Growing up, my family loved watching movies. Gathering around the TV was one of our favorite ways to bond and spend some high-quality time together. After all, there’s nothing quite like popping some popcorn, cuddling up on the couch, and watching a flick with the fam.
There’s only one difficult part of family movie night: deciding what movie to watch.
If your family is having a hard time deciding between dog movies or fish flicks, split the difference and check out a dragon movie!
Dragons have captured the imaginations of children for centuries—and the modern era is no different. From stories of scaly sidekicks to high-flying dragon adventures, there’s no shortage of exciting dragon movies for kids.
So gather ‘round, aspiring dragon tamers, as we fly forward into Troomi’s list of seven of the best dragon movies for kids.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Rated: PG
Where to Stream: Netflix
How to Train Your Dragon takes place in Berk, a Viking village plagued by devious dragons. The story follows Hiccup, a teenage Viking who wants to become a dragon slayer like his father, Stoick the Vast. However, when he captures a rare dragon named Toothless, Hiccup realizes that there may be more to these winged reptiles than meets the eye.
Based on the book by Cressida Cowell, How to Train Your Dragon is one of the most beloved animated dragon movies for kids. It teaches families that friendship and love are far more powerful than violence and fear.
This movie is a fantastic film for the whole family—and if your kids can’t get enough of Hiccup and Toothless, there are two more movies, a bundle of TV specials, and an upcoming live-action adaptation to keep them entertained!
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Rated: PG
Where to Stream: Disney+
Raya is a warrior princess from Kumandra. Once upon a time, Kumandra was a paradise where humans and dragons lived together—until an evil force called the Druun destroyed the dragon population. Five hundred years later, the Druun is back. To save Kumandra, Raya must go on an epic adventure to track down the last dragon and bring harmony back to the world.
Raya and the Last Dragon celebrates the cultures of Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines with stunning imagery that kids will adore. This animated dragon movie for kids also teaches important lessons about trust, empowerment, and the importance of community.
Mulan (1998)
Rated: G
Where to Stream: Disney+
No list of the best dragon movies for kids would be complete without Mulan!
This classic Disney film tells the story of—you guessed it—Fa Mulan, a young woman who impersonates her father to join the Chinese army. The spirits of Mulan’s ancestors catch wind of her goal and send their family’s dragon guardian, Mushu, to watch over her. As the story progresses, Mulan and Mushu work together with a colorful cast of characters to defeat the evil Shan Yu and save China.
Mulan is a captivating tale which teaches kids about bravery, self-discovery, and the importance of protecting the ones we love—and the soundtrack is pretty amazing to boot!
Firedrake the Silver Dragon (2020)
Rated: TV-Y7
Where to Stream: Netflix
When Firedrake, a young dragon, learns that his family’s home in a hidden valley is about to be destroyed by humans, he sets out on a secret adventure to find a refuge for his kind. His goal is the Rim of Heaven, a mythical haven where all sorts of dragons live together in peace. Along the way, Firedrake meets the forest brownie Sorrel and a human boy named Ben, who may just be a dragon rider himself.
Firedrake the Silver Dragon is a dragon movie for kids based on the 1997 book Dragon Rider by German author Cornelia Funke. Since it was first written, this story has captured the imagination of young audiences with its heartwarming story about loyalty, friendship, and the true meaning of home.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Rated: PG
Where to Stream: Rent on Amazon Video
Based on the 1979 fantasy novel of the same name, The NeverEnding Story is about Bastian, a ten-year-old boy who stumbles upon a magical book called, unsurprisingly, “The NeverEnding Story.” As he reads, Bastian is transported to the fictional world Fantasia and realizes that he has an important part to play in the book’s plot. Bastian meets a wide array of characters on his journey, including the remarkable luck dragon Falkor.
While not solely about dragons, The NeverEnding Story is a fun fantasy flick that kids will get a kick out of. It might even inspire them to explore the limits of their imagination!
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Rated: PG
Where to Stream: Disney+
When five-year old Pete is caught in a disastrous car crash with his parents, a large green dragon swoops in to save his life. Six years later, the now 11-year old Pete and the dragon Elliot live alone in a treehouse in the Pacific Northwest. However, their peace is threatened when forest ranger Grace discovers Pete and learns about his extraordinary dragon companion.
A live-action reimagining of the 1977 animated dragon movie for kids, Pete’s Dragon is a thrilling story about friendship, found family, and the importance of protecting and preserving the natural world we call home.
Eragon (2006)
Rated: PG
Where to Stream: Starz
The mythical realm Alagaësia is not safe, thanks to the tyrannical King Galbatorix. Everything changes, however, when a teenage farm boy named Eragon discovers a strange blue stone while hunting deep in the mountains. He takes the stone home and, to his surprise, it hatches into a baby dragon called Saphira. Eragon learns that he is a Dragon Rider, an ancient warrior able to harness the power of dragons. Using his newfound power, Eragon and Saphira set out on an epic quest to overthrow the evil king and bring peace to Alagaësia.
Eragon is based on the first book in The Inheritance Cycle, a series of fantasy novels by author Christopher Paolini. Paolini wrote the first book, Eragon, when he was only 15—so it makes sense that the story would go on to capture the imagination of kids and teens all over the world. If your kids enjoy the film, they might love the books even more!
Get Fired Up with Dragons Movies for Kids
From live-action to animated dragon movies for kids, these films offer thrilling adventures, endearing characters, and valuable life lessons to the whole family. How to Train Your Dragon, for example, shows that friendship can come from the most unlikely places, while Pete’s Dragon teaches kids and adults alike about the importance of preserving the forests and fields we call home.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather up the family, pop some popcorn, and embark on a magical journey with your family’s favorite dragon movie for kids.
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