Unleash the Magic: 20 Must-See Dragon Movies You Can't Miss!

When we were young, our grandma would share tales about a dragon causing trouble in a country and a brave hero stepping up to fight it. As kids, those stories kept us amused, and even now, dragon yarns continue to be popular in movies. Usually, dragons are shown as dangers to human communities in films, but more recently, some movies have presented them as humans’ loyal companions instead.

There’s no lack of dragon films available today, offering a variety that caters to every dragon enthusiast. Regrettably, quantity isn’t the only thing abundant; there are numerous dragon-themed movies that are absolute must-watches for any true dragon fan. Below, you’ll find a list of the top 20 dragon movies ever made, presented in no particular order.

In today’s world, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dragon films. Sadly, there are more than enough dragon-themed movies out there, but there’s a solid handful that every dragon lover should watch without fail. Here’s a list of the top 20 dragon movies of all time, presented in no particular order.

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Today, you’ll find plenty of dragon films to choose from, and while there are many options, there’s a decent number of them that are essential viewing for any dragon aficionado. Here’s a list of the top 20 dragon movies ever made, presented in no specific order.

1. Merlin (TV Mini-Series 1998)

Merlin isn’t categorically a movie; instead, it’s a high-quality miniseries that premiered on NBC in 1998. Despite being telecasted on TV, its quality and popularity make it worthy of inclusion on this list. Some viewers even consider the scene where Merlin’s lover, Nimue, is sacrificed to a dragon as the best in the series. Regardless of personal opinions, this scene introduced dragons into homes nationwide during primetime television, marking a significant moment for many viewers, as it was often their first encounter with these mythical creatures. Fans of Game of Thrones may have become accustomed to seeing Drogon on screen, but for numerous spectators, this was their inaugural “dragon sighting.

Merlin received exceptional reviews all around, earning six Emmy Award nominations and four Golden Globe nods. Yet, its most remarkable feat was captivating a multitude of new viewers into the realm of fantasy. By opening the gates for fantasy productions in mainstream media, it set the stage for popular series like Supernatural, Once Upon a Time, and Grimm. Merlin is rich with drama, occasionally creative interpretations of history, magic, and compelling narratives. If you’re a fan of fantasy, you might recognize its sequel, The Apprentice of Merlin.

2. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

One of the greatest dragon movies ever made is ‘How to Train Your Dragon.’ This animated film opens on a Norse island called Berk, where a lone giant man lives above the Viking village. The villagers have little faith in Hiccup, the awkward apprentice of the blacksmith, to transform into a true Viking and help them fight the daily menace of the dragon infestation.

Hiccup limbs back up and meanders through the forest, where he stumbles upon a legend-enshrouded child tied up, following a sighting of another beast assault. He liberates it. Finding himself unable to slay it, he deems it amiable and courteous, devises a prosthetic for its stumped tail, and inadvertently acquires the ability to soar. He journeys through towns of young monster combatants, eliminating them without dangerous hostility after picking up information about mythical serpents from it.

Initially aloof, Hiccup is now tasked with slaying a legendary monster and participating in the annual boat expedition to destroy the winged serpent. However, he proves himself by learning and facing the real challenge. Unlike other dragons, this one is harmless and peaceful. This movie stands out with its impressive visual effects and is widely regarded as one of the best in its genre.

3. The Flight of Dragons (1982)

Given the limitations in capturing dragons’ grandeur, mystery, and even ferocity on live-action film, particularly before advanced technology was available, it makes sense that some outstanding dragon movies are animated. For instance, “The Flight of the Dragons,” released in 1982, showcased star voice talents like John Ritter and James Earl Jones. It also drew from fantasy works such as The Flight of Dragons, The Dragon, and the George to create an entertaining animated film for all ages that posed the thought-provoking question about whether magic and science can coexist harmoniously.

1. Don’t let the underwhelming artwork on the movie’s cover deter you as a newcomer. It shares the same captivating, beautiful yet raw fantasy aesthetic as films such as The Last Unicorn. Remarkably, it belongs to a genre of movies that are seldom produced nowadays, which is a testament to the advancements in filmmaking technology over time.

