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Dragonslayer

Play trailer Poster for Dragonslayer PG 1981 1h 49m Fantasy Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
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84% Tomatometer 38 Reviews 63% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
A terrible dragon is terrorizing the medieval land of Urland in the 6th century. Representatives from the kingdom seek the assistance of the wizard Ulrich to defeat the dragon immediately -- Urland has been delivering virgins to appease the dragon, and their princess has rigged the lottery system they use in order to sacrifice herself next. But when Ulrich is killed, the task to confront the dragon falls to the wizard's apprentice, Galen.
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Dragonslayer

Dragonslayer

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Critics Consensus

Dragonslayer puts a realistic spin -- and some impressive special effects -- on a familiar tale.

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Critics Reviews

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Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Jun 17, 2026
3/4
It's a solid adventure story. Go to Full Review
Sara Michelle Fetters MovieFreak.com Mar 22, 2023
4/4
Dragonslayer has withstood the test of time beautifully. Go to Full Review
Richard Schickel TIME Magazine Nov 16, 2014
This movie has two big things going for it -- the dragon and the man who masterminds its slaying. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Mar 26, 2023
3/4
Its pacing could be a little more brisk and its main characters a little more exciting, but Dragonslayer nevertheless earns its place in fantasy filmdom for featuring one of the best fire-breathing creatures ever committed to celluloid. Go to Full Review
Alan Jones Starburst Jul 28, 2022
Dragonslayer, with the aid of superior stop-motion animation, hand puppets and hydraulic body mechanisms superbly puts on celluloid one of the most spectacular creatures of myth which in turn totally immerses you in a world of fantasy. Go to Full Review
Kenneth Turan New West/California Nov 3, 2021
As much of a triumph as this creature is, Vermithrax can't carry the entire picture. No creature can, and it is the lapses in the human part of the equation that prevent Dragonslayer from being the picture it might have been. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad 5 days ago Dragonslayer = A *3.5* movie! See more Pipe Smoking L @RT92467537 Jul 5, 2026 Bring your pillow. Or a God damn noose.. It's a LONG ONE... Oh my God... remember that commercial back in the 90's? Skip IT! SKIP IT! Skip it to the stupid special effects and the ending and save yourself some confused tears and 4 hours of your life. (There is baby-killing in this movie You have been warned). See more Deckard B @B26354 Jun 6, 2026 I recall seeing Dragonslayer upon release and only had the opportunity to re-watch it only a few times afterwards, what always struck me is how beautifully dark and rich it still is. This fantasy is on a similar level to films of this era such as Excalibur, with a strong unique level of handcrafted worldbuilding that doesn’t try and explain things, because everything feels natural and lived-in. The film is satisfyingly sophisticated because of this well thought out, or simply honestly realistic, analog mythology, and this is given weight through its cold harsh environments and well rounded characters. Yes it’s a little brittle, like anything of the era but the practical effects of the dragon are frankly breathtaking, even by today’s standards, and the other practical effects feel at home in this magical medieval setting. See more James A @Droz27 Mar 28, 2026 Absolute essential fantasy classic to rasie your family on. Amazing effects, the dragon looks better than the CGI GOT ones. Great commentary on the transition from the magical Pagan world to the Christian one. Loved it! See more thiago s @Thiagostone Feb 9, 2026 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more Vincent S. @Vin_E_At_The_Movies Dec 8, 2025 When I was a kid I loved the dragon, loved the darkness, the grimy and the dangerous feeling of dread. Revisiting it today I still love it all. See more Read all reviews
Dragonslayer

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Movie Info

Synopsis A terrible dragon is terrorizing the medieval land of Urland in the 6th century. Representatives from the kingdom seek the assistance of the wizard Ulrich to defeat the dragon immediately -- Urland has been delivering virgins to appease the dragon, and their princess has rigged the lottery system they use in order to sacrifice herself next. But when Ulrich is killed, the task to confront the dragon falls to the wizard's apprentice, Galen.
Director
Matthew Robbins
Producer
Hal Barwood
Screenwriter
Matthew Robbins, Hal Barwood
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
Fantasy, Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 26, 1981, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 6, 2014
Runtime
1h 49m
Sound Mix
Surround
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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