They’re fire-breathing, fierce, sometimes friendly—and always fantastic! Dragons have added a sense of enchantment to Disney stories for nearly a century. And Disney proudly adds a new mythical monster to the tradition with the premiere of the animated epic, Raya and the Last Dragon. To mark the occasion, we’re sharing our ultimate list of Disney dragons throughout the years. Reminisce with us and bring home your own legendary creature when you visit Disney store or shopDisney.com for items inspired by Raya and the Last Dragon and other favorite movies. Remember, Cardmembers save 10% on select purchases!1
1. The Reluctant Dragon – The Reluctant Dragon (1941)
Disney’s first dragon was a floppy-eared softie who’d rather play his flute, read poetry and enjoy a picnic than feast on knights. In this 20-minute short film about being true to yourself, the Dragon changes the local village’s view of him as a menace and winds up joining them as a friend when he recites a poem: “I promise not to rant or roar, and scourge the countryside anymore!”
2. Maleficent – Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Shadowy, covered in spines and quick to breathe a storm of green fire, this medieval monster has become an iconic image of Disney villainy. The wicked fairy sorceress Maleficent took this final form to battle Prince Phillip as he rode to save his “Sleeping Beauty,” Princess Aurora.
3. Madam Mim – The Sword and the Stone (1963)
“Did I say no pink dragons?” Madam Mim is a wild-eyed witch who delights in badgering her sworn enemy in wizardry, Merlin. When they engage in an imaginative “Wizard’s Duel” and transform into a series of animals, Madam Mim breaks her own rule by transforming into a gigantic dragon with her voice (and same messy hairdo).
4. Elliott – Pete’s Dragon (1977)
Elliott the Dragon first appeared in Pete’s Dragon in 1977 as a pal to the oprhan Pete, who could shift in an out of invisibility to hide from townsfolk. It’s a timeless tale, in which the dragon is a faithful protector and high-flying friend any kid would love to have.
5. The Gwythaints – The Black Cauldron (1985)
These savage sky-patrolling minions of the sinister Horned King are loyal pets and terrifying monsters alike. In the beloved animated feature The Black Cauldron, these dragons are known for their sharp teeth, talons and fearsome roar. If you see one soaring toward you, draw your sword or run for cover!
6. Mushu – Mulan (1998)
One of the most beloved sidekicks in Disney history, Mushu is a guardian spirit with a lot to prove… and a lot to say. A serpentine, flightless figure in the tradition of Chinese dragons, Mushu can breathe a little fire, but he delivers a lot more sass and humor as he helps Mulan find her destiny.
7. Narissa – Enchanted (2007)
Queen Narissa takes the “wicked stepmother” game to new heights when she follows Princess Giselle to New York City and uses her dark magic to transform into an enormous, skyscraper-climbing purple dragon. She even talks—all the better to taunt and torment her royal stepdaughter until she finds the courage to wage battle to save her true love.
8. Jabberwocky – Alice in Wonderland (2010)
From the original Alice in Wonderland stories of Lewis Carroll, this gigantic winged creature arrives in this live-action film for a climactic fight with the brave, sword-wielding Alice. The scales, fangs and huge wingspan are all classic dragon features, but this beast brings a twist: rather than fire, he breathes bolts of purple lightning.
9. Blazey – Onward (2020)
Leave it to Pixar to come up with a concept as clever as a domesticated dragon. In the modernized fantasy world of Onward, the affectionate, dog-like Blazey is the beloved pet of the Lightfoot household, no bigger than a spaniel and certainly no more dangerous—although he tends to slither underfoot.
10. Sisu – Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
In the land of Kumandra, ancient dragons sacrificed themselves to save humans from monsters called the Druun. Now, a warrior named Raya goes on a search for Sisu, the last remaining dragon, a talking water spirit whose powers can help Raya defeat the return of the Druun. Sisu is good at hiding since she can shapeshift, but as our list of Disney classics proves, no dragon stays hidden for very long!
Whether they’re cuddly or creepy, helpful or hostile, these Disney dragons have captured the imaginations of audiences for generations. Fans don’t need a sword or a spell to capture some of their favorite dragons; they just need to keep their Disney® Visa® Credit Card close at hand while shopping for dragon merchandise at Disney store and shopDisney.com, for 10% savings on select purchases!1
