SCHOOL OF MAGICAL ANIMALS 2 Trailer (2024) Fantasy, Adventure Movie

SCHOOL OF MAGICAL ANIMALS 2 Trailer (2024) Fantasy, Adventure Movie

Show more

SCHOOL OF MAGICAL ANIMALS 2 Trailer (2024) Fantasy, Adventure Movie
© 2024 - Blue Fox Entertainment

"What magical spell does it cast on all who read it? What is the secret of The NeverEnding Story?" This unforgettably fantasy adventure movie originally opened in theaters in West German in April 1984 - a full 40 years ago this month. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, and for a look back at a classic trailer that has re-appeared online, enjoy these previews for Wolfgang Petersen's classic The NeverEnding Story. In this big screen adventure, a troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a book. He ends up journeying through strange lands, encountering all kinds of creatures both kind & evil, making some friends & enemies along the way. Barret Oliver stars as Bastian, with Noah Hathaway as Atreyu, Tami Stronach as the "Moon Child", plus Patricia Hayes, Sydney Bromley, Gerald McRaney, and Moses Gunn. If you grew up in the 80s or 90s like me, you have seen this movie many times, but the young generations of today may not be familiar with it. There are some clunky practical effects, but there are also some creatures that seem so real it's hard to forget them - like the giant flying dog known as Falkor. It's fun to look back at how Hollywood used to promote new releases. This is "for anyone who's ever made a wish."

Here are all the trailers for Wolfgang Petersen's classic film The NeverEnding Story, found on YouTube:

The NeverEnding Story Poster

The NeverEnding Story Poster

You can watch The NeverEnding Story streaming on Hoopla or rent on VOD - more options via JustWatch.

"A boy who needs a friend finds a world that needs a hero in a land beyond imagination!" Bastian (played by Barret Oliver) is a young boy who lives a dreary life being tormented by bullies at his school. On one such occasion he escapes into a book shop where the old proprieter reveals an ancient story-book to him, which he is warned can be dangerous. Shortly after, he "borrows" the book & begins to read in the school attic where he is drawn into the mythical land of Fantasia, which desperately needs a hero to save it from destruction. The NeverEnding Story is directed by the acclaimed German filmmaker Wolfgang Petersen (who passed away in 2022), his fourth feature film at the time after making Das Boot (1981) and just before Enemy Mine (1985). The screenplay is by Wolfgang Petersen & Herman Weigel, with additional dialogue by Robert Easton; adapted from Michael Ende's German novel of the same name (or Die unendliche Geschichte in German) first published in 1979. The fantasy film originally opened first in West Germany in April 1984. Wolfgang Petersen's The NeverEnding Story initially opened in US theaters on July 20th, 1984 during the summer. You can ride a Falkor puppet recreation at the Bavaria Filmstadt theme park just outside Munich.

ComingSoon is debuting an exclusive School of Magical Animals clip from the upcoming family fantasy adventure movie, which is based on the best-selling German-language children series of the same name. The movie is now playing in theaters.

“Ida must transfer to a new school, where she soon realizes the students are unkind to each other,” reads the movie’s synopsis. “However, that all changes when a new teacher, Miss Cornfield, begins to educate them on the value of friendship and magic.”

Check out the exclusive School of Magical Animals clip below:

School of Magical Animals was directed by Gregor Schnitzler and written by Viola Scmidt and John Chambers based on the book series by Margit Auer. It stars Emilia Maier, Leonard Conrads, Loris Sichrovsky, Nadja Uhl, Justus von Dohnányi, Heiko Pinkowski, Marleen Lohse, Milan Peschel, Denis Lyons, Dulcie Smart, and Carrie Getman.
Movies in the adventure and suspense genre tend to get our hearts racing with the fast-paced action and the mysterious wilderness setting. No one knows what will pop up on the screen from which direction to startle their senses. Whether it’s a quest to unearth lost treasures, or a journey to find the center of the earth, the best jungle movies always have loads of entertainment for the audiences in store.

Some might think this genre is a little over-explored with various movies finding their own jungle to get lost in, but the charm of having an unknown wild adventure never ceases to amuse. It’s always fun to see filmmakers come up with an engaging backstory and hilarious characters to make the jungle adventure movie one heck of a ride. Fans of this genre find comfort in such forest movies and strive to live vicariously through them. There's no shortage of the best adventure movies that heavily use the jungle setting to tell their fun and exciting stories. Which are the ones worth seeing at least once?

12
'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island' (2012)
Directed by Brad Peyton
Dwayne Johnson and Josh Hutcherson in Journey 2 The Mysterious Island
An ambitious sequel to the 2008 blockbuster Journey to the Center of the Earth, this feature film stars wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson, Josh Hutcherson, and Vanessa Hudgens, who set out in response to a cryptic signal received from deep within the forest. They venture in pursuit of Sean’s lost grandfather.

Both movies are adapted from epic stories written by Jules Verne. Watch Journey 2: The Mysterious Island for golden comedy, amusing sequences, and obviously the awesome Dwayne Johnson. Its cheesy comedy and formulaic plot aren't for cinephiles, but it's likely one of the guilty pleasure movies that some viewers watch for an uplifted mood.

journey 2: the mysterious island
PG
Release Date
January 19, 2012
Director
Brad Peyton
Cast
Dwayne Johnson , Michael Caine , Josh Hutcherson , Luis Guzman , Vanessa Hudgens , Kristin Davis
Runtime
94
WATCH ON USA NETWORK
11
'Uncharted' (2022)
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Tom Holland in UnchartedImage via Sony
Starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, Uncharted follows the undiscovered ventures of Ferdinand Magellan with a desire to find the lost treasure. Existing fans of the game were very excited to see a feature film explore the world of the beloved game, but Uncharted's adaptation turned out to be nothing like the source material.

