Movies like The Reluctant Dragon (1941)
The best movies like The Reluctant Dragon (1941) are Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014), Pets United (2019) and Monster Family 2 (2021). If The Reluctant Dragon hooked you with its animation and family, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedMy Little Pony: A New Generation (2021)7.7/10 from 360 votes
- NewestSpellbound (2024)Released 2024
Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014)
A hunt for a lost sheep turns into a competition between Hiccup and friends as they compete to become the first Dragon Racing champion of Berk.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPets United (2019)
When Roger (a Robin Hood-esque, stray dog) and Belle (an elegant yet spoilt pet cat) are thrown together amidst the chaos of a robot take-over of their home city, they must push all their preconceptions aside in order to survive, as they embark on a high-stakes, action-packed adventure.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
SnoozefestMovies like thisMonster Family 2 (2021)
To free Baba Yaga and Renfield from the clutches of Monster Hunter Mila Starr, the Wishbone Family once more transforms into a Vampire, Frankenstein's Monster, a Mummy and a Werewolf but when aided by their three pet bats, the Monster Family zooms around the world again to save their friends, make new monstrous acquaintances.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMinions & More Volume 1 (2022)
This collection of 10 short films produced by Illumination includes: From the "Despicable Me" franchise: Puppy (2013); Minion Scouts (2019); Training Wheels (2013); The Secret Life of Kyle (2017); Santa's Little Helpers (2019). From the "Grinch" franchise: The Dog Days of Winter (2019). From the "Secret Life of Pets" franchise: Norman Television (2016); Weenie (2016). From the "Sing" franchise: Love at First Sight (2017). From the "Lorax" franchise: Forces of Nature (2012).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMinions & More Volume 2 (2022)
This collection of 11 short films produced by Illumination includes: From the "Despicable Me" franchise: Mower Minions (2016); Yellow Is the New Black (2018); Competition (2015); Cro Minion (2015); Binky Nelson Unpacified (2015); Panic in the Mailroom (2013). From the "Secret Life of Pets" franchise: Super Gidget (2019). From the "Sing" franchise: Eddie's Life Coach (2017); Gunter Babysits (2017). From the "Lorax" franchise: Serenade (2012); Wagon Ho! (2012).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSnoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin (2024)
Franklin is new to town and hoping to make friends, but his usual tactics don't work on the Peanuts gang. When the Soap Box Derby arrives, he's sure it's a chance to impress new pals and teams up with the only other unpartnered kid: Charlie Brown.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCars Toon Mater's Tall Tales (2008)
Mater the tow truck travels from country to country as he retells his infamous but unbelievable stories.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRevolting Rhymes (2017)
Two half-hour animated films based on the much-loved rhymes written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Loud House Movie (2021)
The Loud family travel to Scotland and discover they are descendants of Scottish royalty as they move into their giant ancestral castle.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters (2011)
Po and the Furious Five uncover the legend of three of kung fu's greatest heroes: Master Thundering Rhino, Master Storming Ox, and Master Croc.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMy Little Pony: A New Generation (2021)
Equestria's divided. But a bright-eyed hero believes Earth Ponies, Pegasi and Unicorns should be pals — and, hoof to heart, she’s determined to prove it.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSpellbound (2024)
When a powerful spell turns her parents into giant monsters, a teenage princess must journey into the wild to reverse the curse before it's too late.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisZog (2018)
Zog is a keen young dragon who wants to learn to fly, roar, and breathe fire, so he studies at the Dragon School. He is desperate to impress his teacher and win a golden star, but he is prone to accidents and he has to be helped by a kind young girl who patches up his bumps and bruises.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHappily Ever After (1989)
In the aftermath of her more famous adventure, Snow White must team up with the dwarves' seven female cousins to battle the late Evil Queen's warlock brother and rescue the captured Prince.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & animation
SnoozefestMovies like thisFirebreather (2010)
It's not easy being a teen like Duncan. His mom wants him to pay more attention to his homework, while his dad - a 120-foot-tall monster known as a Kaiju - wants him to become the next King of All Monsters. When these worlds collide, Duncan must use his human wits and his Kaiju powers - including super strength, agility and the ability to breathe fire - to protect his family and friends from a giant monster rampage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDragon Rider (2020)
An unlikely trio of heroes – a dragon, a boy and a forest brownie – embark on an epic adventure to find the “Rim of Heaven” - the mythological safe haven for all dragons.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRoom on the Broom (2012)
Animated film based on the wonderful children's picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The story of a kind witch who invites a surprising collection of animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. The gang ultimately saves the witch from a fearsome dragon, and in gratitude she rewards them with a magnificent new broom which has room for everyone. A magical tale about friendship and family from Magic Light Pictures, the producers of the hugely successful The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWelcome to Smelliville (2021)
