Dragons have always been popular characters in movies, sometimes as fearsome and ruthless opponents, other times as powerful and much needed allies. These mighty creatures, with their immense strength and mystical abilities, have a way of turning any story into the most epic of adventures.
There's been countless movies featuring dragons, but today we've compiled what we believe to be the best dragon movies of all time. Only the cream of the crop is present in our list, so if you're looking for your next epic movie, you've come to the right place.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
"It does not do to leave a dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him."
The warning comes from J.R.R. Tolkien in the pages of Bilbo the Hobbit, brought to the screen by Peter Jackson. The second part of this trilogy is named after the fearsome and ruthless dragon that slumbers on the Lonely Mountain: the infamous Smaug.
After surviving an unexpected journey, Bilbo and his group head east. On their way, they meet Beorn, the skin-changer, and a swarm of giant spiders in the heart of the Black Forest, which holds many dangers for them. After almost being captured by horrible spiders and then by the fearsome Wood Elves, the company arrives in Esgaroth and then finally to the Lonely Mountain. There they must face the most terrible of dangers, the most terrifying creature that roams the Middle-Earth: Smaug the dragon. This epic adventure will test the courage of our heroes, but also their friendship and the very meaning of their journey.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
When you're born a viking, fighting dragons is part of what you have to do if you want to survive in the world. Vikings and dragons have always fought a merciless battle, with dramatic consequences for the weakest. Hiccup, a weak little boy with a bubbly mind, knows that he will have to become strong if he wants to one day take part in the great battles of his people. But then one thing leads to another, and Hiccup finds himself unarmed in front of the most feared dragon of all: a Night Fury. Slowly, both of them come to terms with their differences and discover that it is possible to hope to someday live in peace...
DragonHeart (1996)
In the year 934, Queen Aislinn requests the intervention of a venerable and powerful dragon to save the life of her son Einon, who has been ambushed. The dragon offers half of his heart to the young prince. However, as soon as Einon ascends to the throne, he proves to be a ruthless tyrant. His tutor, Knight Bowen, is convinced that the dragon's heart has poisoned his disciple. He leaves the court, vowing to exterminate the beast...
DragonHeart is one of the first movies to feature a very realistic dragon. Draco is powerful and has a real personality (which is rare for dragons in movies). Moreover, his motivations are very ambiguous and the film is anything but Manichean. A real treat for any dragon fan out there!
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Bastian, a ten year old, lonesome boy, is an avid reader of adventure novels. One day, he steals a wonderful book full of extraordinary creatures. He sinks feverishly into the fantastic universe of this book that fascinates him. While reading about the epic journey of Atreyu and his quest to save the kingdom of Fantasia, he forms a strong bond with the book eventually becoming part of its story...
On his adventure, he will encounter the mighty and benevolent Falkor, a luckdragon inspired by the look and mythology of Chinese dragons. Overall this movie is very well made for the time and it's aged quite well.
Dragonslayer (1981)
Under the threat of a terrible dragon, the King decides to sacrifice young virgins to the monster to protect his kingdom. A magician and his disciple volunteer to kill the beast and save his next victim, the king's own daughter...
A rather original and sometimes even violent Disney movie where young virgins are sacrificed to the flames and bloody scenes are not lacking. Moreover, the film benefits from advanced special effects, the dragon is undoubtedly very realistic and impressive. Considering the film was made long before the rise of CGI, it is truly remarkable and still a real treat to watch today.
Reign of Fire (2002)
The movie starts with the young Quinn Abercromby accompanying his mother on a building site. His mother is supervising the construction of tunnels for a new route of the underground. While digging, a wall collapses, revealing a chasm of unlimited depth. Quinn's mother descends into the tunnel to inspect it, but a huge column of fire escapes from the hole and kills everyone in its path. Standing at the entrance of the excavation site, the boy watches with horror as this tragic event unfolds. He witnesses a dragon flying out of the hole before a large ellipsis.
Twenty years later, the dragons reign supreme on a planet in ruins where every human being is just a delicacy to them. Quinn is charged with the task of eliminating them and ensuring the survival of his small community. But the battle seems to be lost. One day, Van Zan, an American soldier, appears on the scene and claims to know how to kill these fire-breathing creatures...
