Pete's Dragon

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Pete's Dragon

G

Released Nov 3, 1977

2h 14m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

56%

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27 Reviews

60%

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50,000+ Ratings

A lighthouse keeper's (Mickey Rooney) daughter (Helen Reddy) befriends a runaway orphan (Sean Marshall) and his playmate, a great green dragon.

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Critics Consensus

Boring and slow, this is a lesser Disney work, though the animation isn't without its charms.

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Ian Nathan

Empire Magazine

Another not very charming but harmless fusion of animation and good old real-life.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 1, 2009

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Variety Staff

Variety

An enchanting and humane fable.

Nov 14, 2007

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Time Out

The dragon itself grunts, grins and goofs around, but isn't half as appealing as its creators obviously hoped. More character and better animation would have helped.

Jun 24, 2006

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Joe Leydon

The Times (Shreveport, LA)

Pete's Dragon, this year's big holiday attraction from Walt Disney Productions, is a glossy and generally entertaining musical fantasy which parents can enjoy just as much as their children certainly will.

Apr 22, 2021

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Bernard Drew

Gannett News Service

What elevates the film above the mediocre is the talent of the assembled cast.

Oct 17, 2019

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Rachel Wagner

rachelsreviews.net

Pete's Dragon is perfectly harmless entertainment.

Rated: B-

Apr 12, 2019

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Khaliel P

Pete’s Dragon (1977), directed by Don Chaffey, blends live-action and animation in a style reminiscent of Mary Poppins. Though its songs are forgettable, Don Bluth’s animation brings Elliott the dragon to life, and young Sean Marshall charmingly carries the role of Peter. Not Disney’s most memorable classic, the film remains a magical and heartwarming story that delights children and evokes nostalgia for those who grew up dreaming of having a dragon as a best friend.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/19/25

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Stephen C

Success in 2 hours and 14 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dubbed and subtitled in worldwide studios!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/04/25

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Trevor G

I'm hard pressed to think of a wise Disney movie or any movie for that matter. Way too long. Unmemorable songs. Perhaps as a shorter movie it could be 2 stars, but as-is it's zero. My wife is a die hard Disney fan, along with our 2 children, and none of them liked it either.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

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Erica B

This movie provides an opening to your inner child's imagination. This classic is absolutely beautiful and heart warming. It allows you to close your eyes and take a walk with Petey and his dragon Elliot. I'll always hold a special place in my heart for this classic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/04/25

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Rebekah K

Shelley Winters, Helen Reddy and Mickey Rooney?? Yes, please! A childhood favorite. 😍💯

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/25

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Nick S

It's alright, 1 memorable tune but the cast overall wasn't to my liking. I liked the location.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/22/24

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Don Chaffey

Director

Helen Reddy

Nora

Sean Marshall

Pete

Mickey Rooney

Lampie

Jim Dale

Dr. Terminus

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Synopsis

A lighthouse keeper's (Mickey Rooney) daughter (Helen Reddy) befriends a runaway orphan (Sean Marshall) and his playmate, a great green dragon.

Director: Don Chaffey
Producer: Ron Miller, Jerome Courtland
Screenwriter: Malcolm Marmorstein
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures, Walt Disney Home Video [gb]
Production Co: Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 3, 1977, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Runtime: 2h 14m
Sound Mix: Surround

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