Top 20 Epic Anime Dragons Ranked You Must See

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Dragon creatures are truly fascinating, renowned for their appearances in countless mythologies worldwide. Although there may be variations between dragons portrayed in Western and Eastern cultures, they share common elements, such as possessing unique abilities and being central figures in epic tales. In the realm of anime, dragons also hold a significant place, and this article presents a list of the top 20 most popular and influential anime dragons ever, arranged according to their popularity and impact.

20. Majiramon

Franchise: Digimon

Majiramon is a divine creature resembling the Chinese dragon. Unlike other Digimon, he doesn’t seem to talk and typically appears during Makuramon’s mounts. He was ultimately destroyed by Cyberdramon when it tried to capture Calumon. Majiramon is a strong Ultimate-level Digimon, but it could only be defeated with the immense power of Cyberdramon, along with Ryo’s strategic inputs.

In the show “Digimon Ghost Game,” a similar character is introduced. This occurs after Jellymon manipulated the 1,000 talismans set by Higashimitarai Kiyoshiro, causing disruption in Japan’s economic system. This action infuriated Majiramon, prompting him to travel from the Digital World to the Human World in search of Kiyoshiro. However, once the hack was undone and the situation clarified, Majiramon forgave Kiyoshiro and went back to his original world.

19. Ryūkotsusei

Franchise: InuYasha

The dragon demon is one of Inutaisho’s most fearsome enemies, and Inuyasha defeats it using the Steel Fang sword. From this encounter, he learns a new attack called Baku-Ryu-Ha (Explosive Wave). Essentially, this move combines the Kase no Kisu (cutting wind) with the opponent’s energy. When the adversary releases their energy, Inuyasha must precisely locate where to sever that demonic energy, resulting in an explosive wave.

18. Rayquaza

Franchise: Pokémon

Rayquaza can be described as a dragon with a serpentine form. Its body is predominantly green, but it has some reddish accents and yellow markings that decorate its green physique. It’s often associated with living in the ozone layer of the atmosphere. This Pokémon is known for being quite territorial; it won’t think twice before attacking any unwelcome visitor within its domain. This behavior was demonstrated in the movie when it quickly attacked a meteorite containing Deoxys.

As a movie buff, I found myself utterly captivated by this character’s demeanor. Despite his seemingly tranquil exterior, he exudes an aura of immense power that leaves you in awe. This character, who dwells high above us in the stratosphere, descends to the Sky Pillar when needed. He seems incredibly at ease in the ozone layer, a testament to his cosmic origins.

Instead of consuming food conventionally, this character absorbs water particles floating in the air. However, what truly sets him apart is his ability to Mega Evolve by feeding on the energy stored within meteorites. This transformation is nothing short of breathtaking, a spectacle that leaves you wondering about the mysteries of the universe.

17. Igneel

Franchise: Fairy Tail

In simpler terms, Igneel, the Fire Dragon King, serves as Natsu Dragneel’s foster father since his childhood. Igneel taught him his unique language, traditions, and fire dragon slaying magic. On July 7, X777, Natsu notices that Igneel has disappeared and begins a search for the dragon while juggling his tasks. He encounters other dragon slayers who have also lost their guardian dragons on the same day.

Fourteen years after his vanishing act, when Acnologia stormed the battlefield between Fairy Tail and Tartaros, I found myself unexpectedly entwined in their conflict – for Igneel had been secretly confined within my very being all this while! It was a shared fate among dragons, bound to their grown offspring, waiting out the years with them. My role, however, was twofold: to halt the transformation triggered by dragon slayer magic within me, and to bide my time, awaiting the perfect moment to confront Acnologia head-on.

Nevertheless, Igneel meets a violent end at the hands of Acnologia before ascending to a loftier realm alongside other dragons, where they observe human affairs. Following his demise, he bestows upon Natsu Dragneel the unique “Fire Dragon King” form of dragon slayer magic as well.

