Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- adventurous
- warm
- family movie night
- weekend afternoon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film cheerful and technically impressive, especially its CG dragon, but felt its medieval fantasy story was weak and emotionally unengaging.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Bowen and Draco become a traveling partnership whose mutual trust drives the central adventure.
Draco gives part of his heart to save the wounded King Einon, creating the supernatural bond that shapes the conflict.
Draco is a full CG acting character voiced by Sean Connery and remains the film’s defining technical achievement.
The story unfolds across villages, castles, knights, magic, and a despotic king in an uncertain medieval European realm.
Films like DragonHeart, and why
The Sword in the Stone
shared medieval fantasy setting, heroic swordplay, comic adventure, and a reluctant warrior partnership
Willow
shared family-friendly fantasy adventure, mythical creatures, kingdom-level stakes, and warm comic tone
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
shared medieval fantasy world, heroic quest, friendship, magic, and accessible action
Ladyhawke
shared dragon-centered fantasy, knightly adventure, humor, and emotional sacrifice
Movie Details
- Director
- Rob Cohen
- Release Date
- 1996-05-31
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (2240)
Cast
- Dennis Quaid
- Sean Connery
- David Thewlis
- Dina Meyer
- Pete Postlethwaite
- Jason Isaacs
- Brian Thompson
- Julie Christie
- Lee Oakes
- Wolf Christian
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is DragonHeart about?
- A cynical dragonslayer and the talking dragon he pretends to kill join forces against a tyrant bound to the creature’s heart.
- What is DragonHeart like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of DragonHeart as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is DragonHeart violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in DragonHeart as moderate.
- What did critics think of DragonHeart?
- Critics broadly found the film cheerful and technically impressive, especially its CG dragon, but felt its medieval fantasy story was weak and emotionally unengaging.
- Which films are like DragonHeart?
- Films with a similar feel include The Sword in the Stone, Willow, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and Ladyhawke.
- How long is DragonHeart?
- DragonHeart runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch DragonHeart?
- In United States, DragonHeart is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