While Holland managed to capture Nate's charm, wit, humor, and heart in a way that was uniquely his own, it couldn't make up for the boring plot, missed opportunities, and questionable deviations from the game's story that the creators decided to include. Still, for fans looking for a mindless flick on a boring night, Uncharted offers its fair share of fun action sequences, but not much else.

Uncharted
PG-13
Release Date
February 10, 2022
Director
Ruben Fleischer
Cast
Tom Holland , Mark Wahlberg
Runtime
1hr 56min
RENT ON APPLE TV
10
'The Lost City' (2022)
Directed by Adam Nee, Aaron Nee
the-lost-city-sandra-bullock-channing-tatum-socialImage via Paramount
Nestled in the plot of the adventure movie The Lost City is a romantic arc that brings together an author and her cover model who goes overlooked otherwise. This modern take on the genre finds Sandra Bollock and Channing Tatum in the wild with an evil Daniel Radcliffe hampering their every move. The unlikely pair must learn to work together if they hope to survive long enough to find the treasure.

The wild plot certainly managed to capture the attention of the viewers, even though most of the jokes didn't land. The Lost City reels you in with the mystic fonts and the legend of a hidden treasure that delighted the kings and queens for centuries, even if many of these hooks are unfortunately predictable clichés. If for nothing else, the movie is a perfect watch just for the unexpected Brad Pitt cameo.

The Lost City
PG-13
Release Date
March 25, 2022
Director
Aaron Nee , Adam Nee
Cast
Sandra Bullock , Channing Tatum , Daniel Radcliffe , Da'Vine Joy Randolph , Brad Pitt
Runtime
112 minutes
WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME
9
'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' (2008)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones and Shia LaBeouf as Mutt shining a flashlight and examining something in a cave in 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.'Image via Paramount Pictures
The fourth installment in the beloved adventure franchise, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull follows the exhilarating journey of the titular archaeologist (Harrison Ford), who pursues an artifact with immense power. Alongside an old flame, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Indy travels to the depths of the forests of Peru before being captured and taken to the Amazon.

Although not the best in the massive Indiana Jones franchise, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull still offers exciting action and gut-busting humor for fans who love the character. It’s also just nostalgic to revisit the legendary films now that its final installment had its disappointing premiere. If anything, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is worth watching just for that one epic motorcycle scene.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
PG-13
Indiana Jones becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.

Release Date
May 22, 2008
Director
Steven Spielberg
Cast
Harrison Ford , Cate Blanchett , Karen Allen , Shia LaBeouf , Ray Winstone , John Hurt
Runtime
122 minutes
WATCH ON DISNEY+
8
'Jungle Cruise' (2021)
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra
Jungle Cruise Cast
Jungle Cruise was highly anticipated as it brought two very talented and amazing actors together on screen – Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. In this adventurous escapade, fans see a doctor and her brother embark on a trip to the lush Amazon forests to find a lost tree with supposed magical powers.

Of course, their journey has hindrances caused by evil villains who want to use the tree for their malicious purposes and spread their villainous agenda. Jungle Cruise is a fun way to enjoy the marvelous setting and get lost in the world of the Amazon. Don't expect any innovative twists or brilliant writing, though, as it's a basic jungle adventure movie that doesn't try to be anything else. For those looking for a family-friendly flick, this is the perfect one – enjoy it enough and there's a sequel available to watch, too!

Jungle Cruise
Release Date
July 28, 2021
Director
Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast
Dwayne Johnson , Emily Blunt , Jesse Plemons , Paul Giamatti , Edgar Ramirez , Jack Whitehall
Runtime
127
WATCH ON DISNEY+
7
'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' (2017)
Directed by Jake Kasdan
Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson in 'Jumanji: The Next Level'Image via Columbia Pictures
Even with a simple plot, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is so hilarious that it's impossible not to laugh. The film embraces the ridiculous concept of being sucked into a video game – which the original Jumanji game transformed into to fit modern times – but never insults the intelligence of the audience. Adult avatars from the present play alongside other players stuck in the game since the '90s, and they all desperately try to escape.

Featuring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and a sweet cameo by Nick Jonas, this film is an action extravaganza made to entertain. It does take inspiration from the vintage classic Jumanji game but comes out with a clearer direction and plot. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle may not live up to its predecessors, but there's no denying it's at least decently entertaining.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
PG-13
Four teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.

Release Date
December 20, 2017
Director
Jake Kasdan
Cast
Dwayne Johnson , Karen Gillan , Kevin Hart , Jack Black
Runtime
119 minutes
WATCH ON HULU
6
'Tropic Thunder' (2008)
Directed by Ben Stiller
The cast of Tropic ThunderImage via Paramount Pictures
Tropic Thunder has failings, but at its core, it is an absurd and deliciously wicked satire movie that exposes everything that is wrong with Hollywood. Parodying many classic films based on the Vietnam War, Tropic Thunder follows a group of obnoxious actors shooting their own war movie. When their director accidentally dies in an accident after leaving them in a jungle, the actors have to use what little skills they have to make it out alive.

Tropic Thunder is packed with hilarious and endlessly quotable lines, as well as two scene-stealing performances by Matthew McConaughey and Tom Cruise. Some of the best comedians and actors of the twenty-first century kicked off the century with a bang in this massive ensemble production that lived up to the hype at the time of its release and is still beloved by fans today.