16. Platinum Dragon Lord

Franchise: Overlord

According to Rigrit Bers Kauraru, one of the Thirteen Heroes, he is considered the most powerful entity on Earth currently. This is due to his ownership of many items that the Eight Greed Kings left behind in their floating castle after they perished, making him a potential top-tier Dragon Lord.

Evileye firmly believed that Jaldabaoth held power equal to the Platinum Dragon Lord, so much so that she found it challenging to differentiate between them. As their powers surpass human understanding, this conundrum remains unresolved. His perception abilities exceed those of ordinary dragons due to his status as a Dragon Lord among other Dragon Lords.

Thus, only those exceptionally skilled in hiding their presence can secretly interact with him. Few individuals could convincingly pull off such a task, even considering his advanced age. Among these were the assassin Izaniya, necromancer Rigrit of the Thirteen Heroes, other Dragon Lords he respected equally, and perhaps the Platinum Dragon Lord, who is rumored to possess an unknown ultimate attack.

15. Porunga

Franchise: Dragon Ball

Similar to Shenron, Porunga is a powerful dragon hailing from the Dragon Ball universe. Unlike Shenron, who was born from Kami-sama’s tears upon his arrival on Earth, Porunga was crafted by the Grand Master of the Nameks, Saichoroshi. He boasts greater strength than Shenron and has the unique ability to grant three wishes instead of just one. However, unlike Shenron, he can only resurrect a single individual per wish. A notable difference is that Porunga can revive a person as many times as needed, whereas Shenron can only bring someone back once per entity.

In the manga, his abilities develop later on, triggered by Chief Namekian’s transformation. Unlike Shenron, communicating with Porunga requires speaking in the Namekian language to ensure the requested wish is granted. The formula for summoning him must also be crafted in the Namekian tongue. He makes his debut during the Frieza saga. After the first two wishes are fulfilled, Saichoroshi perishes, along with Porunga and the Dragon Balls. However, once Vegeta is resurrected using Shenron from Earth, the third wish can be granted.

14. Kozuki Momonosuke

Franchise: One Piece

Kozuki Momonosuke, born from Oden and Toki, is actually younger than his sister Hiyori due to time travel, making him smaller in stature. Despite his youthful appearance, he possesses a gruff and proud demeanor. Interestingly, he exhibits an unusual fascination towards older women. He often employs a strategy that involves feigning innocence and flattering them to take advantage of their nurturing qualities.

Initially, Kin’emmon, Kanjuro, Raizo, and our protagonist were traveling towards the island of Zou when a tragic accident occurred: their ship was damaged on Dressrosa. Subsequently, they found themselves in Punk Hazard illegally. In this unfamiliar territory, he unwittingly consumed an artificial Zoo Zoo fruit, which bestowed upon him the extraordinary power to transform into a Chinese dragon.

Later, he had the chance encounter with Luffy and his comrades. During this meeting, Kin’emmon feigned being his father in front of everyone. The Straw Hat pirates’ journey then led them to Dressrosa, and eventually, our hero joined Sanji, Nami, Chopper, Brook, Caesar, and others as they proceeded to Zo.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’d put it like this: In the heart-pounding scene, Momonosuke steps forward to unveil his true identity. He appeals to Luffy and Law for aid in vanquishing Kaido. With this alliance formed between the Kozuki family, my beloved Straw Hat Pirates, minks, and their loyal subordinates, we charge towards Onigashima with one goal: to dethrone the Emperor.

However, during the relentless assault, a twist unfolds as Momonosuke is captured by Kanjuro and delivered straight into Kaido’s clutches. But fear not, for the heroic Sanji, Shinobu, and Yamato swoop in to save the day!

Later on, Momonosuke requests that the talented healer, Shinobu, accelerate his aging process by twenty years, allowing him to actively engage in the fierce battles ahead. After Kaido’s and Orochi’s defeat, the people acclaim our young hero as the new shogun, heralding a new era of peace and prosperity for Wano Country.

