30 best dragon movies of all time

While many films focus on memorable mythical beasts, dragon movies have proven that legendary colossal fire-breathing lizards make for some of the best cinematic experiences. Giant dinosaur-like creatures with huge leathery wings and the ability to breathe fire are certainly exciting additions to any story, and it’s not hard to see why dragons have been the focus of tales for centuries – a trend that has continued with the invention of the dragon. cinema and the birth of cinema. The best dragon movies show all the wonderful, exciting, and terrifying ways these beasts can be used on the big screen.

Ancient stories often portrayed dragons as a terrifying threat to the kingdom that needed to be defeated by heroic knights. Of course, there are still plenty of films that address the destructive nature of dragons. However, dragons in films can also be portrayed as misunderstood creatures and even allies of heroes. Epic fantasy adventures like Harry Potter have dragons, as do family fun like Shrek. From fairy tales to medieval adventures and magical epics, these dragon films use the beasts to their greatest potential.

30

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

Superhero faces a dragon in the city

While the first Shazam! the film was a solid success with audiences and critics for bringing much-needed levity to the DCEU, the sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods had a much more lukewarm reaction and ended up failing. However, the sequel is still a fun and energetic superhero story that features some memorable sequences that mix superheroes and fantasy action.

At the climax of the film, the heroic Shazam faces off against the god of power Kalypso as she rides her destructive dragon, Ladon, through the streets of Philadelphia. While there have been other examples of superheroes facing off against dragons, this is the first time such a battle has taken place in a modern urban city. It’s a thrilling final action sequence in the film. It remains to be seen whether Shazam has been rebooted for James Gunn’s DCU, but this sequel is a reminder that the Shazam! the films that do exist are better than their reputations suggest.

29

In Search of Camelot (1998)

A two-headed dragon serves as a comic companion

Outside of Disney and DreamWorks films, there are many other animated adventures that like to explore the fun of the fantasy genre and often create their own unique dragon creatures. Search for Camelot is a forgotten Warner Bros. animated project. However, although it has been largely forgotten, it offers an entertaining insight into the legend of King Arthur. It follows the daughter of a dead knight who partners with a blind warrior to recover the lost sword Excalibur and return it to King Arthur before an evil traitor uses it to usurp the throne.

Rather than presenting a menacing dragon as one of the film’s main threats, the two-headed dragon, Devon and Cornwall serve as comedic characters, joining the heroes on their journey. Eric Idle and Don Rickles make a fun duo, voicing the bickering dragons who reluctantly get together but won’t admit they also care a lot about each other.

28

Q: The Winged Serpent (1982)

A flying beast wreaks havoc in New York City

While Q: The Winged Serpent may initially seem like a clumsy and cheap B-movie in the creature genre, it’s much more interesting and layered than that. From the brilliant B-movie auteur Larry Cohen, Q: The Winged Serpent follows David Carradine as a New York detective investigating some ritualistic murders when he is suddenly pulled into the case of a giant winged monster that is stalking the city’s skies and claiming one victim after another.

The monstrous aspect of the story turns it into something completely different and totally fun.

Q: The Winged Serpent stands out because it is full of defined characters and a real, funny and emotional story. The monstrous aspect of the story turns it into something completely different and totally fun. While the beast’s stop-motion animated look certainly seems dated now, Cohen does a great job of keeping it invisible for much of the film, making it an effective and imposing presence..

27

Dragon Wars: D-Wars (2007)

Dragons wage war in the modern world

While there are other films that have taken dragons from historical and fantasy worlds and placed them in new settings, Dragon Wars: D-Wars is one of the best to imagine the fight against these destructive beasts if they suddenly arrived in the modern world. The film is built around the premise that once every 500 years, dragons emerge to roam the Earth and fight humanity trapped in between.

The film is a cheesy, cheap straight-to-video kind of action movie, but there’s plenty of fun to be had for those not looking for something of a high caliber. It’s fun to watch these monsters fly through cities, shoot down helicopters, chew up soldiers, and fight tanks. The film also managed to attract some big-name stars, such as Craig Robinson and Robert Forster, to add a little extra to the final product.

26

Damsel (2024)

Millie Bobby Brown Faces a Mighty Dragon Head-on

2024 saw a new film enter the canon of dragon films – Netflix Maiden, starring Millie Bobby Brown. The dragon in Maiden it’s a key part of the plot, so viewers wanting plenty of screen time with a fire-breathing flying reptile won’t be disappointed. In Maiden, Millie Bobby Brown stars as Elodie, a young woman who finds herself engaged to the prince of a neighboring kingdom. However, soon after the wedding ceremony, she realizes that she has actually been selected to be a human sacrifice to appease a terrible dragon that was once a scourge on the land.

