We have listed some of the most enjoyable movies featuring dragons for you. The word “dragon” originates from the Persian word “ejder”, meaning “snake” or “monster.” In many fairy tales and mythological stories, you may have come across this term to describe large, fearsome creatures. From the past to the present, countless movies and series featuring dragons have captured our imaginations.
Dragons, often depicted as fearsome and awe-inspiring, are staples in fantasy and science fiction movies. These mythical creatures, resembling dinosaurs with spiky tails and webbed wings, have the ability to fly and breathe fire. With their long tongues and fiery presence, dragons create unforgettable cinematic moments.
We have compiled a list of dragon movies that are sure to entertain you. All the details you’re looking for about dragon movies, dragon movies, and dragon animation movies can be found in this content! Without further ado, let’s dive into 18 fantastic dragon movies that are brimming with flames and fantasy.
1.Pete’s Dragon
First on our list of dragon movies is Pete’s Dragon. This heartwarming story follows the adventures of Elliott, a dragon, and his best friend Pete, an orphan boy. Directed by David Lowery, known for works like A Ghost Story and The Old Man & the Gun, this movie is a must-watch for fans of family-friendly fantasy.
Information about Pete’s Dragon (2016)
- Director: David Lowery
- Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley
- Release Year: 2016
- Duration: 103 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Similar Movies: The Jungle Book (2016), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), The BFG (2016)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Pete’s Dragon on IMDb
2.Dragonslayer
A young apprentice sorcerer is sent from a nearby kingdom to confront a dragon that preys on girls, setting off a thrilling adventure. Featuring outstanding performances by Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, Ralph Richardson, and John Hallam, Dragonslayer is an iconic dragon movie.
Information about Dragonslayer (1981)
- Director: Matthew Robbins
- Cast: Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, Ralph Richardson, John Hallam
- Release Year: 1981
- Duration: 108 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Similar Movies: Conan the Barbarian (1982), Excalibur (1981), The Dark Crystal (1982)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Dragonslayer on IMDb
3.How to Train Your Dragon
Based on the first book by Cressida Cowell, this animated masterpiece tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a Viking boy and a dragon amid a war between their worlds. The movie, released in 2010, follows Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless, on a journey of courage and discovery. With an impressive IMDb rating of 8.1, this movie is a standout in the dragon movie genre.
Information about How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
- Cast: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson
- Release Year: 2010
- Duration: 98 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Similar Movies: Kung Fu Panda (2008), Shrek (2001), The Croods (2013)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: How to Train Your Dragon on IMDb
4.Beowulf
As the oldest English epic, Beowulf delivers a riveting cinematic experience. The movie follows the journey of the hero Beowulf as he travels to Denmark to battle the monstrous Grendel. Beowulf is a visually stunning addition to any dragon movie watchlist.
Information about Beowulf (2007)
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Cast: Ray Winstone, Crispin Glover, Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins
- Release Year: 2007
- Duration: 115 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Similar Movies: 300 (2006), Clash of the Titans (2010), Troy (2004)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Beowulf on IMDb
5.Tales from Earthsea (Gedo Senki)
Set in a mythical land, a man and a young boy investigate strange phenomena in this animated movie. Directed by Gorô Miyazaki, the son of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Tales from Earthsea adapts Ursula K. Le Guin’s masterpiece into a visually captivating story.
Information about Tales from Earthsea (Gedo Senki) (2006)
- Director: Gorô Miyazaki
- Cast (Voice): Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Mariska Hargitay, Matt Levin (English Dub)
- Release Year: 2006
- Duration: 115 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: Japanese
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
- Similar Movies: Princess Mononoke (1997), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Spirited Away (2001)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Tales from Earthsea on IMDb
6.Thor: Ragnarok
Although not a traditional dragon movie, Thor: Ragnarok features an epic battle against fearsome creatures. Stranded on the planet Sakaar, Thor must find his way back to Asgard to stop Hela, the Goddess of Death. This action-packed Marvel movie is a thrilling ride from start to finish.
