Dragonheart (1996)

Dragonheart soared into theaters in 1996 with the kind of sincerity that defined the pre-CGI era — a fantasy epic about honor, friendship, and redemption wrapped in medieval myth. Directed by Rob Cohen, it tells the story of Bowen, a disillusioned knight (Dennis Quaid), who befriends the dragon Draco, voiced by Sean Connery. Together, they battle a corrupt young king — and the legacy of the dragon’s own sacrifice.

What could have been cheesy becomes strangely moving. Connery’s majestic voice gives Draco gravitas and warmth, while the film’s themes — shared hearts, broken oaths, fading ideals — echo the mythic storytelling of Excalibur and Beowulf.

Technically, Dragonheart was groundbreaking: its CGI dragon was one of the most advanced effects of the decade, paving the way for digital creatures like Smaug and Gollum. But its real strength lies in its heart — the bond between man and dragon feels genuinely sacred.

The film closes with one of the most emotional endings in 1990s fantasy cinema — a dragon’s ascension written not in spectacle, but in starlight.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) — Heroic, heartfelt, and timeless; a perfect mix of 1990s charm and mythic grandeur.