As far as modern dragon movies go, Maiden is definitely among the strongest.

Maiden features some amazing scenes with Millie Bobby Brown meeting the dragon, and the story isn’t as simple as it seems. Without revealing spoilers, Elodie discovers that the fearsome fantasy beast is not the mindless reaper of discord and destruction that the royalty of the kingdom of Aurea paint it to be. As far as modern dragon movies go, Maiden is definitely among the strongest.

25

Beowulf (2007)

A Norse hero faces a legendary Viking beast

2007 Beowulf It may not be the most critically acclaimed fantasy action film or adaptation of a historical epic, although it is still one of the best dragon films. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, who also directed the Back to the future trilogy and Forrest Gump, and based on a screenplay co-written by Neil Gaiman, Beowulf is a rich retelling of the Norse saga of the same name.

Beowulf was made with 3D visualization in mind, meaning it was dismissed by many critics for being a gimmicky project that focused too much on CGI, but in the decades since, it still remains one of the most fearsome dragons seen on the big screen.

Beowulf has some incredible scenes when the fierce titular hero faces them off, so viewers who enjoy the sound of intense action sequences in Viking vs.

Different Maiden and several other dragons in films that have them, the dragons in Beowulf They are a menacing presence through and through. There are no attempts to portray the fantastic beasts in a positive or nuanced light in the 2007 film – just as in the original Norse saga, their sole purpose is to cause chaos and fear. This means that Beowulf has some incredible scenes when the fierce titular hero faces them off, so viewers who enjoy the sound of intense action sequences in Viking vs.

24

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

A cursed dragon becomes an important ally of Prince Caspian

THE Chronicles of Narnia the films, which adapt C.S. Lewis’s classic fantasy novels, contain all manner of fantastic beasts and creatures. It’s no surprise then that dragons would appear in history sooner or later, and it’s in the third story, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, that one of Narnia’s dragons finally appears. The 2010 film adaptation also includes said dragon, and in a similar way to the dragon in Maiden, it is a beast that appears menacing at first, but soon reveals itself to be a more nuanced presence.

The dragon in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is introduced when it attacks the titular ship on its voyage to rescue the seven missing lords of Narnia. However, it is revealed that the dragon is none other than the Pevensie children’s cousin, Eustace Scrubb.

Eustace’s greed gets the better of him when he finds some treasure, which leads to him being cursed and turned into a dragon. Played by Will Poulter, Eustace is an interesting character in both human and dragon form, and in CGI in 2010 The Voyage of the Dawn Treader still holds up when viewed in the 2020s.

23

Mulan (1998)

Eddie Murphy voices one of Disney’s most beloved animated dragons

Although they are most often presented as a threat or danger in films, animated films have a long history of featuring dragons as comic relief or friendly characters. This is especially true of Disney, which has several films that include animated dragons that actively help various princesses or protagonists – and perhaps no one is as adorable as Mushu, the dragon spirit guide who helps the titular heroine in 1998 Mulan.

Mushu isn’t an especially powerful dragon, but he’s perhaps the funniest ever seen on screen.

Mushu and Mulan have a lot in common, as they are both trying to prove themselves and surpass the incredibly low expectations of their family (or, in Mushu’s case, the Ancestors at the Fa family shrine). Mushu isn’t an especially powerful dragon, but he’s perhaps the funniest ever seen on screen. This comes as no surprise given that he is voiced by comedy legend Eddie Murphy. The 2020 live-action remake of Mulan chose to ignore Mushu and he was not included in the film, a decision that caused no displeasure among fans of the animated original.

22

Jabberwocky (1977)

Two Monty Python members are behind this bizarre dragon-hunting film

When it comes to classic comedy, the Monty Python The films stand out as some of the most hilarious and, most importantly, surreal ever made. Although not a Monty Python film, 1977 Jabberwocky takes everything that makes the comedy troupe’s projects so memorable and replaces it with a strange story about a hapless barrelmaker’s apprentice who must hunt the dragon that stalks his father. The similarities with Monty Python are obvious from start to finish, which is no surprise since it’s directed by Terry Gilliam and stars MIchael Palin.

The dragon in Jabberwocky is definitely one of the strangest of any film and is largely the product of low-budget 1970s special effects. This only serves to make it more endearing and definitely fits the overall tone of this incredibly unique – and unabashedly silly – medieval fantasy about an unlikely hero simply trying his best.

21

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

The MCU Origin Story Features a Legendary, Heroic Dragon

Given how much the MCU has expanded over the years, perhaps it was only a matter of time before a dragon was thrown into the mix. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is an MCU origin story that is initially a somewhat grounded martial arts action film, but eventually more fantastical elements are introduced – including an epic dragon.

