My Top 10 Favorite Movie Dragons

#1 - Smaug (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, 2013)

He is fire. He is death.

While I am not a huge fan of The Hobbit movie series (I think the movies are extremely slow-paced), I was in awe when I first saw Smaug on-screen. Benedict Cumberbatch did an exceptional job with the motion capture facial expressions and movements, and his voice acting for the wicked wyvern is chilling. Smaug is brought to life in a terrifying way that leaves a lasting impression.

#2 - Saphira (Eragon, 2006)

Another film that leaves a lot to be desired, but Saphira is a shining light that at the very least keeps audiences invested in her and Eragon's story and relationship. Saphira is beautifully animated and she is voiced by one of my favorite actresses, Rachel Weisz. A lovely dragon who deserves to be in the top three on my list!

#3 - Hungarian Horntail (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2005)

Another gnarly wyvern, the Hungarian Horntail from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire makes quite the entrance when it is introduced as the first challenge of the Triwizard Tournament. Can you imagine battling this thing as a 14-year-old?

#4 - Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty, 1959)

A classic, devilish-looking dragon that suits Maleficent's merciless personality well. I always had to hide behind our couch pillows when we watched this movie as a family and Maleficent transforms. Those glowing green eyes used to haunt my dreams!

#5 - Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon, 2010)

A catlike, fun-loving draconic companion anyone would want to train and befriend! Toothless captured the hearts of millions with the release of How to Train Your Dragon back in 2010 with his playful demeanor, sarcastic humor, charming personality and fierce friendship with Hiccup. A super cool dragon!

#6 - "Buck" or "Bull" Dragon (Reign of Fire, 2002)

There's nothing magical about 'em, just ask Matthew McConaughey!

The wyverns from Reign of Fire are super cool, nonmagical, sci-fi takes on the medieval beasts we all know and love. They resemble the wyverns from Game of Thrones and still breathe fire, though in this movie, they wreak havoc on the modern world, leading to an apocalypse. Such a great movie and some of my favorite movie dragons, especially the large bull Christian Bale fights at the conclusion of the film.

#7 - Elizabeth (Shrek, 2001)

I know what you're thinking. I had no idea her name was Elizabeth either. Fun fact, it is inferred her name is Elizabeth based on a line of dialogue in Shrek 2 where Donkey shouts, "I'm coming, Elizabeth!"

#8 - Mushu (Mulan, 1998)

Eddie Murphy as a rambunctious, hilarious little dragon who stays by Mulan's side through thick and thin. Mushu is the best!

#9 - Ukrainian Ironbelly (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part II, 2011)

My heart breaks for this wyvern every time I watch this film. It is so realistic looking and sounding, you can't help but applaud its determination to escape from Gringotts Wizarding Bank!

#10 - Haku (Spirited Away, 2001)

Loved this plot twist. Haku is a dynamic, amazing character and the design for his dragon form is graceful and majestic. Highly recommend Spirited Away if you have not seen it!

***Honorable Mentions***

Drogon, Rhaegal & Viserion (Game of Thrones, 2011 to 2019)

Because these three dragons are from a TV show, I did not want to include them on a list of dragons from movies specifically. I don't feel there are enough dragons from TV shows out there to rank. However, if I were including dragons from TV shows on this list, I would put these three very close to the top. They are beautifully animated, vicious and undeniably loyal to Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons. A formidable trio whose presence heavily contributed to the fantastical appeal and overall success of the Game of Thrones series.

The Red Death (How to Train Your Dragon, 2010)

When this dragon roars, the thunderous sound it creates always shakes me to the bone. The deep, guttural bellow really emphasizes the massive size of The Red Death and the extreme threat is poses both dragons and vikings alike. Definitely deserves a mention!

Cloud Jumper (How to Train Your Dragon 2, 2014)

Love Cloud Jumper, he is such a cool design for a wyvern! The double set of wings on each side reminds me of the X-wings from Star Wars.

Draco (Dragonheart, 1996)

The animation for Draco is a little rough, but that can be forgiven thanks to his selfless, incredibly brave personality. Draco is definitely worthy of an honorable mention on this list.