Tropic Thunder
R
Release Date
August 9, 2008
Director
Ben Stiller
Cast
Jeff Kahn , Robert Downey Jr. , Anthony Ruivivar , Jack Black , Jay Baruchel , Brandon T. Jackson
Runtime
106
WATCH ON HULU
5
'King Kong' (2005)
Directed by Peter Jackson
King Kong roaring in King Kong (2005)Image via Universal Pictures
King Kong has been remade multiple times by different filmmakers with more diverse perspectives on the portrayal of the magnificent Gorilla aka King Kong. The movie follows Carl Denham and his crew as they come across a giant ape on Skull Island and imprison it in order to bring it to New York. They run into trouble when the giant ape is released into the city.

A fantastic and exciting film on the whole, King Kong's plot is epic, with more action and new astounding creatures. This remake contains more action than the original, and obviously maximizes CGI (even though it hasn't aged entirely well). While definitely not director Peter Jackson's best work (an honor that remains with the Lord of the Rings trilogy), it's a decent enough modern adaptation of the classic story.

King Kong
PG-13
Release Date
December 14, 2005
Director
Peter Jackson
Cast
Naomi Watts , Jack Black , Adrien Brody , Thomas Kretschmann , Colin Hanks , Andy Serkis
Runtime
187 minutes
RENT ON APPLE TV
4
'Tarzan' (1999)
Directed by Kevin Lima, Chris Buck
Tarzan 2x1
A beloved Disney classic, Tarzan is an animated film that needs no introduction. The movie tells the tale of the titular protagonist (voiced by Tony Goldwyn), a human orphan left in the jungle who is adopted by his gorilla family. He struggles with his identity and place in the world growing up, which becomes even more prominent with the arrival of a group of humans – including the vibrant Jane Porter (Minnie Driver).

The rewatchable animated Disney film has everything, from groundbreaking animation to catchy musical numbers to an inspiring heartfelt story. Its story about identity and the meaning of family is wonderfully told against the backdrop of a gorgeous (and sometimes unforgiving) jungle. While some of its aspects haven't aged well, the classic is still worth revisiting with family members today.

WATCH ON DISNEY+
3
'The Jungle Book' (1967)
Baloo, Mowgli, and Bagheera looking in the same direction with different expressions in The Jungle BookImage via Disney
The Jungle Book is an evergreen classic that has been one of the most widely read and watched movies in the history of cinema. The adventures of Mowgli, the hunger of the iconic animated villain Shere Khan, and a pack of wild animals come together to create this masterpiece of a story.

Heartwarming soundtracks and lessons about bravery, friendship, and life, in general, are some of the inspiring takeaways from The Jungle Book. With various animated and live-action iterations, this movie has been made and remade a lot of times over the years, but still manages to maintain the old-school charm of a Disney movie. The 1967 version is undoubtedly still the best, with as much heart and humor as it did when it first premiered.

WATCH ON DISNEY+
2
'Jurassic Park' Movies (1993 - 2001)
A T-Rex standing a few meters away from a man holding a flare to distract it
Spanning seven thrilling movies over almost two decades, the Jurassic Park franchise has nothing but the best in store. A first-of-its-kind plot that explored the comeback of dinosaurs to disrupt the modern world was loved by all and immediately became a huge part of cinematic history.

Along with rampaging monsters and scientific experiments gone wrong, the movies have continuously featured a strong star cast that managed to attract audiences from across the world. The most recent movie, Jurassic Park: Dominion, seemed to be the end of the franchise, which has seen a steady decline in quality. That said, those looking for a nail-biting jungle survival movie may want to check out the first three entries in this award-winning film series.

Jurassic Park
PG-13
Release Date
June 11, 1993
Director
Steven Spielberg
Cast
Sam Neill , Laura Dern , Jeff Goldblum , Richard Attenborough , Bob Peck , Martin Ferrero
Runtime
127
WATCH ON USA NETWORK
1
'Predator' (1987)
Directed by John McTiernan
Predator-Arnold SchwarzeneggerImage via 20th Century Studios
Predator was part of Arnold Schwarzenegger's string of 1980s hits: half testosterone-drenched shootout movie, half sci-fi horror that dismantles (limb by limb) the action genre and the men who feature in them, who find all their guns and unified body mass completely pointless against a superior warrior who hunts humans for sport.

Predator became an instant action classic thanks to the dreaded creature, one-liners, sweltering jungle setting, and John McTiernan's directorial style. It's the ultimate jungle movie that birthed a legendary franchise that's still going strong today, with Prey marking a great move forward for the classic film series.

Predator
R
Release Date
June 12, 1987
Director
John McTiernan
Cast
Arnold Schwarzenegger , Carl Weathers , Elpidia Carrillo , Bill Duke , Jesse Ventura , Sonny Landham
Runtime
107 minutes

Dragon movies have remained popular throughout the years, showcasing the thrilling and terrifying potential of these mythical creatures on the big screen.
While dragons were traditionally depicted as threats to be vanquished, modern dragon films explore their misunderstood nature and their potential to become allies to the heroes.
Animated dragon movies, like Raya and the Last Dragon and Flight of the Dragons, offer unique and magical storytelling experiences that capture the essence of these creatures.
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 movies can also be depicted as misunderstood creatures and even allies to the heroes. Epic fantasy adventures like Harry Potter have dragons, as do family-friendly fun like Shrek. From fairy tales to medieval adventures to magical epics, these dragon movies use the beasts to their greatest potential.

RELATED
The Top 10 Coolest Dragons In Movies & TV Shows, Ranked
Who doesn't love a good dragon? Dragons are as timeless in world folklore as they are in pop culture. Here are the 10 coolest movie and TV dragons.