Pete's Dragon (2016)
Grace doesn't believe the stories her father's been telling for years. There's no such thing as dragons! One day while working as a forest ranger, she makes a strange encounter. Peter is a young boy of about ten years who obviously has no family or friends. He claims to have been raised by a giant dragon. The animal's name is said to be Elliott, and according to Peter's description, he looks like the creature Grace's father often talks about. Grace decides to find out who Peter is and what his story is. But things get more complicated when Gavin, a hunter, plans to find and kill Elliott...
Dungeons and Dragons (2000)
"Dungeons & Dragons" is a 2000 fantasy adventure film directed by Courtney Solomon, based on the classic tabletop role-playing game. The main cast includes Justin Whalin, Marlon Wayans, Bruce Payne, and Jeremy Irons.
The story is set in the magical kingdom of Izmer, where two thieves, Ridley and Snails, get caught up in an adventure to stop the evil sorcerer Profion. Profion seeks to control a powerful red dragon to take over the kingdom. Ridley and his companions, including the mage Marina, the elf warrior Norda, and the dwarf warrior Elwood, search for a scepter that can control the dragon and confront the evil forces.
Despite its fantasy elements and battle scenes, the film received poor reviews due to its simple plot and limited special effects. However, for fans of Dungeons & Dragons, the movie still offers some entertainment value.
Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God (2005)
"Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God" is a 2005 fantasy adventure film, a sequel to the 2000 film "Dungeons & Dragons," directed by Gerry Lively and starring Mark Dacascos, Clemency Burton-Hill, and Bruce Payne. The story is more focused, following the warrior Berek and his wife, the sorceress Melora, as they team up with a group of adventurers to stop the evil sorcerer Damodar from destroying the world. This film integrates more elements from the "Dungeons & Dragons" game, making the plot more engaging.
The special effects and sets have improved, especially in scenes involving dragons and magic, although they are still limited by the budget. The performances are solid, with Mark Dacascos and Clemency Burton-Hill standing out, and Bruce Payne's portrayal of the villain Damodar remains memorable.
Overall, the film received a better reception than its predecessor, particularly among "Dungeons & Dragons" fans. The improved plot and production quality were appreciated. While it doesn't reach the level of major Hollywood productions, it offers enjoyable entertainment for fantasy film enthusiasts and fans of the game.
Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness (2012)
"Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness" (2012) is the third film in the D&D series, directed by Gerry Lively and starring Anthony Howell, Eleanor Gecks, and Jack Derges.
The film follows a young knight, Nhagruul (Jack Derges), who joins a group of villains to save his kidnapped father and destroy an evil book with dark magic powers. The story is darker and more mature than its predecessors, exploring complex moral dilemmas.
Despite a limited budget, the special effects and set design have improved, particularly in depicting magic and battles. Jack Derges delivers a solid performance, portraying a character caught between good and evil, with other actors contributing well to the story.
While it received mixed reviews overall, the film was appreciated by D&D fans, especially those who enjoy darker themes. It stands out for its unique tone and improved production quality within the series.
Dungeons & Dragons：Honor Among Thieves (2023)
"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" is a 2023 fantasy adventure film directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. It stars Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Reggie Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sofia Lillis, and Hugh Grant.
The film follows a group of unlikely thieves who embark on a quest to right past wrongs and reclaim a stolen treasure from evil forces. Led by the clever bard Edgin (Chris Pine) and the loyal barbarian Horga (Michelle Rodriguez), the team includes a disgraced knight, a young wizard, and a shapeshifting druid.
The movie excels in visual effects, action sequences, and humor, while staying true to the essence of the classic Dungeons & Dragons game. The camaraderie and character development among the team members are well-executed, emphasizing the importance of friendship and trust.
Overall, "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" has received positive reviews, both from fans of the original game and general fantasy enthusiasts. It offers a fresh and entertaining take on the genre, blending nostalgia with a new adventure for audiences to enjoy.
That's it for today, let us know what you think about these movies or if we forgot to mention your favorite dragon film in the comment section below.
