20 Dragon Movies and TV Shows to Enjoy If You're a Fan of Netflix's Damsel

If there's one element that never fails to elevate the excitement in fantasy stories—like Netflix's *Damsel*—it’s dragons. These magnificent beasts, with their imposing wings and fire-breathing prowess, guarantee a hefty dose of tension. In *Damsel*, we find Millie Bobby Brown taking on the role of Princess Elodie, a spirited young lady who, much to her dismay, must fend off a dragon to which she has been sacrificed. Elodie's journey is packed with action, but oh, how we yearn for those dragon tales that intertwine romance, drama, and horror like a well-knit tapestry. Regardless of whether the story hinges on love or valor, the dragon often stands at the center of it all—majestic and terrifying.

It's remarkable how versatile the fantasy genre is, allowing for tales spun in the most imaginative realms. But, one cannot help but linger on *Damsel*, which leaves us with unanswered questions—and, I dare say, a craving for more dragon escapades. Let's look at how these enchanting creatures have captured hearts across the ages. Updated recently to feature even more entries, we should take stock of the fiery icons who have graced our screens.

Take, for instance, the ancient tale of *Beowulf*. It’s one of the oldest known stories, where our gallant hero battles numerous fiends, culminating in an epic showdown with a dragon—a foe that proves to be the undoing of this legendary figure. After besting Grendel and his scaly mother, Beowulf finds himself face-to-face with this fire-breathing menace, in a showdown that ultimately leads to his own demise but not before leaving the dragon mortally wounded. Truly, this was an early cinematic moment to remember, establishing dragons as formidable foes.

Now, onto perhaps a gentler view of dragons—one steeped in nostalgia. As we prepare for Greta Gerwig’s upcoming *Narnia* reboot, it’s the perfect time to revisit *The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*. In this heartwarming tale, we see the Pevensies once more on an adventure, this time alongside their decidedly cranky cousin Eustace. Eustace’s greed leads him to steal cursed gold, transforming him into a dragon—perhaps not the worst fate, if you ask me! His journey back to humanity, graciously guided by Aslan the lion, offers a fresh take on the dragon narrative, revealing layers beyond mere roars and flames.

And then there’s *How to Train Your Dragon*—a series that truly stole the hearts of many with its gentle narrative of friendship between the Viking boy Hiccup and his dragon Toothless. Here, we see not just fire and fury, but a poignant friendship blossom, navigating the tricky waters of coexistence between two seemingly mismatched species. This trilogy has left an indelible mark, proving that dragons can be so much more than fearsome beasts; they can be allies, companions, and even heroes in their own right.

Let’s not forget the magical adventure presented by *Pete's Dragon*, where a young orphan befriends the whimsical Elliott, a dragon with the enthusiasm of a puppy. Their chaotic antics in a quaint fishing village play against a backdrop of friendship's true meaning. It's the kind of Disney storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings and reminds us of the innocence of youth, even as it spins its tale of family.

Ah, *The Neverending Story*! Here we have Bastian, who discovers the enchanting world of Fantasia through the pages of a book. With the perilous threat of "The Nothing" looming, it's the luck dragon Falkor who shines as a glimmer of hope, not to mention provides comic relief. Falkor’s charm, wisdom, and his uncanny ability to help Bastian stand up to school bullies make him one of cinema’s unforgettable dragons.

But enough of the sweet; let's savor the fiercer side of our scaly friends! Consider the action-packed realm of *Monster Hunter*, directed by Paul W. S. Anderson. This is where our brave heroine, Artemis, takes charge, battling the ominous ancient dragon Gore Magala, proving that dragons can inspire a thrilling narrative, hand-in-hand with innovative filmmaking.

Longing for more classic high-fantasy? When we explore Ursula K. Le Guin’s *Earthsea*, we delve into a world where magic is as natural as breathing. Whether traversed through a miniseries or animated film, the formidable dragon Orm Embar challenges our hero Ged, offering not just a fight but an introspective journey on strength and intellect.

Of course, no discussion about dragons is complete without mentioning *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*, where dragons are not just mindless brutes but pivotal characters that shape our heroes’ fates during the nail-biting Triwizard Tournament. Harry’s encounter with a dragon is not merely a battle for survival; it’s an exhilarating moment etched into the minds of fans, filled with heart-stopping suspense.

The list continues with films that may not have universal acclaim, such as *Seventh Son*, which introduced us to Tom Ward, the “seventh son of a seventh son,” embarking on a magical yet perilous journey. And who could overlook Sam Neill’s earnest portrayal of Merlin tackling dragons and destiny alike in the 1998 miniseries? Each dragon becomes a symbol of internal and external struggle, bringing forth timeless themes of friendship, sacrifice, and heroism.

As we meander through this dragon-laden landscape, we can’t help but appreciate how they’ve taken on various roles—from the destructive forces of terror to whimsical companions—and left us not just entertained, but pondering deeper questions about courage, love, and what it truly means to be a hero. In the grand tapestry of storytelling, these magnificent creatures continue to soar, fire-breathing their way into our hearts forever.