Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: August 12, 2016
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 186 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
123
Mixed:
42
Negative:
21
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7
moviemitch96Aug 16, 2016
This was a fun, cute little film. Although I wasn't very familiar with Disney's original film version of this, I still found this to be a cute and charming, albeit rather predictable and by the numbers family film. The most impressive aspectThis was a fun, cute little film. Although I wasn't very familiar with Disney's original film version of this, I still found this to be a cute and charming, albeit rather predictable and by the numbers family film. The most impressive aspect of the film, however, were easily the effects of the dragon and some of the dazzling cinematography. Overall, it's not amazing by any means, but it does have enough going for it to remain an entertaining and worthwhile family film that you can usually come to expect from Disney. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
JonZsuSep 1, 2016
The live-action adapted Pete's Dragon grasped the adolescent essence of the original animated film, which is one of the very under-known Disney classic. It is truly an adorable bedtime story with a hint of adventure. Pete's Dragon did notThe live-action adapted Pete's Dragon grasped the adolescent essence of the original animated film, which is one of the very under-known Disney classic. It is truly an adorable bedtime story with a hint of adventure. Pete's Dragon did not want to be over-complicated with too much glitters (in terms of story) and remained a family friendly story that is although somewhat predictable, but guaranteed to be liked. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
CicoNutNov 28, 2016
Simply put, Pete’s Dragon is wonderful. It has a great cast, a beautifully animated dragon and great direction and storytelling. It completely justifies Disney’s schedule of live-action remakes of beloved classics.

Robert Redford and Bryce
Simply put, Pete’s Dragon is wonderful. It has a great cast, a beautifully animated dragon and great direction and storytelling. It completely justifies Disney’s schedule of live-action remakes of beloved classics.

Robert Redford and Bryce Dallas Howard are excellent in their respective roles, and Oaks Fegley does a good job as Pete, too. The dragon, as I mentioned above, is spectacularly animated and believable. And it’s not just a big, fire-breathing monster, but has a whole personality and acts almost like a dog. In other words, it is made real and given just as much character as the human cast in the movie.

Considering the original 70s movie was poorly received and quickly forgotten, director David Lowery and screenwriter Toby Halbrooks were able to change pretty much every plot detail, from Pete’s origins to where he ends up in the end. And, thankfully, they do a much better job second time around, adding much more emotional depth to the story and really making the audience care about the characters.

Pete’s Dragon was a pleasant surprise and one of this year’s best movies. It boasts a stunning cast, top-notch animation and is Disney’s best remake in recent memory.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
SpangleAug 13, 2016
I could be harsher, but given the positive reception this one received amongst the young viewers in the theater, it is clear to me that the highs I identified were as good as I thought. Plus, as a children's movie, pleasing children isI could be harsher, but given the positive reception this one received amongst the young viewers in the theater, it is clear to me that the highs I identified were as good as I thought. Plus, as a children's movie, pleasing children is undeniably its first goal, which seems to have been accomplished. Delightfully brought to life with great special effects, Pete's Dragon is at its very best when the dragon is being a dragon without human interference (other than Pete). These scenes are magical, adventurous, and could be used to make the Grinch's heart grow in size. The interactions between Pete and the dragon are truly heartfelt and could honestly move one to tears if they are not careful. Director David Lowery does a great job capturing this emotion and also does very well in moving from indie (Ain't Them Bodies Saints) to big-budget Disney. His solo debut, Ain't Them Bodies Saints felt like Terrence Malick-lite (namely Badlands) and had stunning cinematography. Here, Pete's Dragon is also blessed with good cinematography and shows off the Malick influence with a few shots above the trees that seem to show nothing beyond the beauty of nature, which is greatly appreciated. Now, on the negative, the human element is trash. I assume it was the plot of the original, but it needed a serious overall. This plot was cliche in 1977 with overzealous humans who assume the dragon is all bad and unnaturally evil, while a few are sympathetic and childlike in their sympathy. The human characters are not well-written for the most part (even if the acting is good) and it really pulls the movie back. Fortunately, the aforementioned positives do outweigh the cliched negatives. Overall, Pete's Dragon will thoroughly entertain children while convincing adults to once again believe in magic. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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8
marcmyworksAug 13, 2016
This is a simple and beautiful story of friendship and really speaks to the selfishness of normal people and our desire to control life. I loved this movie, it truly reminded me of what it was like to be a kid again.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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10
Moviereviewer15Aug 12, 2016
It's Disney's best remake alongside Jungle Book. Go see it. It's worth all your money to see the story of an orphan boy and his pet dragon best friend.
