Dragons have long captivated the imagination of humans, appearing in myths and legends throughout history. They are often depicted as powerful and fearsome creatures, capable of breathing fire and wreaking havoc. Yet they can also be friendly, loveable creatures and guardians. Dragons are popular subjects in movies, with many films featuring these mythical beings as the main characters.
From animated adventures to live-action epics, there is something about the mythical being that just captures the imagination of audiences all over the globe. They are universal creatures that cross borders and languages. June 18, 2025, will kick off the Chinese New Year and begin the Year of the Dragon, so in honor of that coming up, here are some of the best movies about dragons worth checking out.
Update August 21, 2025: This article has been updated with even more great movies about dragons by Soniya Hinduja in preparation for the Year of the Dragon coming up in February and where each title can be streamed.
10Dragonslayer (1981)
Directed by Matthew Robbins,Dragonslayeris a dark fantasy horror film set in a magical medieval kingdom that is threatened by Vermithrax, a formidable 400-year-old dragon. In order for peace to be maintained in the kingdom, King Casiodorus allows for the sacrifice of virgin girls on the basis of a lottery. But when a sorcerer’s apprentice finds out that the lottery is rigged and the princess’ as well as other wealthy aristocrats’ names are excluded, he charges himself with the task of slaying the dragon once and for all.
Dragonslayer’sVermithrax Is An Artistic Triumph
Let’s face it:Dragonslayerarrived on the silver screens at the dawn of modern fantasy films. So, naturally, it raised the bar for what was possible with creature effects and world-building. As for Vermithrax Pejorative, the name itself is ominous enough to get the naive and the powerful to run for their lives. Created usinga combination of stop-motionand computer-controlled puppetry, with small models used to film its moments like running and flying, the beast has been praised by many renowned directors like George R.R. Martin and Guillermo Del Toro. However, at the heart of Robbins’ film is the compelling clash between man and dragon, which is simply breathtaking.Stream on Kanopy
9The Reign of Fire (2002)
Reign of Fire
InReign of Fire, London’s underground tunnels reveal a cavern harboring creatures in hibernation. Fire-breathing dragons emerge from the earth, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. When one is killed, countless more take its place, and they quickly establish their dominance pushing humankind to the brink of extinction. Van Zan (Matthew McConaughey) is introduced, a tough guy with grand ideas about slaying the dragons. He disagrees with Quinn (Christian Bale), who errs on the side of caution when sparring with the beasts. Van Zan hypothesizes the best way to end the menace of the dragons, and they set off in search of the King of the Dragons.
InReign of Fire, The Dragons Reign Supreme
Dragon films have never really dominated theaters, but when they make an occasional appearance, the story is often set in the past or a medieval fantasy world. For Rob Bowman to envision a future, the year 2020 (little did they know a different type of event would reshape that year), where dragons would resurface and wreak fresh havoc was aiming high. Fortunately, the movie delivered impressive action, realistic dragons, and a mind-blowing post-apocalyptic setting. While overshadowed on arrival for not living up to the trailer, the time has been generous to the movie, and it has stayed fresh in the memory of viewers for its grand exhibit of fire-breathing beasts.Rent on Apple TV
8DragonHeart (1996)
Prince Einon (David Thewlis) pledges to Draco the Dragon (voiced by Sean Connery) that his conduct will follow the Old Code in exchange for a sliver of the beast’s heart to save his life inDragonHeart. Einon becomes a ruthless tyrant contrary to his pledge. An angry Bowen (Dennis Quaid), a knight of the Old Code in Medieval times, blames Einon’s behavior on the dragons and goes on a killing spree of the creatures. However, a bond exists between the King and the dragon, meaning that if one dies, so does the other.
HowDragonHeartBecame the Dragon of Our Hearts
InDragonHeart, Dennis Quaid and Sean Connery found an indelible chemistry in exploring what binds men and mythology. Is it nobility? Appearances? Or simply friendship? Considered ahead of its time in terms of CGI and practical effects, the movie delivered across all aspects in its creation of Draco. His scaly exterior, deep eyes, fire-breathing ferocity, and unparalleled wisdom all came out. Under the solid direction of Rob Cohen, this excellent movie reinvented the genre for live-action and animation. The movie also paved the way for two sequels and a video game following its release.Stream on Starz+AppleTV
7The NeverEnding Story (1984)
The Neverending Story
Almost 40 years later, Wolfgang Petersen’s magical film is still a huge hit among children and adults alike. Bastian is a shy 10-year-old kid who is often pushed away and bullied by the other kids. He finds a safe haven in a bookstore one day and is immediately sucked into the magic books provided. After discovering an unusual book titled “The NeverEnding Story,” Bastian gets sucked into the fantastical world of Fantasia. Apparently, that world is about to fall apart and engulfed and it is up to Bastian to save the world of his imagination.