20
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021)
The MCU's Origin Story Features A Legendary And Heroic Dragon
Shang-Chi awakens the Great Protector in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Release Date
September 3, 2021
Director
Destin Cretton
Cast
Awkwafina , Simu Liu , Tony Leung Chiu Wai
Runtime
132 minutes
Given how much the MCU has expanded over the years, perhaps it was only a matter of time before a dragon was thrown into the mix. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is an MCU origin story that is initially a somewhat grounded martial arts action movie, but there eventually are more fantastical elements introduced — including an epic dragon.

As part of the legend at the center of the movie, a Chinese dragon known as the Great Protector sealed an evil creature known as the Dweller-in-Darkness inside a cave. When Shang-Chi's villainous father Wenwu frees the Dweller-in-Darkness in the movie's climax, the Great Protector returns to help Shang-Chi. The bloated CGI finale is considered the weakest aspect of the movie, but Shang-Chi is a top-tier Phase 4 film that helped introduce a fun new hero into the MCU. Three years later, fans are still waiting for news on Shang-Chi 2.

WATCH ON DISNEY+
19
Raya And The Last Dragon (2021)
A Disney Adventure About A Dragon Who Is Humanity's Last Hope
Raya and the Last Dragon
Release Date
March 5, 2021
Director
Carlos López Estrada , Don Hall
Cast
Awkwafina , Kelly Marie Tran , Thalia Tran , Daniel Dae Kim , Alan Tudyk , Izaac Wang , Ross Butler , Patti Harrison , Gemma Chan , Sandra Oh , Benedict Wong , Lucille Soong
Runtime
112 minutes
Disney jumped into the dragon storytelling genre with Raya and the Last Dragon. This animated movie about dragons takes place in a fantasy world where humans and dragons coexisted. When a dark force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. When the darkness returns, a young human warrior sets out to find the last dragon who can save them.

Raya and the Last Dragon is an exciting and breathtaking adventure, featuring some incredible animated action sequences. It is also a rare story in which dragons are seen as protectors and allies to humans from the beginning. This sets up the wonderful friendship that is at the heart of the movie between Raya and the dragon Sisu. Though not a huge Disney hit, critics were much kinder to the dragon film.

WATCH ON DISNEY+
18
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
The Adaptation Of The Popular Game Features Memorable Dragons
Regé-Jean Page, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris Pine, Sophia Lillis, and Justice Smith in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Release Date
March 31, 2023
Director
Jonathan Goldstein , John Francis Daley
Cast
Hugh Grant , Rege-Jean Page , Chris Pine , Justice Smith , Chloe Coleman , Michelle Rodriguez , Sophia Lillis
Runtime
134 Minutes
While the first attempt to bring the popular game Dungeons & Dragons to the big screen ended in disaster, this new take on the material made for a wildly fun adventure fantasy. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves cast of characters make up a ragtag group of heroes who unwittingly unleash a powerful evil and must find a way to save the world.

As Honor Among Thieves is a Dungeons and Dragons movie, there are dragons and other wonderful fantasy creatures thrown into the story, many of which fans of the game will recognize. This includes a memorable sequence with the heroes fleeing from a hilariously overweight dragon. It all adds to the wonderful sense of humor and clever action set pieces that make this a winning movie. Though it wasn't the box office smash that some were hoping for, there is still hope for Dungeons & Dragons 2.

WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO
17
Merlin (1998)
The Television Miniseries Brought Fantasy Storytelling To The Small Screen
Sam Neill with a sword in the snow in the 1998 fantasy film Merlin.
Technically, Merlin is not a movie; it was a made-for-TV miniseries featured on NBC in 1998. However, given its quality and following, it deserves some recognition. Some viewers argue that the scene in the film where Merlin's love Nimue is sacrificed to a dragon is the best scene in the miniseries. Whether or not that is true, it brought dragons to primetime television decades before Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.

Merlin was nominated for six Emmy Awards and four Golden Globes. Its biggest accomplishment, however, was luring so many new fans to the fantasy genre. Filled with drama and magic and loosely based on real-world historical events, Merlin served as a stepping stone toward the influx of fantasy productions in mainstream media, paving the way for television shows like Grimm, Once Upon a Time, and Supernatural. Fantasy fans may also be familiar with the show's sequel, Merlin's Apprentice.

16
Flight Of The Dragons (1982)
The Animated Dragon Movie That Does A Lot With A Little
Two dragons in rubble in Flight of the Dragons
Some of the best dragon movies are animated, which makes perfect sense. It hasn't always been possible to capture the majesty, magic, and even brutality of dragons on the big screen, especially prior to the dawn of CGI. Take The Flight of the Dragons, for example. Released in 1982, it combines star voice-acting talents like John Ritter and James Earl Jones and pieces of fantasy tomes like The Flight of Dragons and The Dragon and the George to create an animated treat for all ages.

Newcomers to the film should not let its underwhelming cover art deter them from seeing it. It features the same dramatic and gorgeous yet somehow gritty fantasy style used in movies like The Last Unicorn. It is a rare type of film that simply isn't made anymore.

15
Eragon (2006)
An Adaptation Of The Beloved Young Adult Fantasy
A promotional image from the 2006 movie Eragon.
Eragon
Release Date
December 15, 2006
Director
Stefen Fangmeier
Cast
Jeremy Irons , Rachel Weisz , Ed Speleers , Djimon Hounsou , Robert Carlyle , Sienna Guillory , John Malkovich , Garrett Hedlund , Joss Stone
Runtime
103 minutes
A solid mid-2000s dragon movie that viewers of all ages can enjoy, Eragon is an adaptation of the young adult novel of the same name by Chrisopher Paolini. Eragon is the classic tale of a young boy fighting to defend his people and home against invaders with a high-fantasy twist. Indelibly bonded to a dragon known as Saphira, the two develop a kinship as they quest to thwart impending evils.