13. Megidramon

Franchise: Digimon

In the “Digimon Tamers” anime, Guilmon’s mega-level alter ego, Megidramon, emerged as a result of Takato’s intense anger towards Beelzemon. This evil dragon Digimon is known for its tremendous power, even causing trouble for Beelzemon. Similar to SkullGreymon in “Digimon Adventure”, Megidramon represents a Dark Digivolution.

He was a ruthless, emotion-feeding creature, devoid of reason or empathy, who targeted Takato’s negative feelings without any discernible purpose. His sole objective was to find an adversary and annihilate them brutally, which contradicted everything that Takato believed in. However, Beelzemon’s reign came to an end when Gallantmon, born from their partnership with Takato, struck its Digital Hazard symbol on the chest.

12. Charizard

Franchise: Pokémon

Charizard boasts powerful wings for flight and the ability to unleash fiery breath. Its long neck and robust tail tip carry a flame, which intensifies after tough battles. However, much like its evolutionary family, running out of flame could prove fatal. Charizard is known for being arrogant, combative, aggressive, and extremely proud. In fact, it can’t handle fighting a Pokémon that’s weaker than itself, and if forced to do so, it won’t use its fire.

He chooses to battle adversaries that offer him a struggle, and won’t stop until he emerges victorious. This fire has the power to melt rocks and steel, or start forest fires by accident, but as it gains more combat experience, its intensity grows. That’s why you often see it flying around searching for opponents to make itself stronger.

When Charizard becomes angry, the tip of its tail emits a bright light blue flame. Being a creature with an inherent sense of honor, Charizard uses its strength and powers only against opponents it perceives as equal. Like its earlier forms, Charizard’s preferred environment is mountainous, but it resides in higher, equally rocky areas due to its flight capabilities.

11. Slifer the Sky Dragon

Franchise: Yu-Gi-Oh!

The heavens swirl and a mighty rumble echoes, heralding the arrival of this ancient, legendary being, and the emergence of immense power. This is the description of one of the Egyptian God Cards from the widely acclaimed Yu-Gi-Oh! series. Slifer the Sky Dragon not only appears majestic but is also an incredibly powerful monster. When used correctly with your cards, he becomes a formidable opponent, approaching invincibility.

Slifer the Sky Dragon significantly extended beyond its card form, playing a crucial role within the narrative. Its significance lies in its connections to both the present Yugi and the Pharaoh from Ancient Egypt. The card represents a physical manifestation of an authentic Egyptian deity, which is why Slifer holds such importance within the storyline.

10. Blue Dragon

Franchise: BLUE DRAGON

In this animated series, Blue Dragon initially clashes with the lead character Shu, but eventually forms a strong friendship and teams up with him to combat evil forces. Their story unfolds in Talta village, where whispers of a skilled knight approaching stirs excitement. Intrigued, Shu embarks on a quest to find this knight, hoping to become his apprentice. It’s here that he encounters Zola, a mysterious young woman with an icy demeanor and an enchanting aura, whom he believes is the Master Knight.

Actually, Zola isn’t a Master Knight, but rather a manipulator of shadows, just like Jiro, a boy around Shu’s age who accompanies her. In the initial episode, the army from the Grand Realm assaults the village of Talta. It is here that Shu learns he possesses a shadow, which happens to be the Blue Dragon – a shadow that Zola and Jiro have been searching for quite some time. After much deliberation, Shu chooses to set off on an adventure with Zola, Jiro, and their faithful companion Kluke.

9. Hyōrinmaru 

Franchise: Bleach

Much like all Shinigami, Toshiro carries a sword named Hyorinmaru, which resembles an Ice Dragon in its released form, much like a Chinese dragon. This particular sword is renowned as the strongest Ice-type Zanpakuto. During its release phase, the Hyorinmaru materializes into a colossal winged ice dragon. A chain attached to the hilt of the sword (known as the tsuka) connects to a crescent moon-shaped piece of metal; this chain is used to freeze whatever it touches. The sword’s tsuba, or handguard, features a star shape.

In the Zanpakuto: Alternative Tales filler arc, Hyōrinmaru’s form is portrayed not only as a dragon but also as a serious, long-haired human figure. However, the dragon aspect still appears in this arc as well.

