Dinosaurs are incredible creatures that once dominated the Earth, and now they continue to captivate us on the silver screen. Whether you’re into scientifically accurate portrayals or more fantastical adventures, there’s a dinosaur movie out there for everyone on this list. In this article, we rank some of the greatest dinosaur films of all time and uncover why they’re absolute must-sees. So kick back, relax, and enjoy our roarsome list!
The Land Before Time (1988)
In this film, the titular character has to leave his home to find a new one and has only his friends to lean on. A young longneck dinosaur named Littlefoot has to do this after his mother dies and the world changes.
On his way to find a new place to live, Littlefoot meets Cera, Ducky, Petrie, and Spike, who are different from him but are also looking for the Great Valley, which is a place where dinosaurs can live without worrying about anything. The film is an emotional journey packed with dangers, adventures, a scary sharp-tooth, and some of the best life lessons.
The Good Dinosaur (2015)
For a minute, imagine yourself in a world where dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes never went extinct. In this world, they meet humans for the first time, and despite their differences in size and diet, they become good friends. This is the story of The Good Dinosaur, a Pixar film that will have you crying, laughing, cheering, and roaring.
Point of view characters are Arlo, a timid dinosaur of the Apatosaurus species, and Spot, a wild cave-boy, as they travel across a beautiful and dangerous land where predators and storms are commonplace. Did you know that The Good Dinosaur is the first Pixar film by two composers, Mychael and Jeff Danna?
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
In this film, Manny and Ellie are expecting, Diego feels a bit lonely, and Sid… well, Sid is being Sid. When Sid decides to adopt three dinosaur eggs, he unwittingly leads the gang into a hidden world where dinosaurs still roam. Now, they must rescue Sid from a big T-rex with razor-sharp teeth and find their way back home.
Like all its prior iterations, this installment does not compromise with laughter and heartwarming moments. If you’re looking for a film to give your family and kids a roaring good time, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs is the best pick.
Godzilla (2014)
When a colossal monster stirs from its slumber, you know you’re going to get a spectacle of epic proportions. In Godzilla, the legendary creature emerges to confront two other ancient beasts, who are also called the MUTOs. They’re threatening humanity with their insatiable appetite for radiation.
In between all the destruction of buildings and bridges, a soldier also tries his very best to get to his family and prevent a catastrophic nuclear detonation. The film is also the first part of the MonsterVerse franchise, which includes Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, and more.
Dinosaur (2000)
Similar to The Land Before Time, Alader in Dinosaur also goes on a long journey to find a new home among strangers. Raised by lemurs, Aladar embarks on an adventure with his lemur family and a group of dinosaurs in search of the Nesting Grounds.
The aforementioned place is the only place that can save them from a devastating meteor shower. Along the way, Aladar both absorbs and teaches us lessons about courage, love, and the importance of standing up for yourself, even if the whole world is against you.
The Lost World (1960)
Forget Jurassic Park because The Lost World is the original dinosaur adventure that puts all the things in motion. This film draws from Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel and follows Professor Challenger and his daring team on a jaunt to a hidden South American plateau.
Therein, they encounter a host of prehistoric creatures, including a fearsome ape-man and a colossal brontosaurus that is hell-bent on laying waste to London. Did you know this ground-breaking film pioneered stop-motion animation for its creatures and even inspired future classics like King Kong and Godzilla?
Walking with Dinosaurs (2013)
Walking with Dinosaurs is about a courageous Pachyrhinosaurus with a spirit as big as his heart. His name is Patchi, and even though she is the runt of the litter compared to his brother Scowler, Patchi wants to prove to everyone that she can be valuable too.
Thus, with his witty feathered friend, Alexornis, Patchi begins a journey that takes her from the icy plains of Alaska to the forests of New Zealand, all while trying to dodge the fair share of dangers, enemies, and nature vs nurture situations. So, will Patchi win hearts or become a snack for hungry predators?
The Land of the Lost (2009)
In The Land of the Lost, the POV characters are a has-been scientist, his witty assistant, and a rugged survivalist who find themselves in a parallel world that is teeming with dinosaurs, aliens, humanoid primates, and who knows what else!
Now, Dr. Rick Marshall, Holly Cantrell, and Will Stanton must get out of this world where the danger is as high as Mount Rushmore, all while fending against menacing Sleestaks and a big-big-big T-rex. This zany and offbeat comedy is a hilarious spoof of the beloved TV series and was also nominated for Worst Picture and Worst Actor.
Jurassic Park (1993)
This is the most obvious film, but in case you’re thirty years late to the party, know that this film takes you to a world where dinosaurs roam freely in a theme park, brought back to life through genetic experiments and fossil preservation.
In Jurassic Park, a group of experts is invited to this island paradise by a billionaire tycoon, but their laid-back retreat quickly turns into a nightmare when a power failure releases the prehistoric creatures from their enclosures. Jurassic Park was a trailblazer in special effects and won three Academy Awards for its sound and visual effects. Plus, it also has the voice of Richard Attenborough.
We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story (1993)
Can you picture a scenario where kids become the best friends of more than one dinosaur? Something similar happens in our last pick on the list, The Dinosaur’s Story. The film begins when a T-rex, a triceratops, a pteranodon, and a parasaurolophus are discovered by two kids living in the heart of New York City.
The dinosaurs have traveled to the future, thanks to a time-traveling scientist, and now the scientist’s evil brother wants to use these big harmless dinosaurs in their circus to flatten his pockets. This film was produced by none other than Steven Spielberg and also shared a release date with Jurassic Park.
So, these were our top 10 picks for movies about dinosaurs. Did your favourite make the cut? Leave a comment below and let us know!