Dragons are truly awe-inspiring! Everyone, from young to old, seems to adore these magnificent creatures. Just take a look at popular series like Game of Thrones or The Hobbit, or the upcoming House of the Dragon, and you’ll see why. They are not only large and powerful but also incredibly intelligent and capable of breathing fire. Their grandeur is simply breathtaking, which could explain why children find them so appealing as well.
Dragons are frequently seen in animated films and cartoons because they symbolize strength but also kindness. These creatures often serve as guides, teaching us and our children about compassion, acceptance, and life in general. If your child loves dragons, Fiction Horizon has compiled an excellent list –
12. The Flight Of Dragons (1982)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
This animated film adapts Peter Dickinson’s book. The magical world is under siege by the logical one, prompting the wise Green Wizard, Carolinus, to take action and preserve it forever. However, Ommedon, a malevolent Red Wizard, poses a significant obstacle in his path.
Afterward, Carolinus orders an expedition, which will be guided by the individual known as Peter Dickinson. This unique figure stands at the forefront of both scientific and magical domains, tasked with vanquishing Ommedon.
This production had an unusual animation style, but its captivating plotline more than makes up for it. What particularly appealed to me as a child was the portrayal of somewhat rotund dragons, which seemed comical to me and made the TV movie all the more amusing.
To put it simply, even though this story may seem humorous at times, it carries profound teachings on friendship and the idea that wisdom and creativity need not be mutually exclusive.
Watch the trailer here.
11. The Reluctant Dragon (1941)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Humorist Robert Benchley embarks on a quest to meet Walt Disney, in hopes of convincing him to transform a peaceful dragon story, which prefers reciting poetry over being fierce, into an animated film. During this journey, he gets a behind-the-scenes look at the Walt Disney Studios and discovers the secrets of animation.
One reason it’s fantastic: The Reluctant Dragon stands out as the oldest film on this list and offers a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s a fascinating blend of animation and live-action, providing a glimpse into how Disney movies were crafted during the 1940s.
The animation is delightful, guaranteed to bring smiles to your kids’ faces. Moreover, the making-of segments are thoughtfully created, which could potentially ignite their imaginations and pique their curiosity about animation.
Watch the trailer here.
10. Puff The Magic Dragon (1978)
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Jackie is a young individual, overwhelmed by anxiety and self-doubt, struggling severely to connect with others. His situation has become critical, leaving medical professionals uncertain about his potential recovery beyond mere existence. The family’s hope for him to live a life of purpose seems increasingly dim.
Afterward, a magical dragon called Puff steps in to aid me, channeling his spirit energy for a breathtaking journey to my island of Honah Lee. During our travels, we encountered extraordinary experiences that sparked my creativity and fortitude in unique and unexpected manners.
Nevertheless, their arrival at Honah Lee is met with shock and dismay, for they find the land ruined and barren. This sight leaves Puff helpless. But while immersed in this despair, Puff unexpectedly realizes the positive impact he has had on Jackie when faced with this tragedy, as the boy reacts to it in his unique manner.
As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on the captivating short film, “Puff the Magic Dragon.” This enchanting 30-minute masterpiece serves as an invaluable educational tool for children, subtly imparting essential life lessons such as friendship, acceptance, courage, and kindness.
In a world where hope seemed to be dwindling, Jackie found an extraordinary ally in Puff, the magical dragon. When all others had lost faith in him, this unlikely companion helped Jackie conquer his deepest fears and blossom into a remarkable young boy.
Watch the full feature here.
9. Shrek (2001)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Green ogre named Shrek finds his swamp filled with various fairy tale characters due to Lord Farquaad’s cunning scheme. Accompanied by a boisterous donkey, Shrek embarks on a journey to persuade Farquaad to return the swamp. However, instead of restoring the swamp, they strike a deal.
As a devoted movie enthusiast, let me recount the tale of my favorite animated film: In this story, there’s a character named Farquaad who yearns for the throne. To achieve his goal, he orders an ogre named Shrek to retrieve Princess Fiona, who is waiting for her true love in a tower fortified by a fire-spitting dragon. However, upon their return, it becomes increasingly clear that Shrek, this unsightly ogre, finds himself smitten by the enchanting princess. But there’s more – Fiona harbors a massive secret, one that adds an intriguing twist to their budding romance.
Why I Adore It: Initially, Shrek might seem like a simple, kid-friendly dragon tale. However, upon revisiting as an adult, one cannot help but appreciate its cleverness that was previously overlooked. As a child, the humor, fairytale characters, and the lovable donkey were captivating. Yet, it’s only as an adult that I truly understand the film’s intricate layers of subtle grown-up jokes that once went unnoticed.
