Dragonslayer

PG

Released Jun 26, 1981

1h 49m

Fantasy

Adventure

List

84%

Tomatometer

37 Reviews

63%

Audience Score

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 (Ralph Richardson) to defeat the dragon immediately -- Urland has been delivering virgins to appease the dragon, and their princess (Chloe Salaman) 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 (Peter MacNicol).

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Critics Consensus

An atypically dark Disney adventure, Dragonslayer puts a realistic spin -- and some impressive special effects -- on a familiar tale.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

Dragonslayer has withstood the test of time beautifully.

Rated: 4/4

Mar 22, 2023

Full Review

Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

This movie has two big things going for it -- the dragon and the man who masterminds its slaying.

Nov 16, 2014

Full Review

Ian Nathan

Empire Magazine

An unknown treasure of a fantasy film and well worth a look for fans of the genre.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 26, 2012

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

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.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 26, 2023

Full Review

Alan Jones

Starburst

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.

Jul 28, 2022

Full Review

Kenneth Turan

New West/California

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.

Nov 3, 2021

Full Review

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Jarrod R

An extra half point for the performance of Caitlin Clarke. I remember watching this on VHS back in the 80s, and much of this really holds up. The 3rd act gets bogged down, however.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/02/24

Full Review

Alec B

People mostly remember how dark this thing is, and while that's certainly true the movie is also much smarter than a lot of fantasy from this era. There's wizards and magic and a dragon but there's also subtle commentary. No wonder George RR Martin is so fond of this movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/08/24

Full Review

Ernest N

This movie is almost perfect.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/03/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Peter MacNichol is the only known player here directed by Matthew Robbins A dragon in the realm of Urland is terrifying its citizens during the 6th century Representatives seek guidance from the wizard Ulrich--theyve been delivering virgins to appease the beast It turns out their princess has rigged the system to sacrifice herself Galen is next to confront the dragon however when Ulrich dies, so he seems the most unlikely hero to do so That won't stop him from trying though This film is pretty dark and scary for a Disney production; swords, dragons, princesses, blood and the ending is quite goofy But I admire the special effects at the time particularly the giant mythical creature itself A simple straightforward fairy tale that's definitely not for smaller viewers but more for the edgier grown up fantasy lovers, acts as a study in adolescent psychology, and even as astute political analysis

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/27/23

Full Review

Casey H

This was a fun movie! Lots of surprises. It seems like Mr. George R.R. Martin might have been a fan...

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/11/22

Full Review

georgan g

Not a fan of fantasy. And this was made in 1981, so the special effects are not much by 21st century standards. Pretty childish, to me.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Matthew Robbins

Director

Peter MacNicol

Galen

Caitlin Clarke

Valerian

Ralph Richardson

Ulrich

John Hallam

Tyrian

Peter Eyre

Casiodorus Rex

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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 (Ralph Richardson) to defeat the dragon immediately -- Urland has been delivering virgins to appease the dragon, and their princess (Chloe Salaman) 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 (Peter MacNicol).

Director: Matthew Robbins
Producer: Hal Barwood
Screenwriter: Matthew Robbins, Hal Barwood
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount 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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