Eragon was a celebrated children's novel, but it didn't translate all that well to film, with poor critical and commercial reception tanking the Eragon franchise before it got going. Still, it's enjoyable enough for younger audiences, and it may have fared a bit better had it not come on the heels of the titanic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Luckily, a Disney+ adaptation of the Eragon books will hopefully do it more justice.

WATCH ON DISNEY+
14
Dragonslayer (1981)
A Gory And Horrific Fantasy Adventure
Peter MacNicol stabbing a dragon in the back of the head in Dragonslayer
Dragonslayer
Release Date
June 26, 1981
Director
Matthew Robbins
Cast
Peter MacNicol , Caitlin Clarke , Ralph Richardson , John Hallam , Peter Eyre , Sydney Bromley
Runtime
109 Minutes
While actor Peter MacNicol may distance himself from his 1981 dragon movie, Dragonslayer still maintains a cult following. Between its general weirdness, darkness, and "saving the damsel in distress" theme, Dragonslayer recalls the archetypal Arthurian tale, as well as the story of David's triumph over Goliath, in more ways than one.

The movie featured a surprising amount of gore for its subject, incorporating some borderline horror elements into its backbone. Today's dragon fans might see it and consider its special effects both too outdated and too dark, but the film was a huge achievement in cinematography and special effects at the time, managing to portray a dragon on the big screen in a way no other film had quite accomplished.

WATCH ON PLUTO TV
13
Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
The Second Movie In Peter Jackson's Trilogy Introduced Terrifying Flying Beasts
A Fell Beast in the 2002 high fantasy film Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Release Date
January 15, 2002
Director
Peter Jackson
Cast
Peter Jackson , Elijah Wood , Andy Serkis , Viggo Mortensen
Runtime
179minutes
Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkein's fantasy series made for one of the most popular and acclaimed movie trilogies of all time. What was so successful about them was how they were able to blend such fantastical creatures and beings with well-rounded and interesting characters. Yet as compelling as Frodo and Sam were, the introduction of the unsettling flying beasts ridden by the Nazgul, in The Two Towers certainly stood out.

The Nazgul scenes from Return of the King are even more mesmerizing, especially with the additional scenes from the Lord of the Rings extended editions. While the iconic moment between the Witch King and Eowyn definitely deserves mentioning, it was in Osgiliath where viewers first glimpse the fell beasts that the Nazgul rode while hunting the One Ring. Amid the creatures' deafening wing-swishing and ear-splitting cries, audiences could almost smell their stench and feel their rancid breath.

WATCH ON MAX
12
Pete's Dragon (1977)
A Modern-Day Friendship Between A Boy And A Dragon
Pete and Eliot from the Original Pete's Dragon eating apples
Though it is one of the more lighthearted dragon movies, Pete's Dragon is not without its darkness. Between the abuse of a backwoods adopted family and the threat of having his dragon murdered, mutilated, and eaten as magical medicine, some moments might disturb younger viewers. However, the main message of the film is uplifting and there are memorable musical numbers that feature performances by Helen Reddy, Mickey Rooney, and Charlie Callas, who voiced the goofy animated dragon, Elliott.

The lovable nature of Elliott, combined with his round, hand-drawn features and support of Pete, made him a favorite among children and adults alike. While the 2016 Pete's Dragon remake took a few liberties, it was ultimately received as a superior modernization of the original.

WATCH ON DISNEY+
11
Shrek (2001)
The DreamWorks Animated Comedy Subverts Dragons And Other Fairy Tale Tropes
Donkey and Dragon arriving at the church in Shrek.
Shrek
Release Date
May 18, 2001
Director
Vicky Jenson , Andrew Adamson
Cast
Cameron Diaz , Mike Myers , Eddie Murphy , John Lithgow
Runtime
90 minutes
The Shrek movies have always had a fun quality of playing around with the tropes of fairy tales and nursery rhymes. This includes its titular character, a grumpy ogre who ends up being the hero of the story and the one who the princess falls in love with in the end. The movie also has a twist on the classic trope of the princess stuck in a tower guarded by a dragon, with a rare female dragon being part of the fun.

Not only did Shrek feature a pink, eye-lashed dragon that wore lipstick, but the movie also saw her fall in love with a talking donkey. Dragon in Shrek begins as a menace and then evolves into a love-struck punchline. In later films in the Shrek series, Dragon becomes a serious love interest and even ends up making donkey-dragon hybrids with Shrek's sidekick.

WATCH ON PEACOCK
10
Godzilla: King Of The Monsters (2019)
Godzilla Meets His Match With This Three-Headed Dragon
Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Release Date
May 29, 2019
Director
Michael Dougherty
Cast
Millie Bobby Brown , Vera Farmiga , Kyle Chandler , O'Shea Jackson Jr. , Bradley Whitford , Randy Havens , Charles Dance , Aisha Hinds , Sally Hawkins , Ken Watanabe , Thomas MIddleditch
Runtime
132 Minutes
Godzilla's status as a kind of dragon is up for debate, but King Ghidorah, the central antagonist of 2019's Godzilla: King of the Monsters, definitely qualifies. A massive, hydra-like creature capable of breathing lightning, Ghidorah is every bit as threatening as the titular monster. The movie itself was a big step forward in establishing the MonsterVerse with more details on Monarch and its mysterious past.

However, those who are not into the lore of the franchise could simply enjoy the big monster action of the sequel. While he may not be a particularly deep or complex villain, King Ghidorah is a perfect fit for the film, and he's an utter terror on-screen. Plus, thanks to his character design, his presence solidifies Godzilla: King of the Monsters as a top-tier dragon movie.