When Shang-Chi’s villainous father Wenwu frees the Dark Dweller in the film’s climax, the Great Protector returns to help Shang-Chi.

As part of the film’s central legend, a Chinese dragon known as the Great Protector sealed an evil creature known as the Dark Dweller inside a cave. When Shang-Chi’s villainous father Wenwu frees the Dark Dweller in the film’s climax, the Great Protector returns to help Shang-Chi. The bloated CGI ending is considered the film’s weakest aspect, but Shang-Chi is a first-rate Phase 4 film this helped introduce a fun new hero to the MCU. Three years later, fans are still waiting for news on Shang-Chi 2.

20

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

A Disney adventure about a dragon who is humanity’s last hope

Disney entered the dragon narrative genre with Raya and the Last Dragon. This animated film about dragons is set in a fantasy world where humans and dragons coexist. When a dark force threatened the earth, dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. When darkness returns, a young human warrior sets out in search of the last dragon that can save them. Raya and the Last Dragon features some of the most interesting character designs of any dragon in dragon films, with aesthetic influences from many Asian cultures.

Raya and the Last Dragon is an exciting and breathtaking adventure, featuring some incredible animated action sequences. It’s also a rare story where dragons are seen as protectors and allies of humans from the beginning. This establishes the wonderful friendship that is at the heart of the film between Raya and the dragon Sisu. While it wasn’t a huge success for Disney, critics were much kinder to this dragon film than many others in the niche fantasy subgenre.

19

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Adaptation of the popular game features memorable dragons

Although the first attempt to bring the popular game Dungeons and Dragons for the big screen ended in disaster, This new take on the material created an extremely fun fantasy adventure. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves The cast of characters forms a ragtag group of heroes who unwittingly unleash a powerful evil and must find a way to save the world.

As Honor among thieves is a Dungeons and Dragons film, there are dragons and other wonderful fantasy creatures included in the story, many of which fans of the game will recognize. This includes a memorable sequence with the heroes running away from a hilariously overweight dragon. All of this contributes to the wonderful sense of humor and clever action set pieces that make this film a winner. While it wasn’t the box office success some had hoped for, there is still hope for Dungeons and Dragons 2.

18

Merlin (1998)

The television miniseries brought fantasy stories to the small screen

Technically, Merlin it’s not a movie; was a made-for-TV miniseries aired on NBC in 1998. However, given its quality and following, it deserves some recognition. Some viewers argue that the film’s scene in which Merlin’s love Nimue is sacrificed to a dragon is the best scene in the miniseries. Whether that’s true or not, it brought Dragons to primetime television decades before Game of Thrones and Dragon House.

Merlin served as a springboard for the influx of fantasy productions into mainstream media, paving the way for television shows such as Grimm, Once upon a time, and Supernatural.

Merlin was nominated for six Emmy Awards and four Golden Globes. Its greatest achievement, however, was attracting so many new fans to the fantasy genre. Full of drama and magic and loosely based on real-world historical events, Merlin served as a springboard for the influx of fantasy productions into mainstream media, paving the way for television shows such as Grimm, Once upon a time, and Supernatural. Fantasy fans may also be familiar with the show’s sequel, Merlin’s apprentice.

17

Flight of Dragons (1982)

The animated dragon movie that does a lot with little

Some of the best dragon movies are animated, which makes perfect sense. It wasn’t always possible to capture the majesty, magic, and even brutality of dragons on the big screen, especially before the rise of CGI. To take Flight of Dragons, for example. Released in 1982, it combines voice acting talents from stars like John Ritter and James Earl Jones and unique takes on many traditional fantasy elements to create a lively delight for all ages.

Newcomers to the film shouldn’t let its underwhelming cover keep them from watching it. It features the same dramatic and gorgeous yet somehow gritty fantasy style used in films like The Last Unicorn. It’s a rare type of film that simply isn’t made anymore. Plus, it features some truly memorable dragons, and since they’re central to the story, the fantastic fantasy beasts get plenty of screen time, too.

16

Eragon (2006)

An adaptation of the beloved young adult fantasy

A solid mid-2000s dragon movie that viewers of all ages can enjoy, Eragon is an adaptation of the young adult novel of the same name by Chrisopher Paolini. Eragon is the classic story of a boy fighting to defend his people and home against invaders with a high fantasy twist. Indelibly linked to a dragon known as Saphira, the two develop a kinship as they try to prevent impending evils.