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2. Although the movie’s cover might not grab your attention at first glance, it possesses the same enchanting, visually stunning yet gritty fantasy style as films like The Last Unicorn. Regrettably, it represents a genre of films that are rarely produced nowadays, which highlights the significant strides made in filmmaking technology throughout the years.

In the inevitable shift from magic to science, performer Carolinus calls upon his three entertainer siblings for a daring proposal. They discuss creating a realm of enchantment, distinct from the human world, where magical items would be securely preserved. Carolinus’ ideas gain traction and his siblings agree to help with the plan.

As far as I’m concerned, one of my brothers, Ommadon, flat-out refuses to move into that retirement community. Instead, he’s cooking up something else – a confrontation with the fellow who aims to misuse our scientific prowess against us. The three of us devise a covert expedition to bring down Ommadon, shielded from any immediate threats we might encounter. We’ve enlisted the help of Sir Orin Neville Smythe, a knight nearby, as well as monstrous allies Gorbash and Smrgol, and an unidentified trailblazer who specializes in scientific matters to aid us on our mission.

Carolinus locates scientist Peter Dickenson and persuades him to embark on the expedition by calling out to an artifact. However, a miscast spell introduces significant complications for Peter, making things especially challenging. Consequently, an exciting journey brimming with captivating personalities, challenges, and perils reaches its climax in a confrontation between Peter and Ommadon.

This tale draws inspiration from Gordon R. Dickson’s “The Dragon and the George” for its primary characters and themes, incorporates the magical serpent scheme and flight mechanics of Peter Dickinson’s “The Flight of Dragons,” and adds a touch of essayist Romeo Muller’s insights, particularly in the scientific aspects and emotional subplots.

4. Reign of Fire (2002)

12-year-old Quinn Abercromby accidentally triggers the awakening of a legendary slumbering creature in contemporary London, an incident that he partially caused due to his mother’s excavation site and her subsequent event. As an adult (portrayed by Christian Bale), Quinn is now the fire chief within a fortified community, tasked with extinguishing the fires ignited by the monstrous creature’s colossal breath of flames, which have been causing destruction across the globe, burning humanity and reducing it to a near-extinct species.

the Archangels. Paratroopers, serving as bait, attract and subsequently neutralize the destructive creatures.

5. Dragonslayer (1981)

The movie ‘Dragonslayer’ from 1981, despite Peter MacNicol later distancing himself from it, maintains a devoted cult audience. This film, with its peculiarities, gloominess, and the classic “damsel in distress” narrative, echoes ancient dragon tales and David’s triumph over Goliath in numerous aspects. Notably, it features a lottery system for dragon offerings, a concept that remains relevant even today.

The movie featured an unexpectedly high level of graphic violence for its theme, blurring the lines between horror and its main narrative. Modern dragon enthusiasts might find the visual effects dated and too grim. However, it was groundbreaking in terms of cinematography and special effects, being one of the first films to realistically portray a dragon on screen, an accomplishment that was unprecedented at the time.

6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

As Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) enters his fourth year at Hogwarts, he eagerly anticipates the upcoming spring break with his companions. They secure tickets to the Quidditch World Cup Final, but following the match, individuals disguised as Voldemort’s “Death Eaters” ignite a blaze that destroys everyone’s tents. This, along with the appearance of Voldemort’s likeness and the “Dull Mark” in the sky, triggers chaos throughout the enigmatic campground.

In that same year, the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry organizes “The Triwizard Tournament,” a magical contest involving three distinguished schools of sorcery: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. To participate, candidates must be at least seventeen years old and selected by an otherworldly artifact called “The Goblet of Fire.

Despite the night being filled with determination, the Goblet of Fire unexpectedly draws four names instead of the typical three, including Harry who was mistakenly selected as the Fourth Champion. Since the enchantment can’t be undone, Harry is compelled to take up the challenge and courageously finish three incredibly tough tasks. This movie is also well-known for being one of the top dragon films in the series.

7. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Fans of Tolkien often contend that no movie could truly capture the essence of the books, but there’s no denying the awe-inspiring special effects displayed in The Lord of the Rings series. When viewers first witnessed the soaring, fearsome creatures of the fell beasts in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, they were left with goosebumps from head to toe. Some might even claim that the scenes involving the Nazgul in Return of the King are even more spellbinding.