8. Dragonite

Franchise: Pokémon

Dragonite is a Pokemon of the Dragon type. It boasts a versatile repertoire of abilities, capable of flight and employing fire, water, ice, and electric assaults. Remarkably intelligent, it possesses cognitive skills akin to those of humans. Similar to its previous forms, Dragonite exhibits a compassionate nature, often soaring over the ocean to aid shipwreck victims or guide stranded ships to safety, even braving the strongest storms without appearing to sustain any harm.

Despite being a bulky, relatively slow-flying Pokémon, it can circumnavigate the globe in an astounding 16 hours. Legend has it that this Pokémon is exclusively found in the wild on the elusive Dragonite Island, a place said to be submerged beneath the sea and whose existence is only confirmed by tales of shipwreck survivors who were miraculously saved by the very same creature. This island is believed to be inhabited solely by Dragonite and its earlier forms.

7. The Winged Dragon of Ra

Franchise: Yu-Gi-Oh!

According to the card’s official description, this card depicts Ra: the deity who gains power from three offerings. However, even if these offerings please him, he will only respond to the one who utters the sacred phrases. Once granted the means of resurrection, Ra emerges from the earth, and those who engage in war against him are consumed by fire. Instantaneously, Ra transforms into a Phoenix, and his adversaries are sent back to the earth.

In simpler terms, the “Winged Dragon of Ra” is a game card modeled after an ancient Egyptian god, and it was exceptionally rare and unique within the series. Over time, it became the strongest single-card monster in the entire collection. The dragon, like its namesake deity, was almost invincible, and the card’s power was matched by the significant role the god Ra played in the storyline.

6. Kaidō

Franchise: One Piece

The legendary Zoan-type Devil Fruit called Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu allows its consumer to fully or partially transform into an Eastern Dragon, specifically the Azure Dragon. In this case, Kaidou consumed it. This fruit is somewhat angular and adorned with sharp, scale-like protrusions. Its color is a soft cyan on the exterior, with deeper shades at the spiral points. The base of the fruit is covered in orange vegetation, and uniquely, it has two purple stems instead of one.

In conflicts, Kaidou often employs this fruit. Unlike many other users of Zoan-type fruits we’ve seen, he usually initiates fights in his complete metamorphosis and then transforms back to his original form, a strategy that’s quite unusual. This is due to the fact that his base form appears better adapted for intense, up-close, one-on-one combats.

In his gigantic dragon form, Kaidou maintains a distance from his adversaries, unleashing potent elemental attacks from his maw, often a fierce fireball to crush them. On occasions when opponents get too close, he resorts to biting them. We didn’t rank Kaidō higher on our list because he is not biologically a dragon; instead, he assumes the form through a Devil Fruit, making him distinct from true dragons.

5. Blue-Eyes White Dragon

Franchise: Yu-Gi-Oh!

This legendary dragon is an almost unbeatable force of destruction, rarely faced by those who dare to challenge it. Few have survived encounters with this fearsome creature, making it a true legend in the world of Yu-Gi-Oh! The Blue-Eyes White Dragon may just be a card, but its influence on the series is undeniable, and it ranks among the most powerful classical cards in the game.

Associated with Seto Kaiba, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon served as a representation of power and became an iconic card for the villain in the series. Much like the Dark Magician represented Yugi, this card held significant importance for Kaiba. Despite modifications to his deck, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon remained constant and was deeply connected with Kaiba.

4. Acnologia 

Franchise: Fairy Tail

Acnologia, also known as The Dragon King of the Apocalypse, is a legendary black dragon who was once a renowned dragon hunter four centuries ago. Overuse of magic during his hunting days led to his transformation into a dragon, resulting in the extinction of all remaining dragons at the dragon burial ground. Unlike other dragons who retired on July 7, 77771, Acnologia remains active in the human world. Known for his hatred towards humans, he communicates with them as one would with an insignificant insect. In a brutal display of power, Acnologia defeated Gildarts by tearing out his left arm, leg, and several internal organs.