It’s enjoyable enough for younger audiences and might have done a little better if it hadn’t come out so soon after Titanic Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Eragon was a famous children’s novel, but it didn’t translate very well to cinema, with por critical and commercial reception, exhausting the Eragon franchise before starting. Still, it’s enjoyable enough for younger audiences and might have done a little better if it hadn’t come so soon after the titanic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Fortunately, a Disney+ adaptation of Eragon I hope the books do more justice.

15

Dragonslayer (1981)

A bloody and gruesome fantasy adventure

While actor Peter MacNicol may distance himself from his 1981 Dragon film, Dragon Slayer still maintains a cult following. Between its general weirdness, darkness, and “save the damsel in distress” theme, Dragon Slayer recalls the archetypal Arthurian tale, as well as the story of David’s triumph over Goliath, in more ways than one.

The 1981 Dragon Movie featured a surprising amount of gore in its theme, incorporating some borderline horror elements into its backbone. Today’s fans of dragon movies might see it and find its special effects too outdated and too dark, but Dragon Slayer it was a great achievement in cinematography and special effects at the time, managing to portray a dragon on the big screen in a way that no other film had managed.

14

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

The second film in Peter Jackson’s trilogy featured terrifying flying beasts

Peter Jackson’s adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s fantasy series resulted in one of the most popular and acclaimed film trilogies of all time. What made them so successful was how they were able to mix such fantastic creatures and beings with interesting and complete characters. However, as convincing as Frodo and Sam were, the introduction of the unsettling flying beasts ridden by the Nazgûl in The Two Towers It certainly stood out.

Amidst the creatures’ ear-splitting, ear-splitting screams, the audience could almost smell their stench and rancid breath.

The Nazgul scenes of Return of the King are even more fascinating, especially with the additional scenes from Lord of the Rings extended editions. While the iconic moment between the Witch-King and Éowyn definitely deserves a mention, it was in Osgiliath that spectators first glimpsed the beasts the Nazgûl rode while hunting for the One Ring. Amidst the creatures’ ear-splitting, ear-splitting screams, the audience could almost smell their stench and rancid breath.

13

Pete’s Dragon (1977)

A modern friendship between a boy and a dragon

Although it is one of the more light-hearted dragon films, Pete’s Dragon is not free from darkness. Between the abuse of a foster family in the backlands and the threat of having their dragon murdered, mutilated and eaten as magical medicine, some moments may disturb younger viewers. However the film’s main message is uplifting and there are memorable musical numbers that feature performances by Helen Reddy, Mickey Rooney and Charlie Callas, who voiced the goofy animated dragon Elliott.

Elliott’s lovable nature, combined with his round, hand-drawn features and Pete’s support, have made him a favorite among children and adults alike.

Pete’s Dragon It may not be the most beloved or well-known classic Disney film, but it definitely stands out as one of the House of Mouse’s most ambitious during the 1970s, with the mix between live-action and animation being a slog that still looks impressive today. . Elliott’s lovable nature, combined with his round, hand-drawn features and Pete’s support, have made him a favorite among children and adults alike. While the year 2016 Pete’s Dragon The remake took some liberties, but was ultimately received as a superior modernization of the original.

12

Shrek (2001)

DreamWorks’ animated comedy subverts dragons and other fairytale tropes

THE Shrek films have always had the playful quality of playing with the tropes of fairy tales and nursery rhymes. This includes its titular character, a bad-tempered ogre who ends up being the hero of the story and the one the princess falls in love with at the end. The film also puts a twist on the classic trope of the princess trapped in a tower guarded by a dragon, with a rare female dragon being part of the fun.

Not only did Shrek features a pink dragon with eyelashes who wore lipstick, but the film also saw her fall in love with a talking donkey. Dragon in Shrek it starts as a threat and then evolves into an impassioned joke. In later films Shrek series, Dragon becomes a serious love interest and even ends up making donkey-dragon hybrids with Shrek’s sidekick.

11

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

Godzilla Meets His Match With This Three-Headed Dragon

Godzilla’s status as a species of dragon is up for debate, but King Ghidorah, the central antagonist of the 2019 film Godzilla: King of the Monstersdefinitely qualifies. A massive hydra-like creature capable of spitting lightning, Ghidorah is just as menacing as the titular monster. The film itself was a huge step in establishing the MonsterVerse with more details about Monarch and its mysterious past.

However, those who don’t like the franchise’s lore can simply enjoy the sequel’s big monster action. While he may not be a particularly deep or complex villain, King Ghidorah fits the film perfectly and is an absolute terror on screen. More, Thanks to your character design, your presence solidifies Godzilla: King of the Monsters like a top tier dragon movie – a crown it also earned thanks to incredibly impressive CGI.