WATCH ON HULU
9
Maleficent (2014)
The Sleeping Beauty Live-Action Movie Recreates The Dragon Sequence
A dragon breathing fire in Maleficent.
Maleficent
Release Date
May 30, 2014
Director
Robert Stromberg
Cast
Sam Riley , Sharlto Copley , Elle Fanning , Juno Temple , Angelina Jolie , Imelda Staunton
Runtime
1h 37m
In 2014, Angelina Jolie portrayed one of the most famous Disney movie villains in a new light in Walt Disney Pictures' Maleficent, and she was accompanied by one of the most striking dragons ever added to a film. It features a fantastic battle scene with a dragon, as well as magic at every turn. In addition to giving a villain her humanity and a plausible backstory, it also featured a heroine at the helm in a clever retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story.

Sleeping Beauty itself also features a moment in its climax in which Maleficent turns into a threatening dragon, making for an exciting early Disney action sequence. However, seeing the moment recreated with some fun new twists as a big-budget action sequence is unforgettable for Disney fans.

WATCH ON DISNEY+
8
Harry Potter And The Goblet of Fire (2005)
The Fourth Harry Potter Movie Features A Memorable Dragon Despite Significant Changes From The Book
A dragon breathing fire in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Release Date
November 16, 2005
Director
Mike Newell
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe , Emma Watson , Rupert Grint , Tom Felton , Robbie Coltrane , Ralph Fiennes , Michael Gambon , Brendan Gleeson , Gary Oldman , Timothy Spall , Alan Rickman , Maggie Smith
Runtime
157 Minutes
There are countless memes for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire that highlight all the big details from the books left out of the movies. A key component of the Triwizard Tournament is the dragon battle. While the movie version glossed over the deeper lore, in the book readers encounter several varieties of dragons. Creatures make up the most amazing moments of Goblet of Fire, but the dragon scenes were such huge fan favorites that there is even a dragon ride in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Harry Potter universe is not limited to one book or film when it comes to dragons, either. Gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid adopted and hatched a dragon, Norbert, from an egg in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione ride a Ukrainian Ironbelly during one of the best dragon scenes in the franchise. However, when it comes to the movies, Goblet of Fire does feature a memorable sequence that serves as a reminder of the dangerous beasts in this world.

WATCH ON MAX
7
Willow (1988)
The Fantasy Cult-Favorite Includes A Memorable Two-Headed Dragon
The two-headed dragon from the 1988 movie Willow.
Willow
Release Date
May 20, 1988
Director
Ron Howard
Cast
Jean Marsh , Val Kilmer , Joanne Whalley , Patricia Hayes , Warwick Davis
Runtime
126 minutes
Willow is a beloved fantasy movie that features some charming practical monster effects. While these moments were more convincing in 1988 than they are today, they still hold an endearing quality. The scene where Willow kicks a hatching two-headed dragon into a moat only to witness it grow and devour humans is a particularly memorable scene and perhaps more effective than some modern CGI creations.

Although Willow can only be called a modest box office success, like many fantasy films, it still has a large and loyal following. Between its weird creatures and Warwick Davis's reluctant yet steadfast heroics, it still appeals to audiences today. It was nominated for two Academy Awards and spawned the short-lived Disney+ sequel series.

WATCH ON DISNEY+
6
Reign Of Fire (2002)
A Futuristic World Where Dragons Take Over
A dragon breathing fire at helicopters in Reign of Fire
Dragon movies are typically set in ancient history or a sword-and-sorcery medieval-inspired setting, making the 2002 futuristic film Reign of Fire a particularly exciting take on fantasy. Not only was the early 2000s dragon movie an entertaining post-apocalyptic film that predated the current demand for dystopian media, but it also endangered the entire human race in a unique way.

Even though the premise is a bit laughable, the movie used it to create and unique and exciting dystopian action movie. The visuals of a war against dragons in a live-action movie were impressive and thrilling, especially in a sequence where the heroes HALO jump to attack the beasts. The dragon movie Reign of Fire won a Festival de Cine de Sitges Award and was nominated for a Saturn Award. It was also developed into a video game.

5
The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (2013)
The Titular Villainous Dragon Steals The Show In The Middle-earth Adventure
While there is a consensus that The Hobbit movies stretched the story too thin, Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of the greedy dragon Smaug was a highlight of the entire trilogy. The dragon's special effects, haughty persona, and lust for gold and vengeance were palpable on-screen, and Smaug's sharp reptilian features, cunning golden eyes, and velvety-turned-murderous voice blend together to create a fearsome, wicked creature like the world has never known.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug was a critical success as well as a box office hit, earning $958 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). Smaug would return in the third movie to show his destructive force, but it is his slow-burn reveal in the second movie that really made him a memorable and menacing villain.

WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO
4
Spirited Away (2001)
Studio Ghibli's Fantasy Features A Complex And Conflicted Dragon
Chihiro Ogino standing with Haku the dragon in Spirited Away
Spirited Away (2001)
Release Date
July 20, 2001
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Cast
Rumi Hiiragi , Miyu Irino , Mari Natsuki , Takashi Naitô , Yasuko Sawaguchi , Tsunehiko Kamijô , Takehiko Ono , Bunta Sugawara
Runtime
125 minutes
One of the best representations of an Asian dragon in film is Haku, the River Spirit in Hayao Miyazaki's animated film Spirited Away. Like many Miyazaki characters, Haku is a blend of light and dark, battling his hunger for power against his desire to be a good person. In dragon form, he obeys his mistress, the witch Yubaba, while still fighting to protect the protagonist of the film, Chihiro. Ultimately, it is Chihiro's story, and it is she who saves them both in the end.