The Oggly family arrive at the municipal rubbish dump of Smelliville and must look for a new home, but they never feel really welcome anywhere. They stink and are for most humans just a tad too oggly. When Firebottom, the family dragon, crash-lands on the run-down rubbish tip of the small town of Smelliville, the Ogglies at once feel at home. And it's here they want to stay.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water (2002)
Littlefoot befriends with a mysterious, fun-loving dolphin-like creature named Mo, who is trapped in "new water" caused by heavy rain. The gang then goes on an adventure to the "big water" to bring Mo home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Land Before Time III: The Time of the Great Giving (1995)
When the water supply to the Great Valley is blocked, Littlefoot and his friends must cooperate with a group of bullies to find the reason the cause.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSpace Jam (1996)
With their freedom on the line, the Looney Tunes seek the help of NBA superstar Michael Jordan to win a basketball game against a team of moronic aliens.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMary Poppins (1964)
In turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWhat Can You See by Looking? (1988)
Figment needs Todd and Dhara to help him. He is on a treasure hunt, looking for the "Bookus Dragonius," which contains all of the world's wisdom. The book was hidden by his Uncle Max (The Reluctant Dragon) who loved word play, puzzles, and anagrams. Together they find many clues left by Uncle Max: rhyming clues, anagrams, puzzles, books, brain-teasers, and a rebus are all part of this mystery. They solve these clues—and then finally figure it all out.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
How Does It Feel to Fly? (1988)
Figment needs Beth and Danny's help right away: King Dreary has banished him and all his friends from the kingdom, for being make-believe fliers. Beth and Danny hit upon the idea of identifying and making lists of real fliers and man-made fliers, and then persuading them to leave the kingdom also unless the King lets the imaginary fliers back in. In the process they learn that every flight, just like a story, has a beginning, middle, and end.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
Would You Eat a Blue Potato? (1988)
Katie and Scott are invited to eat at the home of Figment the dragon. The snack consists of green milk, blue potatoes, pink cauliflower, and orange sandwiches. Figment realizes the food just doesn't feel right to the children. They read a story of a sad king who painted his kingdom blue to match his mood. The children go through a series of "colorful" experiences and discover color through their senses and imaginations—imagining how the world would look and feel if everything was just one color. In the end, the children realize they like all the colors together best of all—and the King agrees!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
Where Does Time Fly? (1989)
Figment needs a story for the story contest he wants to win, and flies through time to find the inspiration to write a wonderful story. In original animation, he visits dinosaurs, the Wild West, and outer space, but can't seem to come up with an idea he likes. He invites two young children, Nick and Jessie, to help him. Nick's favorite stories are about pirates, so they decide on a pirate story-- which a pirate helps them write.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family & animation
What's an Abra Without a Cadabra? (1989)
Justin and his sister Kim are magically transported to Figonia by reciting the magic words in a mysterious magic kit. Once there, Figment hesitantly informs them that he doesn't know the magical words to return them home, so they enlist the help of Merlin to figure out a solution. Comparing and contrasting the sound, spelling, and meaning of words is the key to getting them back home again.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family & animation
Reading Magic with Figment and Peter Pan (1989)
Figment is visited unexpectedly by Peter Pan who has lost his way back to Wendy's house and is in need of assistance. Apparently, he temporarily got pixie dust in his eyes. When Figment begins to write down directions for Peter, the boy who refused to grow up reminds him that he never learned to read. Figment agrees to bring Wendy to Figonia, but a miscalculation brings Amy instead. Through reading, Figment and his friend Amy vividly make the point that books can transport you to faraway lands, transform you into other characters, and open you up to innumerable adventures. By program's end, Peter agrees that being able to read is wonderful and magical. He may even learn to read himself!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family & animation
Do Dragons Dream? (1988)
Educational film in which Figment introduces children to their imaginations.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
How Does It Feel to Be an Elephant? (1988)
Figment takes Matt and Lisa on an "imagination safari" where they meet a menagerie of both real and imaginary animals. There they discover how animals communicate, and also imagine what it would feel like and how to express what it feels like to be certain animals.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family & animation
Like The Reluctant Dragon and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Reluctant Dragon?
The closest matches to The Reluctant Dragon are Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014), Pets United (2019) and Monster Family 2 (2021). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Reluctant Dragon?
Start with Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014), the closest match to The Reluctant Dragon.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Reluctant Dragon?
My Little Pony: A New Generation (2021), rated 7.7/10 by 360 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Reluctant Dragon?
Spellbound (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Reluctant Dragon?
Yes: Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014), Pets United (2019) and Monster Family 2 (2021).
How are movies similar to The Reluctant Dragon chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Reluctant Dragon, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.