The Best Live-Action Dragons Ranked

There's nothing more reputable in the realm of fantasy and myth than the winged reptilian legends we like to call dragons. These fictional creatures rival all other mythical beasts simply for their enduring legacy. The idea of a dragon dates as far back as 1500 BCE with an ancient Indian text known as the Rig Veda telling tales of the dragon Vrtra. According to legend, the god Indra killed this great dragon in an effort to release waters from the skies (rain). Since then, dragons have often been depicted throughout many cultures as great monstrous serpents who either spelled trouble or good fortune for the ancient civilized populations and their deities (via Google Arts and Culture). 

Of course, nowadays, we know better. Dragons and other fictional beasts were likely a simple lack of understanding by ancient peoples of the fossilized remains of dinosaurs or the unknown creatures that populated oceans.

Despite the mystical creatures being a figment of our ancestors' imaginations, dragons would endure through fictional works of fantasy. In the modern age, it only makes sense that fairy tales made their way to the big screen for the entertainment of the masses. In cinema, it's easy to use dragons as fearsome creatures who rule violently with fire and blood (see what we did there, George R. R. Martin fans?). But they've also been elevated beyond the vicious carnivore motif into something a bit more magical, like Falkor from "The Neverending Story." Because they aren't real, dragons aren't beholden to a certain way of being. They can be Pete's best friend, or they can lay waste to King's Landing. With that said, let's dive into the best live-action incarnations of these popular creatures, ranking them from the least endearing to the most memorable.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe continually plunges forward deeper into the pantheon of comic book heroes. "Shang-Chi" may have been one of the more obscure characters to receive a film adaptation, but the film proved to be fruitful for Marvel and Disney — as all properties seem to be that carry the Marvel brand these days. Regardless, the film tells the story of Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), a man who is destined to return to his home of Ta Lo and defend it from the darkness that threatens it. But who would've ever guessed that his own father, Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung), would be the catalyst in bringing forth an ancient evil dubbed the Dweller-in-Darkness? The mystical village of Ta Lo is home to a myriad of mythological creatures of Chinese legend. There is even a tale of a heroic dragon called the Great Protector who saved the village from certain doom by sealing a gate to the Dweller's world, preventing it from threatening Ta Lo.

In the climactic finale of the film, the Great Protector reveals itself to Shang-Chi and aids him in the fight against the Dweller and its soul-eaters. By design, the dragon is rather unique as far as cinematic dragons are concerned. The Great Protector is distinctly a serpent-like, Chinese dragon that slithers through the air with small arms and legs, and pronounced colorful scales. It's a beautiful on-screen realization that hearkens back to ancient Chinese legends and culture.

This 2002 blockbuster featured the likes of Christian Bale, Gerard Butler, and Matthew McConaughey in a clash against an apocalyptic army of dragons. The beginning of the film began in modern times, which at the point of the film's release was 2002. Underground construction in London led to a cave where a massive dragon awakens and escapes into the world. Quinn Abercromby (Christian Bale) witnessed this dragon emerge as a child. His mother was killed during the event. Other dragons emerge from hibernation and scientists now learn that these beasts were responsible for the destruction of the dinosaurs. The ash blotted out the sun and ushered in the first Ice age. Dragons then returned beneath the Earth's crust to hibernate. Now, they're enacting the extinction of mankind across the globe.

The film made back its budget, but didn't manage to draw in a massive haul at the box office (via Box Office Mojo). Still, years later, the film received notoriety as a cult classic. Viewers have been drawn to its flashy action-oriented narrative featuring an onslaught of CGI dragons. As far as our dragon ranking is concerned, the big lone male featured in the beginning and end of the film is what dragon-loving fans are here for. This beast is the only male in the entire population of dragons and he is a big boy. As such, the future of his species relies solely on him to mate with the females and continue to produce progeny. The climactic battle in the film's third act sees the main characters mounting an attack against the male in an attempt to end the entire species. But the beast doesn't go down with a fight.

