The Most Popular Dragon, Ranked

Choose the dragon you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:35
In the ancient annals of folklore and myth, the majesty and mystery of dragons have captivated hearts and minds. By creating a ranking of the most beloved dragons, enthusiasts can see which mythical creature resonates the most with audiences around the world. This list serves not only as a celebration of these fantastical beings but also as a guide for newcomers to learn what makes each dragon unique and cherished. Your votes help determine which dragon emerges as the most revered, shaping the narrative and appreciation of these legendary figures.

What Is the Most Popular Dragon?

  1. 1
    58
    votes
    The powerful and cunning dragon from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is one of the most popular dragons in literature and film. His massive hoard of treasure and fiery breath make him an iconic figure in fantasy storytelling.
    Smaug is a fictional dragon character known for its immense power and cunning nature. It is a central character in J.R.R. Tolkien's novel 'The Hobbit', published in 1937. Smaug is a fire-breathing dragon guarding a vast treasure hoard inside the Lonely Mountain.
    • Size: Enormous; approximately 20 feet in length
    • Strength: Unmatched; capable of destroying entire cities
    • Fire-breathing: Produces extremely hot flames capable of melting metal
    • Senses: Keen eyesight and sense of smell
    • Flight: Possesses large wings enabling it to fly swiftly
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    One of the three dragons from the HBO television series Game of Thrones, Drogon is the largest and most aggressive of the bunch. He is ridden by Daenerys Targaryen and has become a fan favorite due to his impressive feats on the battlefield.
    Drogon is a powerful and fearsome dragon that gained widespread fame through the popular fantasy television series 'Game of Thrones'. It is one of the three dragons hatched by Daenerys Targaryen, a major character in the show. Drogon is known for its immense size, exceptional fire-breathing abilities, and its strong bond with Daenerys.
    • Species: Dragon
    • Color: Black with red markings
    • Size: Enormous
    • Fire-breathing ability: Highly potent and destructive
    • Scales: Thick and hard, providing excellent protection
  3. 3
    14
    votes
    The lovable dragon from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise is a fan favorite due to his cute and quirky personality. Despite his small size, Toothless has proven to be a formidable ally to his human companion, Hiccup.
    Toothless is a Night Fury dragon from the How to Train Your Dragon (HTTYD) franchise. He is known for his sleek and stealthy appearance, with jet-black scales that shimmer in the moonlight. Toothless has bright green eyes that seem to glow, adding to his mystique. He is incredibly nimble and has retractable teeth that resemble a pair of sharp prongs. Toothless has a playful and loyal personality, forming a deep bond with his rider, Hiccup.
    • Species: Night Fury
    • Color: Jet-black
    • Eye Color: Bright green
    • Scale Texture: Sleek and smooth
    • Flight Abilities: Extremely agile and fast
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    The Luck Dragon from "The NeverEnding Story" is a beloved character due to his friendly and whimsical nature. He is often seen flying through the clouds with his human friend, Atreyu.
    Falkor is a popular dragon from the fantasy novel 'The Neverending Story' written by German author Michael Ende. He is a luckdragon and serves as a companion to the protagonist Atreyu. Falkor is a majestic and benevolent creature with a serpent-like body, large paws, and a friendly face adorned with a kind smile. He has a white fur coat with patches of red, green, and yellow scales along his back. Falkor is known for his ability to fly quickly and elegantly through the air, aided by his strong wings which span a great width. Despite his imposing size, he possesses a gentle and wise demeanor, making him a beloved character among readers and fans alike.
    • Species: Luckdragon
    • Appearance: Serpent-like body with paws and a friendly face
    • Color: White fur with patches of red, green, and yellow scales
    • Wingspan: Large and wide
    • Ability: Flight
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    The powerful dragon from the Dragon Ball franchise is summoned by the Dragon Balls and can grant any wish. He has become an iconic figure in anime and manga due to his unique abilities and design.
    Shenron is a powerful dragon from the Dragon Ball series. It is known as the 'Eternal Dragon' and possesses immense magical abilities. Shenron is a mystical entity that can be summoned by gathering all seven Dragon Balls. Once summoned, Shenron can grant any wish, provided that it does not exceed the power of his creator, the divine Namekian, Grand Elder Guru.
    • Species: Dragon
    • Origin: Namek
    • Appearance: Long green serpentine body with wings, red eyes, and whiskers
    • Size: Gigantic, can vary
    • Magical Abilities: Granting wishes, revival of the deceased, extraordinary strength and durability
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    The wisecracking dragon from Disney's "Mulan" is a fan favorite due to his comedic antics and loyalty to his human friend, Mulan.
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    The dragon form of Maleficent from Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" is an iconic figure in the world of animation. Her impressive size and menacing appearance make her a formidable foe to the film's protagonist, Prince Phillip.
    Maleficent's Dragon Form is a well-known mythical creature from the Disney film 'Maleficent'. It is a large, imposing dragon with dark purple scales and menacing green eyes. The dragon has a long serpentine body, a sharp arrowhead-shaped head, and sharp, jagged teeth. Its wings are expansive and membranous, capable of carrying it gracefully through the air. The dragon's tail ends with a spiky tip, adding to its formidable appearance.
    • Length: approximately 53ft
    • Wingspan: approximately 74ft
    • Scale color: dark purple
    • Eye color: green
    • Body type: serpentine
  8. 8
    2
    votes
    The friendly dragon from the popular children's song has become a cultural icon due to his catchy tune and whimsical imagery.
    Puff the Magic Dragon is a famous fictional dragon from a popular children's song. The song tells the story of Puff and his adventures with a young boy named Jackie Paper. Puff is depicted as a friendly and gentle dragon, who lives by the sea and has the ability to fly.
    • Origins: Puff the Magic Dragon originated from a poem written by Leonard Lipton in 1959, which was later adapted into a song.
    • Fame: The song gained widespread popularity and became an iconic symbol of the 1960s counterculture movement.
    • Emotional resonance: Puff the Magic Dragon is known for its poignant and bittersweet themes, exploring the loss of innocence and the passage of time.
    • Film adaptation: In 1978, a short animated film based on the song was released, further popularizing the character of Puff.
    • Inspiration: Puff the Magic Dragon is said to have been inspired by a poem written by Ogden Nash about a real dragon.
  9. 9
    2
    votes
    The white dragon from "The NeverEnding Story" is a fan favorite due to his unique design and role as a guide to the film's protagonist, Bastian.
    Falcor is a famous dragon from the fantasy novel 'The Neverending Story' written by Michael Ende. It is a highly unique and recognizable dragon known for its friendly and kind nature. Falcor has a long, serpentine body with a head resembling that of a dog or lion. It has large, floppy ears, bright blue eyes, and a charming smile that adds to its friendly appearance. Its body is covered in white fur, and it possesses a pair of large wings that enable it to fly effortlessly through the sky. Falcor is known for its ability to speak and provide wisdom and guidance to the protagonist of the story.
    • Body color: White
    • Body texture: Fur
    • Head resemblance: Dog or lion
    • Eyes: Bright blue
    • Ears: Large and floppy
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    The titular character from the Spyro video game series is a popular dragon due to his playful personality and ability to breathe fire.
    Spyro is a popular dragon video game character that has appeared in various games since his debut in 1998. He is known for his distinctive purple color and playful personality. Spyro was created by Insomniac Games, an independent video game developer based in California. With his unique design and engaging gameplay, Spyro quickly became an iconic character in the gaming industry. Here are ten important specifications about Spyro:
    • Debut: 1998
    • Color: Purple
    • Personality: Playful
    • Main Series: Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!, Spyro: Year of the Dragon
    • Game Genres: Platform, action-adventure

