Pete's Dragon

Name: Pete's Dragon
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Family, Musical
Released: November 3, 1977
Duration: 128 min
Rating: 46
Cast: Helen Reddy, Sean Marshall

1977

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 5 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Ratings

See All

6.1

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6.1	Your Score
6.1	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Movie Details & Credits

Buena Vista Distribution Company | Release Date: November 3, 1977 | G

Starring: Helen Reddy, Sean Marshall

Summary: When Pete, an orphan, and his best friend Elliot, an invisible green dragon, wander into the seaside village of Passamaquoddy, the townspeople think he's behind a slew of hilarious mishaps. But after a daring rescue, they change their tune and believe in Pete's fire-breathing buddy.

Director: Don Chaffey

Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Family, Musical

Rating: G

Runtime: 128 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

Staff (Not Credited)

Pete’s Dragon is an enchanting and humane fable which introduces a most lovable animal star (albeit an animated one). Read full review

Janet Maslin

At two hours and 14 minutes, the movie is a lot longer than it needs to be. On the other hand, Elliott (whose beeps and bomps and chomping sounds are supplied by Charlie Callas) is very sweet and emotive, and you don't often see children's musicals as ambitious as this one any more. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

The film lacks the emotional complexity and classic status of previous Disney films. Read full review

Empire Ian Nathan

The film seems to be pitched at shrieking level, as if that’s the only timbre children can register. Read full review

Gary Arnold

"Dragon" was apparently meant to be a big, rousing musical comedy-fantasy, but it's staged and photographed without musical-comedy energy, flair or coordination. [17 Dec 1977, p.D7]

SEE ALL 5 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

kyle20ellis

Mar 31, 2022

This is a very well done film. It isn't quite as memorable as Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Bedknobs and Broomsticks, but it so deserves to be up there. The protagonist was very well portrayed by Sean Marshall,(despite the lack of singing ability) but my favourite was the animated dragonThis is a very well done film. It isn't quite as memorable as Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Bedknobs and Broomsticks, but it so deserves to be up there. The protagonist was very well portrayed by Sean Marshall,(despite the lack of singing ability) but my favourite was the animated dragon Elliot. The scene in the schoolroom was priceless. I absolutely loved Helen Reddy as Nora, the way she sang "Candle in the Water"(about her lover) was beautiful. Jim Dale was great and very funny as the quack Dr Terminus, but he has been better in the Carry on franchise. The most entertaining were Red Buttons and Mickey Rooney, and I mustn't forget the Gogans Shelley Winters must have had a ball making this film. The film has two minor drawbacks. It is a little too long, but also the songs while very pleasant to hear aren't as memorable as later Disney efforts, though Candle On the Water and There's Room for Everyone are classics. But I agree it is underrated. This film is an 8/10. Bethany Cox… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SEE ALL 1 REVIEWS