Information about Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- Director: Taika Waititi
- Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Mark Ruffalo
- Release Year: 2017
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Similar Movies: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Doctor Strange (2016), Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Thor: Ragnarok on IMDb
7.The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
This cinematic masterpiece follows Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf as they embark on a quest to save a kingdom. With stunning visuals and an unforgettable portrayal of Smaug the dragon, The Hobbit secured its place as one of the best dragon movies of all time, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.
Information about The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
- Director: Peter Jackson
- Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch (voice)
- Release Year: 2013
- Duration: 161 minutes
- Country: New Zealand, United States
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Similar Movies: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on IMDb
8.The Great Wall
With a production budget of $150 million, The Great Wall is a high-stakes adventure featuring dragons and gripping action sequences. Directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Matt Damon and Willem Dafoe, this movie delivers thrilling visuals and intense battles.
Information about The Great Wall (2016)
- Director: Zhang Yimou
- Cast: Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Tian Jing, Willem Dafoe
- Release Year: 2016
- Duration: 103 minutes
- Country: China, United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
- Similar Movies: Warcraft (2016), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010), Clash of the Titans (2010)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Great Wall on IMDb
9.Dragonheart
In this emotional tale, a dragon shares half its heart with a new king to save his life. However, the king turns out to be as cruel as his predecessor. Dragonheart is a beloved dragon movie with a heartfelt story that resonates with audiences.
Information about Dragonheart (1996)
- Director: Rob Cohen
- Cast: Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery (voice), Dina Meyer, David Thewlis
- Release Year: 1996
- Duration: 103 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Similar Movies: Eragon (2006), Reign of Fire (2002), Willow (1988)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Dragonheart on IMDb
10.Spirited Away
From the anime master Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away is a timeless masterpiece that includes fantastical dragon imagery. This Academy Award-winning movie follows Chihiro, a young girl navigating a magical world to save her parents. Its rich storytelling and breathtaking animation make it a must-watch.
Information about Spirited Away (2001)
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast (Voice): Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takashi Naito (Japanese); Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette (English Dub)
- Release Year: 2001
- Duration: 125 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
- Language: Japanese
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Similar Movies: My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Princess Mononoke (1997)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Spirited Away on IMDb
11.Eragon
The Eragon movie, a joint production of the USA, Hungary, and England, was first released in 2006. The story revolves around a boy named Eragon who stumbles upon a mysterious green stone deep in the forest. When the stone begins to crack, Eragon finds himself transported into an extraordinary world filled with dragons. With a stellar cast including Jeremy Irons and John Malkovich, this visually stunning dragon movie was filmed in the enchanting landscapes of Tatabánya, Hungary.
Information about Eragon (2006)
- Director: Stefen Fangmeier
- Cast: Ed Speleers, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Guillory, Robert Carlyle
- Release Year: 2006
- Duration: 104 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
- Similar Movies: Dragonheart (1996), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), The Golden Compass (2007)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Eragon on IMDb
12.Reign of Fire (2002)
Next on our list is Kingdom of Fire, which takes us to modern-day London, where a dragon that has been dormant for thousands of years is suddenly awakened. This fierce creature quickly rises to the top of the food chain, throwing humanity into chaos. The movie’s thrilling storyline and breathtaking visuals make it a standout among dragon movies.
Information about Reign of Fire (2002)
- Director: Rob Bowman
- Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Christian Bale, Izabella Scorupco, Gerard Butler
- Release Year: 2002
- Duration: 101 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Similar Movies: Dragonheart (1996), Clash of the Titans (2010), The Great Wall (2016)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Reign of Fire on IMDb
13.Mulan
Mulan is a legendary animated movie inspired by a Chinese folktale dating back to the 6th century. While some audiences criticized its portrayal of the Huns, international critics and viewers praised the movie’s beautiful storytelling and memorable dragon character, Mushu. Mulan remains a beloved addition to the world of animated dragon movies.