2 of 10 users found this helpful28
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9
HealingToolbox1Oct 29, 2016
The spoken script is about 150 words. A movie about Emotional Intelligence and Empathy. Cutting-edge digital character on a par with the orcs in Warcraft and put to wonderfully humane purposes. Yes, almost the unexpected instant classicThe spoken script is about 150 words. A movie about Emotional Intelligence and Empathy. Cutting-edge digital character on a par with the orcs in Warcraft and put to wonderfully humane purposes. Yes, almost the unexpected instant classic the new Jungle Book is. Go see it. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
Jim222001Oct 15, 2016
Pete's Dragon is a touching and sentimental family film everyone can enjoy. It has it's slow points but I was mostly moved by the film throughout with tears constantly running down my face lol.
With a mostly lackluster summer, Pete's Dragon
Pete's Dragon is a touching and sentimental family film everyone can enjoy. It has it's slow points but I was mostly moved by the film throughout with tears constantly running down my face lol.
With a mostly lackluster summer, Pete's Dragon was a real surprise. The performances were pretty solid and you can't help but love this take on Elliot. Despite being big and green, he is a lot like Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon personality wise. But is just as likeable.
It's just unfortunate that the film is another Box Office dud of the summer when Pete's Dragon is one of the best of this summer. I think after the Jungle Book and Tarzan, audiences were tired of boys raised in the jungle movies this year. However, despite not much feeling fresh I think the film is a must see.
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0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
milehighcrewAug 17, 2016
Was this ever a great movie. My kids loved it and so did I. It was full of emotion and it had a dragon lol perfect ingredients for a movie. It was a wonderful time with my 10 and 8 year olds.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
fukutopiaAug 14, 2016
Finally, Jon Favreau's Jungle Book has some competition for the best film this year. Unfortunately for other studios, it's also a Disney film. David Lowery's reimagining of Pete's Dragon is absolutely stunning. It's beautifully written,Finally, Jon Favreau's Jungle Book has some competition for the best film this year. Unfortunately for other studios, it's also a Disney film. David Lowery's reimagining of Pete's Dragon is absolutely stunning. It's beautifully written, acted, directed, and shot. It's hard these days to find a film that excels in all of those categories, but Disney has managed to produce two of them this year. It's a much slower pace than The Jungle Book, but Pete's Dragon is a completely different type of film (even though it shares a common theme: family). Elliot will steal your heart, and not only do you believe he's 100% real, but you'll leave the theater wanting one of your very own. Go see this on the big screen & go see it now. If your kids have short attention spans, leave them on a corner somewhere…just go. Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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8
Muskrat147Aug 14, 2016
Pete's Dragon may look to be a bit too childish, but with emotional performances, talented direction, and a beautiful CGI Dragon friend, Disney's new hit may just become another instant classic.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
OverpaidAug 29, 2016
The best family movie for a last decade. Genuinely interesting for adults as well as kids, beautifully shot, excellently acted and never stupid. A perfect counterpoint to the ADHD paced, candy coloured, CGI ridden nonsense made for idiotsThe best family movie for a last decade. Genuinely interesting for adults as well as kids, beautifully shot, excellently acted and never stupid. A perfect counterpoint to the ADHD paced, candy coloured, CGI ridden nonsense made for idiots that parents usually have to suffer when taking their kids to the cinema. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
BrianMcCriticDec 2, 2016
A film that while it hits every major beat of your typical family adventure film, it does it pretty well. The performances are all good and the relationship between Pete and his Dragon is done remarkably well. Slight flaw was Karl Urban'sA film that while it hits every major beat of your typical family adventure film, it does it pretty well. The performances are all good and the relationship between Pete and his Dragon is done remarkably well. Slight flaw was Karl Urban's characters motivation didn't really work. You should a have a blast with this film. B+ Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
AlexanderLuthorDec 20, 2016
I'm really glad I took my 4 year old son to see this film. It filled him with joy and wonder of the forest and a curiosity for dragons. What more could you ask for in a children's film?
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
eagleeyevikingFeb 6, 2018
Although it's predictable, "Pete's Dragon" is a cute, emotional, and fun addition to Disney's live action canon.