Most of Studio Ghibli's movies are so magical, yet show that these types of stories can still have complex and interesting characters. The film has collected enough critical acclaim to prove its mettle, and it's earned enough audience approval to solidify it as an all-time great. It has made over $289 million around the globe (via Box Office Mojo) and rapidly became one of the highest-grossing movies in the history of Japanese filmmaking.

WATCH ON MAX
3
How To Train Your Dragon (2010)
An Animated Epic About Dragons And Humans Finding Peace
How to Train Your Dragon
Release Date
March 10, 2010
Director
Dean DeBlois , Chris Sanders
Cast
Jay Baruchel , Gerard Butler , Craig Ferguson , America Ferrera , Jonah Hill , Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Runtime
1h 38m
While children's novels don't typically translate all that well to the silver screen, one major exception is How to Train Your Dragon. The 2010 Dreamworks Animation feature scored a rousing approval from critics and launched an entire franchise of merchandise, video games, TV shows, and sequels. It tells the story of a Viking community that fears and battles dragons and the one boy who is brave enough to make friends with the beasts.

The touching story of a nobody who becomes the most important person in a community due to his compassion and conviction, How to Train Your Dragon is both hilarious and moving. Its dragons are wildly imaginative with different breeds and types. Toothless, the film's central dragon, combines the traditional qualities of a flying, fire-breathing dragon with new traits such as cat and dog-like behavior, making him the most coveted dragon on Earth.

WATCH ON FREEVEE
2
The Neverending Story (1984)
The Adorable And Kind Falcor Is The Highlight Of This Fantasy Favorite
The little boy and Falcor looking at each other in The NeverEnding Story
The Neverending Story
Release Date
July 20, 1984
Director
Wolfgang Petersen
Cast
Patricia Hayes , Noah Hathaway , Barret Oliver , Sydney Bromley , Gerald McRaney , Tami Stronach
Runtime
94 minutes
The most beloved creature in The Neverending Story, this flying, smiling luck dragon exhibited so much passion and positivity about Atreyu's quest. Falcor, the luck dragon, is modeled more closely after a Chinese dragon than a European one, but most viewers remember him as a giant, shiny puppy who liked children. It was one of the most iconic movie dragons that was lovable instead of scary.

His enormous brown eyes and fuzzy fur made him an adorable beast and his kind heart further enriched him to younger audiences. While the fantasy story may be better remembered by older viewers, there are many that introduce this nostalgic favorite to younger generations, earning Falcor new fans all the time.

1
Dragonheart (1996)
A Dragon And A Knight Form A Partnership
Dragonheart
Release Date
May 31, 1996
Director
Rob Cohen
Cast
Dennis Quaid , Sean Connery , Dina Meyer , Pete Postlethwaite
Dragonheart is the story of Draco, a dragon who dared to share his heart to help keep a human prince alive. Unfortunately, his shared heart was wasted on a cruel tyrant, leading Draco to lose his faith in humanity until partnering with Dennis Quaid's scheming, dragon-slaying ex-knight. Draco was a rare talking dragon with sarcastic commentary and a curmudgeonly persona which was made even better with Sean Connery as the voice actor.

The fantasy story has a lot of fun with a mix of genres, including the fantasy drama, the medieval buddy movie, and the action-adventure. The movie even ended on a surprisingly bittersweet note, that helped to earn Draco a reputation as a truly heroic movie dragon that made these intimidating beasts worth cheering for.
Many families are discovering Netflix’s Slumberland, a fun, fantasy adventure fit for the whole family about a precocious little girl named Nemo (Marlow Barkley) who flees her waking woes by escaping to a magical dreamworld where, accompanied by her partner in crime Flip (Jason Momoa), she hopes to reconnect with her dead father.

RELATED:
Best Fantasy Shows On Netflix
Like any good fantasy, Slumberland is filled with adventure and magic, and a fair bit of world-building. This kind of movie is perfect for family viewing. Inspired by Slumberland, there are some noteworthy kid-friendly fantasy films that will be perfect for those who enjoyed it and want to explore more in the genre.

'The Goonies' (1985)
The Goonies (1985)
Richard Donnor’s ode to childhood friendships features a gang of neighborhood kids who face separation as their family homes are foreclosed. Hoping to save them, they follow a treasure map on an epic adventure to find legendary pirate One-Eyed Willy’s long-lost fortune.

The Goonies will excite young viewers with its treasure hunt, booby-trapped tunnels, and mythical pirate ship, Inferno. Parents will enjoy The Goonies' dose of nostalgia and seeing familiar faces including Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, and Josh Brolin on their dangerous quest. Of course, the whole family will appreciate seeing the bad guys get their comeuppance.

'A Babysitter’s Guide To Monster Hunting' (2020)
tamara-smart-oona-laurence-a-babysitters-guide-to-monster-hunting
Recruited by Liz Lerue (Oona Laurence) to a secret society of children-protecting babysitters, high schooler Kelly (Tamara Smart) goes on a mission to find the kid who was in her care when the Boogeyman snatched him on Halloween night. But first, a stop at the secret society headquarters where she’ll get equipped with the handiest gadgets teenage monster hunters could want.

In A Babysitter’s Guide To Monster Hunting, Kelly fights an entire underground world of monsters, but parents needn’t worry about this film being too scary for little kids. The monsters are adorable, husky, rainbow-colored goblins protecting their leader, The Grand Guignol (Tom Felton), who literally drains kids of their nightmares for fuel. But the film’s emphasis on empowerment and adventure ensures it provides no nightmare fuel itself.

'Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium' (2007)
mr magorium wonder emporium dustin hoffman family fantasy toy story
When eccentric toy store owner Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) is on his last pair of a lifetime supply of shoes, he prepares his apprentice Molly (Natalie Portman) to take over after his death in Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. The toy store, seemingly powered by magic, has a lot for Molly to learn, and its secrets aren’t exactly straightforward.