In Osgiliath, for the very first time on screen, we encountered the dreadful monsters, the steeds of the Nazgul, as they hunted for the One Ring. The audience could almost yell at the terrifying sound of their wing flapping and piercing shrieks.

In the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, the creatures known as Nazgul or Nazgul-birds, and hell-hawks, were originally akin to pterosaurs. However, in Peter Jackson’s interpretation, these fell beasts took on a wyvern-like form, characterized by their serpentine appearance and absence of beaks.

8. Maleficent (2014)

As a pixie from the heart of the enchanted woods of the Moors, I’ve always been accustomed to the tranquil and mystical land on the edge of the hostile human realm. Yet, the allure of high school energy takes me aback, having never experienced it before. However, this period of innocence shall pass, and as a series of misleading indications unfold, the soft, barely-there voice of youth will give way to the formidable presence of Maleficent, the mighty guardian of the Moors – a force to be reckoned with.

Currently, Maleficent’s core is filled with venom, fury, and an intense desire for vengeance. In essence, everyone is potentially at risk, but particularly the lord’s young daughter, Aurora. Her situation seems to demand reflection on her father’s mistakes. Interestingly, a friend or relative once spoke of Maleficent’s potential goodness. Could genuine romance provoke the Mistress of All Darkness in her current state?

9. Pete’s Dragon (2016)

Although Pete’s Dragon is generally known for its lighter tone, it doesn’t shy away from some serious and somber scenes. As a boy, Pete didn’t have the most ideal upbringing, enduring abuse from his foster family in the woods and the constant fear that his dragon friend might be harmed or even killed for magical purposes. However, the film carries a hopeful message throughout. Despite garnering only 47% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, families found joy in the musical performances, which showcased Helen Reddy, Mickey Rooney, and Charlie Callas (who lent his voice to the humorous animated dragon).

Eliot’s charming personality, along with his hand-drawn, round features, and Pete’s backing, made him beloved by both children and adults. Those who had experienced the pain of loneliness found solace in him. His animated style brings to mind classics like The Reluctant Dragon and The Sword in the Stone. In the 2016 live-action version of Eliot, the dragon will be depicted as being more furry.

Eliot’s lovable character and Pete’s help made him popular with kids and adults who understood loneliness. He reminds us of The Reluctant Dragon and The Sword in the Stone. In the 2016 live-action version, Eliot will look like a fluffy dragon.

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

After the occurrences in the last movie, Thorin and his group are chased by Azog and his band of Orcs. Later, Gandalf guides them to the abode of Beorn, a shape-shifter capable of transforming into a bear. One evening, the Necromancer summons Azog to Dol Guldur and commands him to mobilize his forces for the upcoming battle, so Azog delegates the pursuit of Thorin to his son Bolg instead.

On the next day, Beorn decides to tag along on their journey towards the edge of Mirkwood, where Gandalf comes across an ancient ruin bearing inscriptions in the dark language. He advises the group to keep a safe distance and sets off to explore the burial sites of the Nazgûl, as he had pledged to Galadriel.

Following their entry into the forest, the tiny inhabitants get lost and are seized by frightening crawling creatures. Bilbo starts rescuing them using his freshly obtained invisibility barrier. After brutally killing a beast to retrieve it, he ultimately drops the Ring but gains mastery over its raw power.

11. Shrek (2001)

In most films, dragons are typically depicted as male characters. However, the movie Shrek bucked this trend by introducing a female dragon who was pink, had eyelashes and lipstick, and fell in love with a talking donkey. This was unprecedented in any film genre. Unlike most dragon movies that lack comedic elements, the Dragon from Shrek initially appeared as a threat within the “damsel in distress” trope but later transformed into a comical love interest. As the Shrek series progressed, the Dragon developed into a serious love interest and even produced donkey-dragon hybrids alongside her sidekick, Donkey.

The original Dragon film, released in 2001, showcased one of the earliest uses of computer-generated imagery (CGI) for dragons and became very popular with viewers. This movie led to a series of four sequels, with another one scheduled for 2019. Throughout the franchise, Dragon’s special effects continued to advance, and it reappeared as a terrifying monster during the Shrek Forever After time-travel segment. The success of Shrek boosted DreamWorks Animation significantly, and Dragon, along with other fairy tale characters, played a significant role in this growth.

12. Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)

In a different world, a Venusian’s spirit (equivalent to a Martian in the American adaptation) is governed by a princess hailing from a minuscule Himalayan nation. This spirit manages to leap off a plane moments before it collapses. Simultaneously, a meteorite carrying Ghidorah, the monster that razed its home planet, plummets from the heavens. Meanwhile, Godzilla and Rodan awaken from their slumber and jointly assault Japan, fighting side by side.

Mothra is trying to convince Godzilla, Rodan, and their twin priestesses to cease their battles against one another and unite to vanquish a new threat instead. Meanwhile, a team of mercenaries are chasing the princess with the aim of eliminating her, thus allowing her adversaries to seize control over her kingdom.

13. Willow (1988)

Back in 1988, Willow was among the initial fantasy movies that many genre enthusiasts watched. Despite its troll appearing like a low-budget King Kong costume and its two-headed Dragon looking dated compared to modern special effects, it successfully enchanted viewers who developed a fondness for it. The memorable scene where Willow boots a two-headed hatching dragon into a moat, only to witness it rapidly grow and consume people, left audiences spellbound, setting the stage for more lifelike dragons in contemporary films.

Despite not being a blockbuster at the box office initially, Willow continues to maintain a substantial fan base, much like other fantasy films. Its unique creatures and Warwick Davis’s nuanced portrayal of a hesitant yet resilient hero are still attractive to viewers today. It was even nominated for two Academy Awards, and director Ron Howard has hinted that a sequel is possibly in the works, saying “never say never.

14. DragonHeart (1996)

In a nutshell, the remarkable movie Dragonheart narrates the tale of Draco, a dragon who bravely gave part of his own heart to save a human prince. Tragically, this gift was misused by an unkind ruler, leading Draco to question humanity’s kindness. The film features Sean Connery as the voice of Draco, charming audiences with his witty remarks and grumpy demeanor, forming an alliance with Dennis Quaid’s cunning, dragon-hunting former knight.

The movie concluded with a sad ending, yet it paved the way for a more prosperous kingdom and earned Draco recognition among celestial dragons. Although some may have found the plot ordinary, the visuals and artistic appeal were undeniably captivating. Following its debut, it has led to a video game adaptation and two follow-up films.

Despite its sequel being unbearably bad, Dragonheart’s original narrative skillfully blended the charming fairy tale of two disenchanted characters tricking villages out of their wealth; with the first authentic portrayal of a dragon in modern cinema. Thus, it deservedly holds a place among the top dragon movies ever made.

15. Spirited Away (2001)

In many films, Asian dragons are scarcely depicted. However, Eddie Murphy voices the character Dragon Mushu from Disney’s Mulan, who shares romantic vocals with another dragon on the list. Nevertheless, Haku, the River Spirit in Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film Spirited Away, offers the most authentic representation of an Asian dragon on the big screen.

Similar to numerous characters created by Miyazaki, Haku embodies a blend of light and darkness, struggling with his craving for power and his capacity for goodness. Transformed into a dragon, he serves his mistress, Yubaba the witch, but also defends the film’s main character, Chihiro, in battles. In the end, it is Chihiro’s journey that leads to their salvation, as she is the one who ultimately saves them both.

Most of Miyazaki’s movies are enchantingly scrumptious, outshining other animated films with their flat, repetitive characters. Spirited Away is no different in this regard. The movie has earned enough praise from critics to validate its quality, and garnered enough love from audiences to attest to its originality and entertainment value. It raked in over $289 million globally, making it the highest-grossing film ever produced in Japan.

16. Mulan (1998)

There’s often been debate about whether animated movies could effectively tell stories for a more mature demographic, yet animation studios have consistently shown they can rise to the challenge. Mulan serves as a prime example, offering a compelling blend of intense war motifs and unsettling humor.

When the Huns threaten China, the imperial army calls up one male representative from every household. Since the Fa family has no son, the father elects to go by himself. In a daring move, Mulan, their daughter, takes her father’s armor and disguises herself as a man to enlist in the army. A dragon sent by their ancestors is tasked with safeguarding the Fa family’s destiny and ensuring Mulan returns home safely. The story that unfolds is filled with courage, trust, and affection.

