While many films focus on memorable mythical beasts, dragon movies have proven that the colossal fire-breathing lizards of legend 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 is not hard to see why dragons have been been the focus of tales for centuries a trend that continued with the invention of cinema and birth of filmmaking. The best dragon movies showcase all the wonderful, thrilling, and terrifying ways these beasts can be used on the big screen.

Old stories would often depict dragons as a fearsome threat to the kingdom that needed to be vanquished by heroic knights. Certainly, there are still plenty of movies that play on the destructive nature of dragons. However, dragons in films can also be depicted as misunderstood creatures and even allies to the heroes.