Dragonheart (1996)

50% of critics liked it
(30 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(307,118 ratings)

A boy and his dragon unite to fight evil in this fantasy. Bowen (Dennis Quaid), a Knight of The Old Code in Medieval times, is summoned by Aislinn the Queen (Julie Christie) to the bedside of her son, Einon, who is also Bowen's student. Einon has been wounded and is near death; with his heart about… More A boy and his dragon unite to fight evil in this fantasy. Bowen (Dennis Quaid), a Knight of The Old Code in Medieval times, is summoned by Aislinn the Queen (Julie Christie) to the bedside of her son, Einon, who is also Bowen's student. Einon has been wounded and is near death; with his heart about to give out, Bowen calls upon Draco (voice of Sean Connery), the mightiest dragon in the land, asking for a sliver of his mighty heart so that the boy might survive. Draco makes Bowen pledge that when Enion grows to adulthood and becomes king, he will rule with fairness and compassion before the beast will donate a piece of his heart. Einon agrees to the pledge, but years later, the adult Einon (David Thewlis) has become a cruel despot, in no way good on his promises. Bowen, angry at Einon's betrayal, is convinced that the dragon is somehow responsible and goes on a spree, killing the mammoth reptiles at a fevered pace. However, when Bowen once again encounters Draco, the dragon convinces him that a dragon-slayer who has killed the last dragon also puts himself out of a job; Draco and Bowen work out a business arrangement, where the monster "attacks" villages and Bowen is paid to "kill" him. In time, however, Draco and Bowen realize that they must set aside their lucrative business in order to challenge the authority of the evil ruler. Draco the Dragon was the first fully-computer animated character to have a speaking part along side flesh and blood actors in a film; Sean Connery's recording sessions as the voice of Draco were recorded on video as well as audio tape, so that his facial expressions and mouth movements could be adapted to the character. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Rob Cohen
Written By: Charles Edward Pogue
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: May 31, 1996 Wide
On DVD: Feb 24, 1998
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Mike Clark, USA Today
This mildly engaging castle-storming adventure is best pegged as a family comedy.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
A laughable disaster.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Exciting fantasy flick has Connery voicing the dragon.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Harmless family entertainment, but not especially satisfying.
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
Seeing a large CG dragon talk like Sean Connery is mildly disconcerting. What's weird is the big lizard actually kinda looks like our beloved bald Scot.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Morality tale with an unsual team of heroes.

Read all 6 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Jeff "

Dragonheart is a thrilling fantasy adventure that tells the story of King Einon who was wounded and summons Draco, one of the last living dragons in the land. Unfortunately when Einon grows to be an adult, he becomes a cruel king, with no compassion. I first saw Dragonheart when I was… More
Dragonheart is a thrilling fantasy adventure that tells the story of King Einon who was wounded and summons Draco, one of the last living dragons in the land. Unfortunately when Einon grows to be an adult, he becomes a cruel king, with no compassion. I first saw Dragonheart when I was young, and it was a film that captured my imagination. I've seen a second time in the past years or so, and I still thought the film was just as exciting as it was the first time that I saw it. The film has a great cast of talented actors, great action, a well developed story, and if you're looking for a wonderful Fantasy film about dragons; then Dragonheart is the film for you. The story I thought was very compelling with plenty of action and drama elements that was necessary to tell a terrific story. Although he only voiced the CGI dragon, Sean Connery was wonderful, and I thought he was a key player to making this a wonderful film experience. Other actors who shine here are David Thewlis in the role of King Einon and Pete Posthwaite. Though by today's standards, the CGI looks primitive; Dragonheart is still a thrilling Fantasy Action Adventure film that delivers terrific entertainment. I never really cared for Dragon films to be honest, but Dragonheart is a film that stood out for me and I thought it was a wonderful and fun film to watch. With lots of action, adventure and drama; Dragonheart is a classic of the genre, and is quite frankly underrated. A wonderful film that has elements will appeal to everyone.
Conner R