17. Dragon Wars: D-War (2007)

If you’ve been yearning for the thrill of Japanese kaiju films, let me assure you – the genre is far from extinct! “Dragon Wars: D-War”, hailing from South Korea, serves as a testament to its enduring spirit. This rollercoaster ride of excitement and madness is not to be missed, but with one crucial caveat: a well-developed sense of humor will greatly enhance your viewing experience!

In ancient Korea, colossal reptiles called Imoogis used to wander around. One of these, Buraki, was particularly fearsome as he commanded armored soldiers. However, there was a young girl named Narin who possessed a unique ability: a luminous orb known as Yuh Yi Joo, which could transform the Imoogis into dragons. Unfortunately, she and her guardian, Haram, made the ultimate sacrifice by not using this power.

Inhale deeply. The commotion in Los Angeles suggests something massive and grumpy has stirred awake. When Ethan Kendrick, played by Jason Behr, uncovers the truth, he recalls his childhood lessons from the mystic Jack, portrayed by Robert Forster, that he is Haram reborn. Now, Sarah Daniels, played by Amanda Brooks, embodies Narin.

Got all that?

18. Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God (2005)

The movie continued the storyline from the initial Dragons and Dungeons, inspired by Dungeons & Dragons role-playing games. Surprisingly, given its limited resources, this film accomplished tasks that its precursor couldn’t:

The movie followed on from the first Dragons and Dungeons, which was based on D&D board games. Despite being a small-scale production, it achieved what its predecessor didn’t:

The film was a follow-up to the original Dragons and Dungeons, modeled after Dungeons & Dragons tabletop games. Remarkably, for being a low-budget project, it surpassed its predecessor in several areas:

This movie was the next chapter in the Dragons and Dungeons series, inspired by D&D adventures. In contrast to its budget, it outdid its forerunner in various aspects that had previously been unsuccessful:

The movie expanded on the original Dragons and Dungeons narrative, drawing inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons RPGs. Given its limited resources, the film excelled where its precursor fell short:

Create a dramatic environment.
Receive a commendable performance from a small group of unknowns.
Provide appropriate dialogue at all times.

101 years have passed since the events of the initial movie, and Damodar, miraculously surviving Freeborn’s assault, dwells on Earth as an undead being. Plagued by the misery of his wretched existence, he yearns for retribution against the descendants of Izmir’s kingdom by reanimating the fearsome dragon Faluzure. Lord Berek and Melora are compelled to thwart Damodar before his sinister plot comes to fruition.

19. The NeverEnding Story (1984)

In a departure from traditional European dragons, Falcor, the fortuitous dragon, is designed more like a Chinese dragon, but to many viewers, he’s more reminiscent of a colossal, radiant puppy with a soft spot for kids—except as friends, not as breakfast. This aerial, grinning luck dragon was the dearest creature in The Neverending Story, emanating such ardor and optimism about Atreyu’s journey that he could easily be nicknamed the dragon equivalent of Leslie Knope.

In 1984, Wolfgang Peterson’s film featuring a large-eyed, shaggy creature might have seemed unusual to some. Yet, the enduring appeal of this movie has been persistent, as parents continue to share their cherished childhood films with their kids generation after generation. The delightful presence of Falcor in a mostly benign revenge plot against Bastian’s tormentors only served to endear him further to viewers of all ages.

In the 2016 Pete’s Dragon movie, it’s possible that the appearance of Falcor or Toothless served as an inspiration for the character design of Eliot, who shares similar furry, cat-like features with these famous creatures.

20. Eragon (2006)

The movie based on the popular book Eragon could be described as an unremarkable interpretation of the original story. However, it stands out with stunning dragon imagery. Despite not being particularly impressive overall, it still managed to become a hit, largely due to the success of its source material.

The story centers on Eragon, a 17-year-old who resides with his uncle Garrow on rural farms. In a forest, Eragon stumbles upon a strange blue egg, which he chooses to care for. From this egg hatches Saphira, a dragon, whom Eragon names. When the king of the realm learns about the egg, he wishes to seize it for his own purposes. As Eragon endeavors to safeguard the dragon and his uncle, events take a turn for the worse.

2025-05-20 22:21

Unleash the Magic: 20 Must-See Dragon Movies You Can’t Miss!