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Wish Dragon

Play trailer 2:45 Poster for Wish Dragon PG 2021 1h 38m Kids & Family Comedy Adventure Fantasy Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
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71% Tomatometer 24 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In Sony Pictures Animation's Wish Dragon, Din, a working-class college student with big dreams but small means, and Long, a cynical but all-powerful dragon capable of granting wishes, set off on a hilarious adventure through modern day Shanghai in pursuit of Din's long-lost childhood friend, Lina. Their journey forces them to answer some of life's biggest questions -- because when you can wish for anything, you have to decide what really matters.
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Wish Dragon

Wish Dragon

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Critics Consensus

Although its juvenile humor may test some viewers' patience, Wish Dragon is a colorful and quirky romp that will warm audience's hearts.

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Critics Reviews

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Angie Han FilmWeek (LAist) I feel so indifferent about this whole thing... I forgot it as soon as I saw it. Jun 16, 2021 Full Review Peter Debruge Variety "Wish Dragon" delivers a whole new world, a new fantastic point of view, and that's plenty. Jun 12, 2021 Full Review Natalia Winkelman New York Times "Wish Dragon" is a transporting experience, but it's far from a whole new world. Jun 11, 2021 Full Review Carson Timar Clapper There is a lovely sense of authenticity to the world and characters that make Wish Dragon up and especially for those with children, this is an easy recommendation! Feb 22, 2022 Full Review Mat Brunet AniMat's Review (YouTube) So, is Wish Dragon a rip-off of Aladdin? The answer is yes, it undeniably is. But does that mean its a bad movie? Not really. Rated: 6/10 Feb 16, 2022 Full Review Lauren Miles Flickering Myth An endearing modern retelling of Aladdin, Wish Dragon ticks all of the boxes for a memorable family film - adventure, comedy, and sincerity. Jun 18, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jasten I Some viewers have called Wish Dragon a rip-off of Aladdin because both stories feature a magical being who grants three wishes. But that comparison misses what makes Wish Dragon so special and unique. First, the film is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and folklore, with its story set in modern-day Shanghai and featuring a wish dragon from a teapot rather than a genie from a lamp. The characters’ motivations and backgrounds are shaped by the realities of contemporary China, from family expectations to socioeconomic divides, making the story feel fresh and authentic. While the wish-granting premise is familiar, Wish Dragon takes it in a new direction. The protagonist, Din, doesn’t just want wealth or romance—he’s driven by a genuine desire to reconnect with his childhood friend, Li Na. The film’s focus on friendship, sacrifice, and kindness gives it a different emotional core than Aladdin, which centers more on romance and personal gain. The dragon, Long, isn’t just a comedic sidekick; his journey is about learning the true meaning of life and friendship after centuries of selfishness. The humor, vibrant animation, and action sequences are all top-notch, but what really makes Wish Dragon shine is its heart. The film explores what really matters in life—loyalty, compassion, and the bonds we share with others—in a way that feels genuine and moving. Even if the plot has some similarities to Aladdin, the execution, setting, and themes make it stand out as its own story. In short, calling Wish Dragon a rip-off of Aladdin is an oversimplification. It’s a beautifully animated, funny, and touching film that uses a classic fairy-tale structure to tell a story that’s uniquely its own—and that’s why it’s so good. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/14/25 Full Review Vicenzo C Brilliantly written and completed with incredible performances from Jimmy Wong and Jon Cho, Wish Dragon is an impressive debut feature from up-and-coming animation juggernaut(and future John Lasseter) Chris Applehans. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/08/25 Full Review Lluvia A This was a great kids’ film. Highly recommend for your little ones. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/03/25 Full Review Blueberry B Wish Dragon has been stuck in my brain for more than a year and I loved it. Recommend so that it'll increase a chance of Wish Dragon sequel. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/11/25 Full Review Sam T The Wish Dragon film was quite entertaining with a good storyline. Din's mum was rather aggressive! Overall worth a watch. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/06/25 Full Review Luca F Aladin with an Asian twist. A heartwarming film that should be considered one of Sony’s best. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/02/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Wish Dragon

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Movie Info

Synopsis In Sony Pictures Animation's Wish Dragon, Din, a working-class college student with big dreams but small means, and Long, a cynical but all-powerful dragon capable of granting wishes, set off on a hilarious adventure through modern day Shanghai in pursuit of Din's long-lost childhood friend, Lina. Their journey forces them to answer some of life's biggest questions -- because when you can wish for anything, you have to decide what really matters.
Director
Chris Appelhans
Producer
Chris Bremble, Jackie Chan, Aron Warner
Screenwriter
Chris Appelhans
Production Co
Beijing Sparkle Roll Media Corporation, Sony Pictures Animation, The Monk Studio, Tencent Pictures
Rating
PG (Mild Action and Rude Humor)
Genre
Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 11, 2021
Runtime
1h 38m
Sound Mix
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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