SummaryA young wizarding apprentice is sent to kill a dragon which has been devouring girls from a nearby kingdom.
Directed By:Matthew Robbins
Written By:Hal Barwood, Matthew Robbins
Dragonslayer
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
69% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
31% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
90
It's like reading a fairy tale that has the mixture of happiness and trauma to set your imagination whirling; the fire-breathing dragon--scaly, winged, huge--is more mysterious, probably, than any we could have imagined for ourselves.
80
In many ways, Dragonslayer is a realistic fairy tale. All of the classic pieces are here: heroes, bad guys, monsters, virgins in peril, mysticism and staggering odds.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
59% Positive
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
35% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
6% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Sep 13, 2025
10
I've watched this perhaps a dozen times and it still holds up as one of the best fantasy films ever made. I love how real and gritty the world seems, and how all of the characters make logical and grounded decisions that are true to their temperament and role. It would be great if they released a remastered version with updated special effects.
Jan 4, 2026
7
While it has a very predictable plot and not many likable characters, Dragonslayer delivers loads of fantasy action and exceptional practical effects for a decent magic filled adventure.
75
The giant computerized dragon alone is worth viewing. But Dragonslayer profits from spirited direction and camera work plus the expert Richardson at its nucleus.
70
This movie has two big things going for it—the dragon and the man who masterminds its slaying.
63
Director Robbins is a natural - he has managed to make a movie that is entertaining despite the handicap of having a main character who is at best a black hole. [30 June 1981]
50
As a movie concept, Dragonslayer seems to have so much going for it that it could scarcely miss. Yet it does miss in crucial respects. [27 June 1981, p.C1]
50
Verges on the nasty for the nippers; sails close to déjà vu for fantasy fans; fated, probably, to damnation by faint praise.
Jul 20, 2023
5
Very good presentation. Above average execution. Some odd and unpleasant choices. Could have been much better and truer.
Aug 21, 2021
4
The visuals, music, and special effects are all strong, but they're wasted in a film that holds little to no substance. Even the final act wasn't worth the wait. I'll say this though, it is the darkest and bloodiest film I've seen with Disney being involved.
Production Company:
- Paramount Pictures
- Walt Disney Productions
Release Date:Jun 26, 1981
Duration:1 h 48 m
Rating:PG
Tagline:IN THE DARK AGES DRAGONS WERE REAL. [USA theatrical]
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 2 Nominations
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA
• 4 Nominations
Hugo Awards
• 1 Nomination
