Pete's Dragon

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2:12

Pete's Dragon

PG

2016

1h 43m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

244 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford), a woodcarver, delights local children with stories of a mysterious dragon that lives deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. His daughter Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) believes these are just tall tales, until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley), a 10-year-old orphan who says he lives in the woods with a giant, friendly dragon. With help from a young girl named Natalie (Oona Laurence), Grace sets out to investigate if this fantastic claim can be true.

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Critics Consensus

Pete's Dragon continues Disney's current live-action winning streak with an update that gives the original a visual overhaul without overwhelming its sweet, soulful charm.

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Kristen Lopez

Spectrum Culture

Nov 20, 2017

4.5/5

Pete's Dragon is family entertainment at its best.

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K. Austin Collins

The Ringer

Aug 10, 2017

[Pete's Dragon] is a tentpole movie that feels personal.

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Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

Oct 10, 2016

2/5

A remake of the equally unmemorable children's film of 1977,

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Jul 23, 2025

5/5

The film enhances the magical charm audiences remember from the original with newly gained maturity to operate as a loving family drama and touching adventure of friendship.

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Brendan Cassidy

InSession Film

Jun 18, 2024

A

In what can only be considered a truly mediocre summer movie season, Pete’s Dragon emerges with honesty and authentic beauty, and carries that beauty on its wings as it flies forward.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

May 6, 2023

There’s an authentic gentleness to the story and a joyous thrill to the bucolic adventure.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 18, 2026

Pete's Dragon = a *4* star Movie!

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Avery M

@RT13764138 Jul 17, 2026

A beautifully told adventure with memorable characters, breathtaking visuals, and an emotional core that makes it one of Disney’s finest family films of the 2010s.

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diogo13 T

@Tua_mera Jul 13, 2026

Esta nova versão da Disney afasta-se do musical original e aposta num tom mais melancólico e focado na natureza. O dragão Elliot está muito bem conseguido visualmente e a mensagem sobre amizade e família é bonita. Contudo, a narrativa avança a um ritmo muito pausado e falta-lhe aquela centelha de aventura eletrizante para cativar um público mais amplo. É um filme que funciona e é muito divertido se estiveres na faixa etária entre os 5 e os 8 anos, mas que pode deixar os adultos e os miúdos mais crescidos um bocado aborrecidos.

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Sarah B

@RT72414562 Apr 16, 2026

Poorly written/directed. There were so many details that left us really confused. Was hoping for a comfort/feel good movie and this just wasn't it.

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TheMovieSearch R

@TheMovieSearch Feb 1, 2026

The live-action Pete’s Dragon successfully modernizes the 1977 classic, blending heartfelt storytelling with realistic visuals while keeping the magic intact. Elliot the dragon is charmingly rendered in CGI, and his bond with Pete feels genuine and emotional. The young actor playing Pete delivers a strong performance, capturing innocence and wonder. The screenplay streamlines the story for clarity without losing whimsy or adventure, and themes of friendship, family, and acceptance resonate throughout. The direction, visuals, and music all complement one another, creating an immersive, touching experience. While some purists resist live-action remakes, this film preserves the original’s heart while offering a fresh, modern perspective that both new audiences and longtime fans can enjoy.

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F M

@Navis Jan 31, 2026

Beautifully made movie - Kids & grown-ups loved it. That's a fantastic movie!

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David Lowery

Director

Bryce Dallas Howard

Grace

Oakes Fegley

Pete

Wes Bentley

Jack

Karl Urban

Gavin

Oona Laurence

Natalie

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Pete's Dragon: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford), a woodcarver, delights local children with stories of a mysterious dragon that lives deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. His daughter Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) believes these are just tall tales, until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley), a 10-year-old orphan who says he lives in the woods with a giant, friendly dragon. With help from a young girl named Natalie (Oona Laurence), Grace sets out to investigate if this fantastic claim can be true.

Director: David Lowery
Producer: James Whitaker
Screenwriter: Toby Halbrooks, Malcolm Marmorstein
Distributor: Walt Disney
Production Co: Walt Disney Productions, Whitaker Entertainment, Vineyard Productions
Rating: PG (Brief Language|Action|Peril)
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 12, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 29, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $555
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Datasat, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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