By the way, the dragon initially appears as the villain, but eventually reveals herself to be a noble, loyal, and helpful creature. Interestingly enough, she develops feelings for a donkey, suggesting that one should never make judgments based solely on appearances, and that love knows no boundaries, does it? In essence, perhaps this story imparts the lesson of not judging a book by its cover and acknowledging that love is universal.
Watch the trailer here.
8. Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon (2014)
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Once again, the beloved duo of cat and mouse, Tom and Jerry, return with tunes, magic, and humor in this captivating story that comes with two extra cartoons as extras. The story unfolds when Tom and Jerry stumble upon a luminous egg filled with surprises. Unbeknownst to them, this enchanted egg was stolen from a colossal, fire-spewing dragon!
Not long after, little Puffy emerges from its shell with Tom acting as its mother. However, the angry mother dragon yearns to reclaim her offspring, but she isn’t the only one interested – a powerful witch named Drizelda seizes the baby dragon for her own malicious intentions!
Accompanied by strong associates and loyal animal companions, Tom and Jerry embark on an intense battle to thwart the witch and rescue the baby dragon for its mother. The story reaches its thrilling peak as they employ strength, sorcery, and a dose of classic cartoon chaos!
What makes it special: This Tom and Jerry film might not be the greatest one out there, but it’s a traditional Tom and Jerry production that offers a bit more storyline compared to their usual antics of chasing each other and bashing heads. If your children are fans of both Tom and Jerry and dragons, they’re likely to find this movie particularly enjoyable, perhaps even more so than adults might.
Watch the trailer here.
7. Pete’s Dragon (2016)
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
In the heart of a forest, I was discovered after six years – a solitary existence that followed the tragic loss of my parents. It was Grace, a kind-hearted ranger, who offered me shelter and inquired about my miraculous survival. With a sparkle in my eyes, I shared my tale – speaking of an extraordinary companion named Elliott. To further illustrate my point, I sketched a dragon, explaining that this was my friend, Elliott, in disguise.
Grace shares the photo with her father who recounts an old tale of a dragon he supposedly encountered in the woods. She then leads Pete back to the forest where he points out his residence and Elliott. A stranger witnesses Elliott, disbelieved when sharing his story, decides to catch the dragon as evidence of his encounter.
What makes it special: This new take on Pete’s Dragon is remarkable, as it’s a modern adaptation of an older story dating back to 1977. Unlike the original, this version employs live-action filming and CGI technology to create Elliott the dragon.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, allow me to share my thoughts on this Disney classic that’s close to my heart. This tale, hailing from the illustrious Disney Studios, serves as an enlightening journey for young minds, delving into themes of love, friendship, and loyalty. However, it also shines a stark light on the darker sides of humanity – greed, selfishness, and wickedness.
Despite its modest IMDb score, I wholeheartedly recommend giving both versions a watch. The lessons they impart are timeless, and the emotional journey they take us on is unforgettable.
In a more casual and accessible style: This production becomes sillier as it gets older, combining hand-drawn cartoons with real-life footage. Even though it’s funny by today’s standards, the execution is still impressive.
Watch the trailer here.
6. The Dragon Prince (2018- )
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Two human royal brothers form an unexpected alliance with an elfin assassin assigned to eliminate them, venturing together on a grand journey aimed at restoring tranquility in their conflicted territories.
The Dragon Prince stands out as an excellent choice if you’re looking for a modern take on dragons that your children will love. It’s a captivating Netflix animated series that continues to be produced. In fact, it’s the only ongoing show in this list. The plot revolves around the adventures of three unconventional friends as they strive for harmony across all realms, not just their own. Adults can find the show equally engaging as well.
In my personal opinion, this film is an exceptional lesson for young minds. It instills values of compassion, empathy, camaraderie, and teamwork, demonstrating how these virtues can help individuals overcome their disparities to strive towards a common, lofty objective.
Watch the trailer here.
5. Dragon Tales (1999-2005)
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
The show revolves around the adventures of two siblings, Emmy and Max, who own a magical dragon scale that allows them to travel to a fantastical world filled with vibrant, talking dragons, once they chant a specific verse.
Four lively, chatty dragons named Ord, Cassie, Zak, and Wheezie became good companions to our protagonist. They often journeyed together to Dragon Land, aiding their friends in accomplishing tasks, resolving daily issues, and absorbing valuable lessons through the enlightening playfulness of this magical realm.
If you grew up in the nineties, chances are you watched Dragon Tales and enjoyed it to the fullest. Just like me, I imagine many others did too, as we all had our favorite dragon. Personally, I was fond of Wheezie, but each dragon has its own distinct personality, so your child is likely to choose their favorite based on their unique traits.
The show may not be the greatest animated series of all time, but it does impart some fundamental values like friendship, embracing diversity in character traits, and instilling moral principles, among others.
Watch the trailer here.
4. Dragon Ball Z (1989-2003)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Utilizing the mighty Dragon Balls, a group of combatants, headed by the Saiyan fighter Goku, protect our world, Earth, against hostile alien invaders.