Following the departure of Grimoire Heart, a menacing figure arrives on Tenrō Island. Due to their malicious actions, they instigate an attack against Fairy Tail. In the aftermath of this assault, both Tenrō Island and all its Fairy Tail inhabitants (including S-rank exam participants) are obliterated. However, after these catastrophic events unfold, the figure mysteriously vanishes.

In the clash between Fairy Tail and Tartaros, he makes another appearance. As per Mard Geer’s words, he was intended to annihilate E.N.D before his resurrection. He initiates a combat against Igneel. Winning this battle by tearing a significant part of Igneel’s body, though losing an arm in the process, he then ends Igneel using Dragon’s Howl. He conceals himself among rocky mountains where Zeref later pays him a visit. Despite seeming like a man in his twenties, Acnologia is actually several centuries old. He has long, spiky midnight blue hair, dark skin with blue markings, and wears a long black cape. During the interview with Zeref, war against him is declared.

3. Azulongmon

Franchise: Digimon

Azulongmon is a dragon-type Digimon from Asia, known for ruling over the eastern region of the Digital World. Alongside four other companions, Azulongmon was previously defeated and imprisoned by the Dark Masters, only to be later freed by the DigiDestined after they utilized their symbols. Known for his wisdom and moderation, Azulongmon believes in the bond between humans and Digimon. In the series Digimon Adventure 02, he makes an appearance when BlackWarGreymon seeks a worthy opponent, potentially endangering the Digital World to engage in battle.

Ultimately, when Azulongmon encounters him, he is able to persuade him through dialogue. He resurfaces in Digimon Tamers starting from episode 38. It’s disclosed that he safeguarded the catalyst necessary for Digimon Digivolution by transforming it into a tiny Digimon named Calumon. Later on, he intervenes to shield the team of tamers against Zhuqiaomon. After some time, he successfully convinces both parties to halt their conflict and join forces against D-Reaper instead.

2. Haku

Franchise: Spirited Away

I, Kohaku Nushi, was taken under Yubaba’s wing as an apprentice magician, but she also took my name away from me. My work is shrouded in mystery, and the other bath workers both respect and fear me, for they see a chilly demeanor within. Yet, beneath that cold exterior lies a heart full of kindness and compassion, ready to aid Chihiro when needed. I often appear aloof, but deep down, I am warm-hearted. In my Ryū form, I transform into a long, graceful dragon with white and blue scales and whiskers, capable of flying and swimming. This enigmatic, mysterious, crucial, and beautiful character that I am, Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi, continues to captivate the hearts of many.

He desires for Chihiro to go back to his realm, but it will require her to accomplish numerous tasks, some challenging and others requiring initiation. He will be the one who leads her bravely through this journey, showing great courage and sometimes making sacrifices on her behalf. Haku is revered as a deity and often referred to as a lord or god. It’s thanks to Haku’s steadfast resolve that Chihiro learns to trust him, enabling them to assist each other. His name might be derived from Nigihayahi, a figure of historical and legendary significance.

1. Shenron 

Franchise: Dragon Ball

The magical dragon known as Shenron or Shenlong is brought to life by a divine figure, given form through a small model. This powerful creature is summoned when seven celestial dragon orbs come together. With the ability to grant any sort of wish, there are limitations: he cannot fulfill requests that exceed his capabilities, wishes he has already granted, and he does not have the power to bring back those who have passed naturally.

Following the divine fusion of God and Piccolo, Dende assumes the role of the new Earth deity and increases Shenron’s abilities, enabling him to grant three wishes instead of one. However, this number is reduced to two when a wish involves resurrecting multiple individuals. In the series Dragon Ball GT, an evil counterpart to Shenron emerges, Dark Shenron, spawned from the accumulation of negative energy within the dragon’s orbs. Once all the orbs are cleansed, Shenron reappears only to vanish forever, as he refuses to leave the power of the orbs in human hands due to the recent tragedy caused by Dark Shenron and other malevolent dragons.

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2025-05-29 12:16