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7
darkbloodshed13Mar 16, 2017
Pete's Dragon is a wonderful tale of a boy and his dragon. It's based off the Disney classic of the same name. Most will point out that the is far from the original, and they would be right. But is that really a bad thing. Don't get me wrongPete's Dragon is a wonderful tale of a boy and his dragon. It's based off the Disney classic of the same name. Most will point out that the is far from the original, and they would be right. But is that really a bad thing. Don't get me wrong I love the original and I recommend that movie to any one. Yet I do have to admit that it can come across as corny for modern audiences. While the new one is perfect for the modern day movie buff. The characters are great and the story is amazing. Plus the visuals are brilliant. In conclusion if your looking for a movie that the entire family will enjoy than give this movie a watch. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
badgerryan19May 19, 2017
Another Disney live action movie that they nail again. The movie had stellar CGI for Elliot. And very good acting especially from Bryce Dallas Howard. I really enjoyed the story as well. The movie is very charming and tugs at yourAnother Disney live action movie that they nail again. The movie had stellar CGI for Elliot. And very good acting especially from Bryce Dallas Howard. I really enjoyed the story as well. The movie is very charming and tugs at your heartstrings a good bit too. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
smiyamotDec 30, 2016
Good family movie falling somewhere between the kiddies and adults. Of course, there are no dragons, right? So, we have the adults who don't believe the guy who saw one many years ago, but then a kid is found who has lived in the forestGood family movie falling somewhere between the kiddies and adults. Of course, there are no dragons, right? So, we have the adults who don't believe the guy who saw one many years ago, but then a kid is found who has lived in the forest alone, maybe. How do you explain it? Magic? Expand
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7
movieconsultantOct 18, 2016
The best films are those that captures the audiences heart and allows audiences to live in the film and experience the film.This movie successfully delivers all of the above.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
JSpot9Aug 15, 2016
Despite some contrived plot devices in the third act, and Karl Urban's cartoonishly one note character, the rest of Pete's Dragon works so well, the bond between this boy and his dragon is a compelling one, a bond that I wanted too see moreDespite some contrived plot devices in the third act, and Karl Urban's cartoonishly one note character, the rest of Pete's Dragon works so well, the bond between this boy and his dragon is a compelling one, a bond that I wanted too see more of. The effects are spectacular, this film contains genuine depth, likable characters, good actors, a good pace, it doesn't shy away from serious subjects. Certain characters don't get much explanation or development, but Pete's Dragon has this magical feeling that I just loved, a childish charm that I couldn't resist. I highly recommend it. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DaveCritquesAug 17, 2016
Live action adaptations have to balance between the adult (reality) and children (fantasy) and on both points this movie only partially succeeds. The children around me grew rambunctious unless Pete was around and there was action. As anLive action adaptations have to balance between the adult (reality) and children (fantasy) and on both points this movie only partially succeeds. The children around me grew rambunctious unless Pete was around and there was action. As an adult, I wished for more character and plot development rather than schematics of a Saturday morning cartoon. ("Zootopia" being one of the best exceptions.) Much more could have been mined from the conflict of loggers and conservationists (especially in light of Canada's recent compromise among government, loggers and conservationists), which would have given some dynamic and conflict to husband (logger) and wife (conservationist), both of whom came off more as devices than humans. Just look at Spielberg's "ET" or J.J. Abrams "Super 8" for a better balances. Needed a better script and tighter direction. Expand
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9
skeptic303Oct 19, 2016
I am well aware that for many, Disney's best live-action remake was with The Jungle Book earlier this year. But I respectfully disagree, and my case in point is Pete's Dragon.
Pete's Dragon stands as proof that live-action remakes don't need
I am well aware that for many, Disney's best live-action remake was with The Jungle Book earlier this year. But I respectfully disagree, and my case in point is Pete's Dragon.
Pete's Dragon stands as proof that live-action remakes don't need to be dark, as it covers its themes effectively, even with a light touch. Pete is a great character, adopted into a lifestyle he is no longer adapted to. What separates this film from other films Disney released is its unwillingness to be a stereotypical kids film. That is, it doesn't try being energetic or reach for laughs as many kids films do nowadays. In fact, it isn't meant to be very entertaining. Rather, it is a moving experience.
Despite how refreshing it is to watch something like this and how great it develops and focuses on its themes and characters, it does fall a bit short of cinematic greatness. I think it should have been even more emotional by letting its final scenes play out a little longer and its final scene in particular is a bit cheap. Otherwise, I found it highly watchable, touching, and great. It is truly my favorite Disney live-action remake or retelling, and I'll grant it an honorable seal of approval.
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9
MonkiReviewsJun 1, 2017
A truly great story. The live action was amazing, and the dragon, Elliot, looked great. I was sad throughout the whole movie, they make you feel for Pete and Elliot the whole time. One of my new favorite movies.
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8
JaysographyAug 28, 2019
Petes Dragon is Disney's lated attempt to resurrect a classic from the dead. For what it's worth, it paid off. This film is a complete redesign from top top bottom and still retains that charm from which it's name 'Petes Dragon' holds in our hearts.
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