In this tale, the mightiest fighter globally, Goku, who stands for justice, has a crucial mission: shielding Earth from Saiyan warriors serving under the ruthless cosmic despot, Frieza. Despite seemingly insurmountable challenges, Goku is compelled to join forces with his age-old adversary, Piccolo, to safeguard everyone dear to him from these fresh, elusive dangers that menace humanity.
What makes it stand out: I can confidently assert that Dragon Ball Z stands as a towering classic on this list. First airing in 1989, it has persisted for over three decades as an indispensable element of pop culture, all thanks to the show’s immense appeal. It ranks among the greatest anime series ever produced, and its IMDb rating of 8.8 serves as a testament to this fact.
Although Dragon Ball Z might suggest a continuous focus on dragons due to its name and dragonballs, the series actually explores various themes beyond just dragons. If you decide to watch Dragon Ball Z with your children, I can assure you that it promises an enjoyable experience for both of you, and you might even find yourself enjoying it more than expected!
Watch the trailer here.
3. How To Train Your Dragon (2010)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
In the chilly past, on the frosty Island of Berk nestled up North, I, a scrawny Viking teenager named Hiccup, yearned to participate in my village’s ongoing battles against the dragons that persistently terrorized our humble abode. Yet, my burly father and esteemed village chief, Stoik the Vast, remained resolute in his refusal to let me, a small, awkward, but ingenious lad, partake in these dangerous escapades.
Despite everything, Hiccup bravely steps into the fray, slays a puzzling Night Fury dragon using his own creation, yet he’s unable to end its life.
Or:
In spite of other circumstances, Hiccup marches off to fight and manages to defeat an enigmatic Night Fury dragon with his innovation; however, he can’t bear to kill it.
Rather than developing an adversarial relationship, Hiccup and the dragon he names Toothless forge a unique bond that expands their horizons. As Hiccup gains insight into his people’s misunderstanding of dragons, both characters embark on separate journeys of discovery. However, they soon find themselves battling against the destructive prejudices permeating their world.
Among today’s children, How to Train Your Dragon might be the most well-known dragon film in this collection. The movie’s dragon, Toothless, has become a significant figure in popular culture. With two sequels and several short films derived from it, the film is an adaptation of a novel.
Teach your kids to trust their instincts when something seems off; even deeply rooted traditions and practices need to change if they’re harmful. And remember, friendships can blossom in the unlikeliest of settings, so never make judgments based on hearsay – instead, form opinions from personal experiences.
Watch the trailer here.
2. Mulan (1998)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
In this modern take on a classic Chinese folklore, we follow the tale of a young Chinese girl who discovers that her frail and crippled father is conscripted to fight against the invading Huns. With the understanding that he wouldn’t withstand the harshness of war in his condition, she chooses to conceal her identity and step into battle on his behalf.
Unbeknownst to her, her ancestors have foreseen this situation and send a small, disgraced dragon named Mushu to be by her side. Initially compelled to stop her plan, he eventually understands that she is determined and chooses instead to aid her during the challenging times that lie ahead.
As a movie critic, here’s my take: “Experiencing Mulan, you’re not just watching a traditional Chinese story unfold, but a contemporary reinterpretation that packs a powerful punch. This film delves into profound themes of courage, family bonds, and self-discovery – yet Mushu, the lovable dragon sidekick, truly shines, adding humor and charm to this epic journey.
In a fun twist, Eddie Murphy lent his voice to the diminutive, comical dragon who assists Mulan in surviving the war and rebuilding her reputation. The movie demonstrates that dragons don’t always need to be grand and imposing; even small, skinny, and peculiar ones can make a significant impact if they possess a kind heart. Indeed, it seems like a positive message for young viewers, doesn’t it?
Watch the trailer here.
1. Spirited Away (2001)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
A grumpy 10-year-old girl discovers a realm governed by deities, witches, and supernatural beings during her family’s relocation to the suburbs, where people can transform into animals.
In my opinion, Spirited Away stands out as the most extraordinary animated movie I’ve ever encountered. The creative mind of Hayao Miyazaki never ceases to amaze me, weaving a tale so captivating that it lingers in my thoughts long after viewing.
In essence, this story isn’t strictly about dragons, rather it delves into themes such as the idea of a spiritual realm, redemption, family bonds, and friendship. However, one standout aspect is the portrayal of an exceptional dragon character – Haku – who assumes the form of a water spirit disguised as a boy, but in truth, he’s a lost river spirit appearing as a dragon on screen.
Be cautious when watching this animation with young kids, as certain characters and situations might be scary for them, even though one of those characters, Kamaji, eventually reveals himself to be a benevolent creature, despite his appearance as a humanoid spider. You can check out the trailer here.
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2025-06-07 06:46