WhyThe NeverEnding StoryIs A Gorgeous Fantasy Film
Through Petersen’s eyes, the beautiful novel written by Michael Ende was brought to lush and imaginative life.The NeverEnding Storyfeatures a heartwarming performance from Barret Oliver as Bastian and young Noah Hathaway as Atreyu. But beyond the epic battles and courageous visuals, the movie’s soul was Falkor – the Luck Dragon whose goofy yet wise demeanor taught Atreyu about finding magic in darkness. His pearly white mane, Labrador-like face, floppy ears and soulful eyes were created using dazzling practical and visual effects, and even though the story wasn’t entirely about him, Falkor demonstrated how dragons, too, can anchor a story about courage and humanity.Stream on Hoopla
RELATED:8 Scariest Mythological Creatures in Horror Movies
6Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Raya and the Last Dragon
In a realm known as Kumandra, a re-imagined Earth inhabited by an ancient civilization, a warrior named Raya is determined to find the last dragon.
Raya and the Last Dragonis set in the mythical world of Kumandra, where people and dragons lived in harmony a long time ago. Evil forces known as the Druun bring death and destruction to the land and turn all life to ash and stone. The dragons sacrifice themselves to save humanity and, using their combined power, destroy the Druun. All that remains is a magical gem and the legend of the last dragon. When the evil revisits the land, Raya (Kelly Marie Tran), the warrior princess, spends the next six years searching for the legendary lone dragon. It takes the collaboration of Raya, Sisu (Awkwafina), the last dragon, and trust and teamwork among humanity to defeat the Druun, restore the land, and save all who had been turned into stone.
Raya and the Last DragonIs About Searching For A Legendary Dragon
Disney Animation pushed its own boundaries for adventure, emotion, and dragon representation with this soaring new film. Kelly Marie Tran voices the main character, Raya, who journeys to legendary lands to find the truth about Sisu. Speaking of whom, the fluid animation with which Sisu is brought to life is amazing and refreshing. Her movements and appearance in and out of the water are masterfully portrayed to generate laughs and to bond with her. As opposed to most dragons on this list, which are portrayed in the European depictions of the creature,Raya and the Last Dragonis fully pulling from Chinese influences where dragons are not only protectors but also do not have wingsStream on Disney+
RELATED:Best Fantasy Movies of the 90s, Ranked
5The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Smaug makes his first appearance inThe Hobbit:An Unexpected Journey,where he invades the Lonely Mountain and drives the dwarves out of their capital. However, it’s inThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaugthat the fierce dragon,voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, is well captured, where Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) sends Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) to retrieve the Arkenstone from the dragon’s lair quietly but instead awakens Smaug, who begins to terrorize them. An epic battle ensues between the dwarves and Smaug, who then takes to the skies heading to the nearby town for revenge.
HowThe Desolation of SmaugBrings Tolkien’s Dragon To Life
Directed by Peter Jackson, the movie brought Toklien’s unforgettable character to vivid life. From Cumberbatch delivering the perfect molten-lava-like voice to the motion capture fabricating its cautious movies, every aspect of the film became more pronounced because of Smaug. His towering was beautifully rendered because, unlike other dragons, this part serpent, part panther radiated intelligence and malice. During the climactic battle, which is also known as the golden adventure, we see the wrathful wonder breathing fire and terrifying mankind like crazy.Stream on DIRECTV
4Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, it’s in the name. The film focuses on a band of thieves that includes a bard (Chris Pine), a barbarian (Michelle Rodriguez), a sorcerer (Justice Smith), and a tiefling druid (Sophia Lillis) who embark on a quest to retrieve a magical item so that the bard can reunite with his daughter who has been taken in by his former friend now enemy (Hugh Grant). One of their task finds them teaming up with a paladin (Regé-Jean Page) where they face off against a dragon, Themberchaud.