We're already knee deep in Westerosi lore once again with the advent of the "Game of Thrones" spin-off, "House of the Dragon." The prequel series entreats us to a look at the ancestors of the Dragon Queen who would eventually lay waste to King's Landing in a murderous rage. House Targaryen is large and in charge. King Viserys (Paddy Considine) occupies the Iron Throne and his daughter, Rhaenyra (portrayed by Milly Alcock as a young girl and Emma D'Arcy as an adult), has been named as his heir. That's a bit of an agitation for the king's brother, Daemon (Matt Smith). Though he seems chaotic and potentially bloodthirsty, it's impossible to know Daemon's eventual grand plans.

Each Targaryen royal is paired with a dragon at birth. Caraxes belongs to Daemon. In "Fire and Blood" lore, written by George R. R. Martin and which "House of Dragons" is based upon, Caraxes is known as the Blood Wyrm. He's an imposing beast and absolutely vicious. His appearance fits his attitude as he's brilliantly red and covered in horns. When the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) attempts to retrieve a stolen dragon egg from Daemon alongside an outfit of the King's guard, Caraxes stands on a mountain menacingly. It's clear this dragon only means business. But only time will tell if Daemon wields him for total destruction.

The magical world of "Harry Potter" is filled to the brim with fairy tale creatures of all varieties. So it's kind of a no-brainer that dragons would be a part of this world's wildlife. The film series portrays dragons on multiple occasions. Most notably, fans might remember the harrowing first challenge Harry must endure in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." He has to maneuver passed a fearsome dragon and claim a dragon egg. No sweat, right?

But there's one dragon that stands out as far more memorable than the rest. This little guy made his entrance into the world in the first film, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Quite literally, he hatched from an egg on Hagrid's table. Sure, dragons are often known for their grandeur and majesty. But there's something innocent and sweet about baby Norbert. Long before he gains massive fangs and a ferocious temperament, a baby dragon is just as vulnerable as the rest of us. Ron quickly identifies him as a Norwegian Ridgeback. The little critter also nearly singes Hagrid's beard right off of his face. But like all mystical beasts, Hagrid falls in love with the little guy. And honestly, who couldn't?

Children of the '90s all know Draco, the beloved dragon at the center of "Dragonheart." The film tells the tale of a dragon who aided an ailing prince named Einon (David Thewlis) by offering him part of his heart. The only condition is that the dragon asks Einon to be an honorable leader. With that agreement, the dragon saves the boy's life. Unfortunately, however, Einon doesn't live up to his bargain. He becomes a tyrannical king who enslaves his enemies and oppresses his own kingdom. Bowen (Dennis Quaid), a knight who once mentored Einon, sees the monstrous change in the royal and becomes a dragon slayer. He believes the dragon is to blame for Einon's evil ways. Years later, Bowen is hunting a dragon that retaliates. However, the battle ends with Bowen in the dragon's mouth but pointing a sword through the roof of the beast's mouth toward its brain. They both agree to not kill one another.

Bowen later names the dragon, Draco, after a constellation. The two partner up on a myriad of adventures that ultimately lead them to a confrontation with Einon. Make no mistake, Draco will charm his way into your heart. The spunky dragon and Bowen offer plenty of delightful banter to entertain a crowd. While the special effects might be lacking in the modern era, this is one dragon adventure you won't want to miss.

The Mother of Dragons relies on her fire-breathing beasts as a show force. Having control of the remaining known dragon population in the entire land. They're capable of significant damage causing mass slaughter with one sweeping breath of flames. Once the White Walkers take control of Viserys, the undead dragon begins destroying the great wall that separates Westeros from the north wild lands.

Drogon is Dany's dragon of choice. He's named after her deceased Dothraki husband, Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa). Drogon is easily the largest dragon in her brood of triplets. Perhaps, that's why she's chosen this particular beast as her faithful steed. Nothing says power like riding atop a massive dragon. Drogon shows just how powerful he is in the final moments of the series when the hopeful Targaryen Queen becomes mad with rage and unleashes the beast's fiery arsenal on the entirety of King's Landing. Drogon is akin to a modern nuclear bomb, a weapon of mass destruction. Upon the demise of Daenerys, Drogon spares her killer, John Snow, perhaps having the mental acuity to understand that she took things too far recklessly commanding the dragon to tire himself in the work of administering death. Even still, he outlasted most of the major characters as he whisks Dany's body off to lands unknown.