Helped by the store’s mutant/accountant (Jason Bateman) and the store’s most frequent visitor, young Eric the hat collector (Zach Mills), Molly has to grieve her friend, reconcile her future in retail with her musical past, and embrace magic by believing in herself. The toy store is full of glittering objects bound by magical forces, and the film delights with whimsy and endearing characters.

'Inkheart' (2008)
Brendan Fraiser stands with a book in his hand while confetti falls in this still from InkheartImage via New Line Cinemas
When teenage Meggie (Eliza Bennet) discovers her father Mo (Brendan Fraser) has an amazing talent for bringing book characters to life, some of those characters from a book called Inkheart have already been stalking them for a decade. Dustfinger (Paul Bettany) begs to be read back into his book but warns that villain Capricorn (Andy Serkis) is determined to stay out, preferring to destroy them and rule Earth instead.

Fans of fantasy will rejoice in Inkheart's iconic mythical creatures like ticking crocodiles and flying monkeys; their crossover worlds are spellbinding, and the possibilities are limitless. But when fantasy and reality collide, Meggie discovers that even magic comes with a cost.

'Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made' (2020)
timmy failure winslow fegley polar bear detective agency in front of house
Timmy (Winslow Fegley) is an eleven-year-old boy who believes himself to be a world-class detective. He runs his agency with his best friend, Total, an imaginary polar bear in Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. Most of the fantasy elements are taking place in Timmy’s imagination as everyone else goes about their everyday lives. When people try to suppress Timmy’s stories, including Russian conspiracies involving his missing Segway, he gets sent to counseling.

Timmy is driven to pursue some risky quests, sometimes endangering himself and others. But to completely extinguish his imagination is to deny him some essential part of himself. Even the adults eventually realize this, validating his fantasies. However, the film is pretty vague about some of Timmy’s obsession’s origins, leaving some of the movie’s world-building to the viewer.

'The Neverending Story' (1984)
Atreyu and his horse Artax from 'The NeverEnding Story'
Ten-year-old Bastian (Barret Oliver), chased by bullies, hides out in a bookstore where he discovers a storybook in The Neverending Story. The owner warns him the book is dangerous as those who enter its world cannot escape. This of course makes the book irresistible to a ten-year-old boy, so he steals away to the school and gets drawn into the mythical land of Fantasia.

The Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach) asks brave Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) to be the hero Fantasia needs to save it from destruction. His quest involves a medallion of protection, a horse that succumbs to sadness, and a flying white luck-dragon named Falkor. But as the story progresses, Bastian is startled to learn that he becomes part of it, and that it was his own imagination that had the power to save Fantasia all along.

'Godmothered' (2020)
godmothered-disney-plus-jillian-bell-social-featured
Eleanor Fay Bloomingbottom (Jillian Bell) attends fairy godmother school in the Motherland, where they learn to grant wishes. Though Eleanor isn’t very skilled, she is determined to grant a wish sent by a ten-year-old girl named Mackenzie. In the real world, however, Eleanor is shocked to learn that Mackenzie is all grown up, now a miserable 40-year-old single mother (Isla Fisher).

This fairy tale sees fantasy clash with the real world as Eleanor’s bumbling attempts at magic create viral sensations. These do not help her achieve Mackenzie’s wish for true love and failing to grant that wish will make Eleanor’s powers disappear. Godmothered is a fresh, cheeky twist on a familiar genre.

'Nightbooks' (2021)
nightbooks-krysten-ritter-interview social
The super charming Winslow Fegley strikes again as Alex, a kid obsessed with scary stories. This turns out to be a useful skill when he winds up imprisoned by an evil witch Natacha (Krysten Ritter) in her NYC apartment. To survive, he convinces her to let him tell a scary story every night, buying him time to escape her inescapable home, along with servant Yazmin (Lidya Jewett).

Nightbooks is a kid’s gateway into horror, packing in as many fantasy elements as possible in 1 hour and 43 minutes. The movie features sleeping witches, poison candy, toothy mythical creatures, frozen children, magic potions, and even a hairless cat. Best of all are the stories that young Alex must write, night after night, incorporating vampires and ghosts with strict attention to detail because Natacha knows some vampires and ghosts personally – the only thing she dislikes more than inaccuracy is a happy ending.

'Flora & Ulysses' (2021)
flora-and-ulysses-disney-plus-matilda-lawlerImage via Disney+
In Flora & Ulysses, Flora (Matilda Lawler) is the kind of girl who wants to believe in magic, but experience has made her cynical. With both parents in personal and professional slumps, Flora adopts a pet squirrel named Ulysses who acquires superpowers after briefly dying inside a robot vacuum. Ulysses’ super abilities make him super troublesome, and the local animal control will stop at nothing to have him euthanized.

This unique, heroic adventure is wholesome family fun. Ulysses makes for an enviable creature companion, not just extraordinarily strong and fast, but a composer of poetry as well. He’s also fluffy and cute, adding an extra sense of wonder and awe to an already compelling story.

'Hook' (1991)
Captain Hook yelling at Peter Pan
It turns out Peter Pan (Robin Williams) does, in fact, eventually grow up, and becomes a workaholic lawyer in Hook. When Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) re-enters his life and kidnaps his children, Peter must follow Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts) back to Neverland and, with the help of the Lost Boys, must remember how to be fearless young Peter again to save his children.

Director Steven Spielberg, master of memorable movies about childhood, takes everything audiences know about Peter Pan and turns it upside down. The grown-up Peter is a grouch, drained of every last ounce of careless whimsy. But to fight Hook, he’ll have to reconnect with that side of himself once again, the boy who vowed to never grow up.

Show less