevalence in popular culture, movies centered around dragons are surprisingly scarce. As a result, our list of top dragon movies includes films where dragons play a significant, though not always central, role. Explore our selection of 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 tru TV, rentable on Amazon and other platforms

Kicking off our list with a film that's less focused on dragons, Maleficent is Disney's reimagining of the iconic villain from Sleeping Beauty. In this version, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) seeks revenge for past betrayals and puts Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) to sleep. Although Maleficent doesn't transform into a dragon herself, she uses her magic to turn Diaval into various creatures, including a dragon towards the end of the movie.

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: Max, or rentable on other platforms

In this enchanting tale from Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away features a dragon as a cameo within a rich tapestry of Japanese folklore. Chihiro (Daveigh Chase and Rumi Hiiragi) embarks on a quest to save her parents, transformed into pigs, navigating a fantastical realm filled with spirits and mystical beings. The white dragon, while not the central focus, plays a crucial role 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 character, Falkor the 'Luck Dragon' from The NeverEnding Story is an unforgettable part of this classic film. Falkor aids Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) in his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing. Despite his limited screen time, Falkor's role is pivotal, making him one of the most iconic elements of the movie.

7. Pete’s Dragon (2016)

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 remake of the 1977 original, Pete's Dragon tells the heartwarming story of a boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) and his dragon friend Elliott. After being orphaned in a forest, Pete forms a bond with the camouflaged dragon. The film blends elements of Tarzan and The Iron Giant, creating a touching narrative that showcases the friendship between a boy and his dragon.

6. Eragon (2006)

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 follows a young farm boy (Ed Speleers) who discovers a dragon egg, leading him on an epic journey against evil forces. With multiple dragons featured, the film offers exciting dragon action, though 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: Kanopy, Hoopla, Paramount+, Apple TV, or rentable on other platforms

Despite its dated effects and average acting, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy adventure that earns its place on our list. A young wizard's apprentice (Peter MacNicol) takes on the mission to slay a dragon and save a kingdom after his master's demise. Its bold 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: Max, or rentable on other platforms

In this second installment of The Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and his companions venture into the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Unique for featuring the dragon's name in the title, Smaug embodies the classic dragon traits of greed, cunning, and territoriality.

For a complete viewing experience, see our guide on watching 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

Reign of Fire stands out as the best action movie on our list, set in a modern world where dragons emerge as apex predators. A talented cast including Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey brings this thrilling, original concept to life, making it a standout dragon movie.

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 offers a heartfelt yet cheesy tale of a dragonslaying knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who allies with the last dragon, Draco (voiced by Sean Connery), to defeat an evil king. The film's charm lies in the unlikely friendship and witty banter between Bowen and Draco, making it a beloved entry in the dragon movie genre.

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 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 animated film that blends coming-of-age with fantasy. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends a rare dragon, leading to a transformative journey that challenges the Viking community's dragon-hunting traditions. With its rich lore and diverse dragon species, this film stands out as both a great dragon movie and a cinematic gem.

We anticipate the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set for release in June, might join or even surpass the animated film on our 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 10 picks of the best dragon movies of all time! Dragons come in many forms, but we can all agree they are fascinating creatures. If we missed your favorite dragon movie, please let us know in the comments.

For more thrilling cinematic experiences, explore our guide to the best shark movies or learn how to watch the Godzilla movies in order.