Information about Mulan (1998)
- Directors: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook
- Cast (Voice): Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Pat Morita
- Release Year: 1998
- Duration: 88 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: G
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Similar Movies: The Lion King (1994), Pocahontas (1995), Aladdin (1992)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Mulan on IMDb
14.Dragon Hunters
In a universe brimming with diverse creatures, a young girl searching for a dragon hunter for her uncle encounters two unlikely candidates. Together, they face a dangerous quest to hunt down the most fearsome dragon—a task from which no one has ever returned alive. Dragon Hunters is an adventurous and visually stunning dragon movie that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Information about Dragon Hunters (2008)
- Directors: Guillaume Ivernel, Arthur Qwak
- Cast (Voice): Vincent Lindon, Patrick Timsit, Marie Drion (French); Forest Whitaker (English Dub)
- Release Year: 2008
- Duration: 80 minutes
- Country: France, Germany, Luxembourg
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: French
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Similar Movies: How to Train Your Dragon (2010), The Secret of Kells (2009), Tales from Earthsea (2006)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Dragon Hunters on IMDb
15.Dungeons & Dragons
This Dungeons & Dragons movie is inspired by the iconic tabletop game of the same name. The plot intertwines the ambitions of a queen striving for equality, a power-hungry wizard attempting to seize control of the kingdom, and a magical wand capable of controlling dragons. With its fantastical elements and gripping storyline, Dungeons & Dragons is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Information about Dungeons & Dragons (2000)
- Director: Courtney Solomon
- Cast: Justin Whalin, Marlon Wayans, Jeremy Irons, Thora Birch
- Release Year: 2000
- Duration: 107 minutes
- Country: United States, Czech Republic
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 3.6/10
- Similar Movies: Eragon (2006), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), The Golden Compass (2007)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Dungeons & Dragons on IMDb
16.Die Nibelungen: Siegfried
The tale of Die Nibelungen: Siegfried follows Siegfried, the son of King Sigmund, as he embarks on a journey to win the love of Kriemhild, the sister of King Gunther of Worms. Along the way, Siegfried battles a dragon, discovers a treasure, and navigates a web of betrayal and revenge. This classic story, steeped in myth and legend, is an essential addition to our dragon movie list.
Information about Die Nibelungen: Siegfried (1924)
- Director: Fritz Lang
- Cast: Paul Richter, Margarete Schön, Hanna Ralph, Theodor Loos
- Release Year: 1924
- Duration: 143 minutes
- Country: Germany
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
- Language: Silent (German intertitles)
- Age Rating: Not Rated
- Available Platforms: Public Domain, YouTube
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Similar Movies: Metropolis (1927), The Thief of Bagdad (1924), Nosferatu (1922)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Die Nibelungen: Siegfried on IMDb
17.Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah
This 1991 Japanese kaiju movie pits the legendary Godzilla against King Ghidorah. In a twist of science fiction, time travelers aim to use Godzilla to prevent Japan’s future dominance. Featuring an engaging cast, including Kosuke Toyohara and Anna Nakagawa, and directed by Kazuki Omori, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah is a thrilling entry in the dragon movie genre, blending action and iconic monster battles.
Information about Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)
- Director: Kazuki Ohmori
- Cast: Kôji Hashimoto, Anna Nakagawa, Megumi Odaka, Akiji Kobayashi
- Release Year: 1991
- Duration: 100 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: Japanese
- Age Rating: Not Rated
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Similar Movies: Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Pacific Rim (2013)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah on IMDb
18.Maleficent
We conclude our list with Maleficent, a unique take on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. This movie delves into the life of Maleficent, a once-pure-hearted woman with magnificent black wings who is betrayed by someone she once trusted. Her heartbreak transforms her into a vengeful figure who curses Princess Aurora. Directed by Robert Stromberg and starring Angelina Jolie in the titular role, Maleficent combines fantasy, drama, and unforgettable visuals to close our list of dragon movies on a high note.
Information about Maleficent (2014)
- Director: Robert Stromberg
- Cast: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Sam Riley
- Release Year: 2014
- Duration: 97 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Similar Movies: Cinderella (2015), Beauty and the Beast (2017), Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Maleficent on IMDb
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