Missing your favorite dragon?

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Ranking factors for popular dragon

  1. Cultural significance
    The importance of the dragon in different cultures can greatly impact its popularity. For example, dragons hold a particularly significant place in Chinese mythology and culture, making them more popular than in some other cultures.
  2. Representation in literature, movies, and other media
    Dragons that are prominently featured in popular books, movies, TV shows, and other forms of media are likely to be more popular. Fictional dragons like Smaug from "The Hobbit" and Drogon from "Game of Thrones" have gained a considerable amount of popularity due to their vivid depiction in these series.
  3. Design and appearance
    The way a dragon is designed and depicted plays a significant role in its popularity. For example, European dragons are typically portrayed with wings, while Chinese dragons are not. Vibrant colors, unique features, and intricate patterns can also contribute to a dragon's popularity.
  4. Abilities and powers
    Dragons that possess unique or impressive abilities, such as breathing fire or flying at incredible speeds, are likely to be more popular. Dragons with more complex or nuanced powers, such as shapeshifting or wielding magic, may also be of interest to fans.
  5. Personality and character traits
    Dragons that have distinct and memorable personalities are often more popular than those without. For example, Toothless from the "How to Train Your Dragon" series is known for his playful and gentle nature, while Smaug from "The Hobbit" is known for his cunning and greed.
  6. Historical background
    Dragons with a rich and storied history, either in real-world mythology or in the context of a specific work of fiction, are often more popular. Understanding the origins and evolution of a particular dragon can enhance its appeal to fans.
  7. Symbolism
    The symbolism associated with a dragon can often play a significant role in its popularity. For example, dragons are often seen as symbols of power, wisdom, and good fortune in Chinese culture, thus impacting their popularity.
  8. Relationship with other characters
    The relationships that a dragon forms with other characters, either as friends or foes, can play a role in how popular it is. For example, the bond between Hiccup and Toothless in "How to Train Your Dragon" has contributed to the popularity of both characters.
  9. Popularity within a fandom
    Some dragons become popular within specific fandoms or subcultures, increasing their overall popularity. This can occur when a dragon resonates with fans of a particular book, movie, or other media, or when it becomes an icon or symbol for that group.
  10. Memorable moments and events
    Key moments in a dragon's story can make it more popular. For example, epic battles, pivotal plot points, or memorable interactions with other characters can all contribute to a dragon's popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular dragon. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or dragon is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1844 views
  • 163 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each dragon once every 24 hours. The rank of each dragon is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular dragon

Dragons have been a part of human mythology and folklore for centuries, inspiring countless stories, movies, and television shows. These mythical creatures are often depicted as large, scaly beasts with wings and the ability to breathe fire. However, the concept of dragons varies greatly across different cultures and regions of the world, leading to a wide range of depictions and interpretations. Despite the differences in dragon mythology, certain species have emerged as particularly popular among fans. From the fearsome European dragon to the wise and noble Chinese dragon, there are a variety of dragons that have captured the imaginations of people around the world. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular dragon species and what makes them so beloved by fans.

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