Just a weird movie, even when you know it's about dragons. The fact that the script is so bizarre and inhuman makes for one incredibly corny and dumb movie. It essentially has no beauty or style, it's just a mess all around. I think this marked the temporary downfall in… More
Just a weird movie, even when you know it's about dragons. The fact that the script is so bizarre and inhuman makes for one incredibly corny and dumb movie. It essentially has no beauty or style, it's just a mess all around. I think this marked the temporary downfall in Dennis Quad's career and the start of unnecessary CGI. You can't even laugh at this movie, it's just too unlikable.
Wahida K

I always thought the Dragons are Fantasy Creatures, till I caught a Documentary on TV, that proves that Dragons existed the last one died in 15 century.
Andres S

Medieval movies are a dieing bread. There'not as much want for them as there was in the 90's. Dragonheart was one of the last of these films. Personally, I don't miss the medieval films. They never really felt that compelling. Dragonheart, I would say, is the best film… More
Medieval movies are a dieing bread. There'not as much want for them as there was in the 90's. Dragonheart was one of the last of these films. Personally, I don't miss the medieval films. They never really felt that compelling. Dragonheart, I would say, is the best film of the genra. Of course, thats not saying much. The animation was prett awkard, and the story was interesting but predictable. If you want to see a movie about dragons, see How To Train Your Dragon. If you want to see another, see Dragonheart. It makes the most out of material that was about to go extinct, so I guess it deserves a little credit.
Film C

i love this movie its such a nice little magical movie with a fantastic cast and a brillaint storyline and exciting scenes! Really worth a watch!
Aaron N

Draco: Who's the girl? Bowen: A nuisance! Get rid of her! Draco: Why? Bowen: They're trying to placate you with a sacrifice! Draco: [knowingly] Oh, now whoever gave them *that* bright idea? Bowen: Never mind! Just get rid of her! Draco: How? Bowen: Eat her! Draco: Oh,… More
Draco: Who's the girl? Bowen: A nuisance! Get rid of her! Draco: Why? Bowen: They're trying to placate you with a sacrifice! Draco: [knowingly] Oh, now whoever gave them *that* bright idea? Bowen: Never mind! Just get rid of her! Draco: How? Bowen: Eat her! Draco: Oh, please. YUCK! Bowen: Aren't we squeamish; you ate Sir Egglemore, hypocrite! Draco: I merely chewed in self-defense, but I never swallowed. This movie is a mixed bag. Its very goofy in presenting a tale of a lost knight and its friendship with a dragon voiced by Sean Connery, but the movie takes itself so seriously. So its still kind of entertaining, with decent dragon effects. It also has a widely used score. [Bowen has just pretended to kill Draco for a second time] Gilbert: Well done, Bowen! You've done it again! What a brute! That's even bigger than the last one! Bowen: Actually, he's about the same size.
Dean M

A marvelously entertaining film filled with surprises. Draco (voiced by Sean Connery) is quite awesome and kind of funny.
Stephen M

I remember seeing this as a uni student with my housemates and we were rolling in the aisles with laughter every time David Thewlis was on screen. Awful film!
Nani V

Oh I love this one!
Candy R

Lovely tale. Could listen to Sean all day.
Lafe F

Decent fantasy adventures with Sean Connery as the strong voice of the noble Dragon. Visually appealing fantasy flick with characters over adventure.
Dean !

A pretty good adventure film for all the family with Sean Connery providing the voice for the dragon.
Red L

Dragonheart surprised me. The story is fun to follow and there is hope at the end. For a ten year old movie, the special effects are pretty believable. Do I assume all dragons have Scottish accents?
Curtis L

Fun for what it is.
Mike S

Sean Connery sets the standard for how a talking dragon should sound. Quite good movie with nice music.
danny d

i love it. dennis quaid would woop russel crowe. they should fight
xGary X

Typical contived Disneyesque family fodder, elevated (slightly) above the usual dross by a strong cast and some ably handled slapstick comedy. Bearable.
Jason S

Not bad.
Stuart B

Loved it when I saw it... looking a bit old now but still fun
Sophie B

I really really liked this i was really teary!