Just like dinosaurs, dragons magnify the movie’s appeal. These dragons are not just good at putting things on fire and annihilating everything that comes their way, they can also become good samaritans and rescue humans in distress. They are magical, and majestic, sometimes also talk, yet enough to terrorise cinephiles with their sheer presence. And, whether the dragon on screen is a friend or a foe, the narrative of some of these best movies and shows on dragons, listed below, will definitely take you on fantastical adventures.
7 best movies about dragons that will mesmerize you; on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more
1. Reign of Fire – Google Play Movies, Apple TV
Set in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world, the movie follows a group of survivors teaming up with the military to fight fire-breathing dragons that are wreaking havoc on Earth. The movie is premised around an accident where tunnel project workers awaken centuries-old dragons from a deep slumber. The dragons have outsmarted humans to become the most dominant species. There’s destruction everywhere thanks to the beats. With the human race under threat, two teams led by Quinn Abercromby (Christian Bale) and Denton Van Zan (Matthew McConaughey) must join forces to defeat the creatures and take charge of the human world. The movie also stars Gerard Butler in a pivotal role.
2. Dragonheart – Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
Dennis Quaid stars as Sir Bowen, a knight turned dragonslayer, and Draco (Sean Connery in voice), the dragon. However, circumstances force the two to join hands to defeat the tyrant King Einon. Years ago, when Einon was a child, Draco saved his life by giving him half of his own heart. But, over time Einon becomes greedy and turns into an oppressor. To bring him down and help the people, Draco and Bowen form an alliance and are joined by Kara (Dina Meyer), who’s seeking revenge on Einon for killing her father. The tables are turned in this movie as the dragon takes on the role of the hero alongside his human companion.
3. How To Train Your Dragon – Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
This cute, animated movie is set in a mythical Viking village called Berk. Here, the Vikings rule over dragons. A young boy, Hiccup, wants to become a dragon slayer and has to defeat one to mark his official initiation into the tribe as an adult. During his quest to fulfill the code, Hiccup injures a deadly dragon called Night Fury. Hiccup is unable to kill Fury and instead befriends him. Hiccups then realises that there’s more to the Dragon-Viking war then meets the eye and sets out to find the truth.
4. Eragon – Disney+Hotstar, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
Eragon is a simple farm boy living with his uncle and cousin. During one of his hunting trips with his cousin to a forest, Eragon stumbles upon a unique stone-like object. Not knowing what it actually is, Eragon takes the stone with him hoping to trade it for food. However, his dreams are shattered when he finds out that the stone is actually an egg when it hatches. When he touches the dragon, he magically marks Eragon. Eragon befriends the baby dragon, who calls himself Saphira, nurtures it, and even teaches it to fly. However, what Eragon doesn’t know is that he is destined to be a dragon rider and save his village from the oppressive rule of an evil king with the dragon’s help.
5. Pete’s Dragon – Disney+Hotstar, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
This fun, fantasy movie starts with five-year-old Pete travelling with his parents when their car meets with an accident. Pete’s parents are killed in the collision, however, he survives the crash and finds himself in a jungle. He’s chased by a pack of wolves and is rescued by a lovable dragon with wings, whom he names Elliot. Pete then lives in the forest with Eliot, away from the human world. However, his life changes when a lumberjack crew sets base near his home. When the crew learns of Pete and his dragon’s presence in the forest, they use all the means to lure them out. The heartwarming story then revolves around the two friends fighting against all odds to keep each other safe from the townspeople.
6. Raya and the Last Dragon – Disney+Hotstar, Apple TV
This poignant animated film follows warrior Raya, who embarks on a quest to find the last fabled Sisu dragon. She wishes to bring her father back by restoring the dragon stone and driving away the evil spirits called Drunn from Kumandra with the stone’s help. Raya finally meets Sisu at a shipwreck who agrees to help her bring peace to Kumandra. But, their journey of establishing unity and peace in the land is met with opposition from Raya’s own kind. With Sisu by her side, Raya is determined to overcome all obstacles and fulfill her mission.
7. Dragon Wars: D-Wards – MX Player
This South Korean marvel revolves around the adventures of Ethan Kendrick as he gears up to fight dragons and save the planet Earth. Once in 500 years, these mythical creatures descend on Earth and unleash destruction. Ethan in his previous birth was tasked with protecting Yuh Yi Joo, a person who can turn into an Imoogi (dragon). In this birth, Ethan must find Yuh Yi Joo, who has reincarnated as Sarah, to stop the other-worldly creatures from causing mayhem.
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