Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- whimsical
- uplifting
- sentimental
- family movie night
- nostalgic disney viewing
What critics said
Critics generally found the dragon animation, humane fantasy, and supporting performances appealing, while faulting the film's excessive length, uneven live-action staging, and uninspired musical numbers.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Elliott is an animated dragon interacting with live-action performers in the New England setting.
Pete escapes the Gogans and relies on his friendship with Elliott while seeking safety with Nora and Lampie.
Pete's escape and new life in Passamaquoddy unfold through musical numbers, comic performances, and an enchanted dragon.
Dr. Terminus pursues Elliott for medical purposes rather than recognizing him as a sentient friend.
Films like Pete's Dragon, and why
Mary Poppins
family fantasy musical combining live action with animation and centering friendship between a child and an extraordinary creature
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
warm disney family entertainment with musical numbers, comic supporting characters, and a child navigating an unsafe adult world
The Secret of Roan Inish
children's fantasy adventure about an orphan finding companionship and protection through an unusual animal friend
Movie Details
- Director
- Don Chaffey
- Release Date
- 1977-11-03
- Runtime
- 128 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (740)
Cast
- Sean Marshall
- Helen Reddy
- Jim Dale
- Mickey Rooney
- Red Buttons
- Shelley Winters
- Jane Kean
- Jim Backus
- Charles Tyner
- Gary Morgan
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus
- 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 Pete's Dragon about?
- An escaped orphan and his animated dragon friend seek refuge in a Maine lighthouse community while a predatory medicine man tries to capture the creature.
- What is Pete's Dragon like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Pete's Dragon as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Pete's Dragon violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Pete's Dragon as mild.
- What did critics think of Pete's Dragon?
- Critics generally found the dragon animation, humane fantasy, and supporting performances appealing, while faulting the film's excessive length, uneven live-action staging, and uninspired musical numbers.
- Which films are like Pete's Dragon?
- Films with a similar feel include Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and The Secret of Roan Inish.
- How long is Pete's Dragon?
- Pete's Dragon runs 128 minutes.
- Where can I watch Pete's Dragon?
- In United States, Pete's Dragon streams on Disney Plus.