The Cutest Fluffest Dragon
In contrast to the powerful and dangerous dragons guarding treasures seen in films like The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the dragon in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is played for comedic effect. While he is still massive and dangerous, he is a puggy dragon who, because of his massive size, rolls around. He gives off the vibe more of a giant corgi than a massive fire-breathing monster. It matches the humorous tone of the film and makes this a mystical realm, unlike most fantasy stories.Stream on Paramount+ and Prime Video.
3Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Petes Dragon
A young Pete (Levi Alexander) is riding in the backseat during a family vacation when his parents swerve to avoid hitting a deer inPete’s Dragon. They die in the accident, but Pete survives. Elliot (a dragon voiced by John Kassir) rescues Pete from wolves and parents the child as they live in the woods together. Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) is a woodcarver who entertains children with stories of a dragon who lives in the woods.
His daughter Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) proves the stories true when she encounters Pete (Oakes Fegley), who reveals he lives in the woods with a giant, friendly dragon. Loggers threaten the wilderness, and Pete must get back to help Elliot, even if that means leaving his newly found family.
Pete’s DragonMakes The Dragon Man’s Furry Best Friend
Reimaged by Disney from the original 1977 version,Pete’s Dragonstands out in its portrayal of unlikely friendships and the magic that belies within wonderful creatures. With the same energy and emotion as that conveyed by Don Chaffey and Don Bluth, this one finds its heart in the profound chemistry between Pete and Elliot. Overall cheerful but not entirely devoid of sad moments, the adventure teaches us a lot about found family and gives the remake not only a much-needed update but improves don’t the original. Moreover, Elliot is brought to a heartwarming life through CGI and motion capture to make sure that David Lowery’s vision is established to create a sweet, lovable dragon that any kid would want as a friend.Stream on Disney+
2Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away
Hayao Miyazaki’s most triumphant Studio Ghibli film,Spirited Away,follows 10-year-old Chihiro with her family, who arrives at a mysterious and abandoned amusement park filled with spirits. But when her parents are turned into pigs by the evil witch Yubaba, Chihiro takes the responsibility of freeing them and returning home. Chihiro first meets a boy named Haku, who guides her toward the enormous bathhouse owned by Yubaba and gets her a job. As she works alongside the quiet haku, Chihiro learns dark secrets and braves difficult chores.
HowSpirited AwayReimagined the Dragon
It is only fitting that a Hayao Miyazaki film brings tales of dragons to new heights. For most of the film, Haku remains a thief who assists Yubaba because he’s bound to. Eventually, he takes dragon form and reveals himself as a powerful river god. He anchorsChihiro’s adventurewith quiet dignity. His redemption arc involves being oppressed by the witch, who conceals his identity the same way she does with Chihiro, which only brings out kindness and his desire to protect her.Spirited Awayis a timeless masterpiece whose magical realism in Haku as well as the emotionally resonant narrative of Chihiro manages to captivate the audience even after all these years.Stream on Max
1How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragonis set in Berk Island, where dragon fighting is a way of life. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is taken to a dragon-fighting school, where he must kill a dragon to prove he has acquired the necessary skills. He injures a fearsome dragon, but instead of destroying it, he befriends it and nurses it. Hiccup names the young dragon Toothless. The friendship steers Hiccup to the realization that there may be more to dragons than he has been led to believe. The collaboration with the beasts means there are new possibilities for the Berk people.
WhyHow To Train Your Dragonis the Best Dragon Movie
Only the most adorable dragon ever seen in the film, Toothless, stole our hearts with his soulful eyes and a million-dollar smile. The 2010 masterpiece by DreamWorks mainly explores the profound connection shared between Night Fury and the young misfit Viking. As they unlock each other’s potential, it is clear that a greater understanding would emerge among his people. With director Dean DeBlois showcasing his humor-laden vision and Jay Baruchel lending his dynamic voice to Hiccup, the movie elicited smiles in abundance. Toothless' wonder and ferocity, and his smooth flight, took up the screen and gave us an adventure so ripe, it’s still cherished. The movie really is THE Dragon franchise, as it launched two successful sequels, various television spin-off series, anda live-action movienow on the way. When people think “dragon movies,” they think ofHow to Train Your Dragon.Stream on Netflix and Prime Video
