Pete’s Dragon

Last Updated on: January 20th, 2024

Pete's Dragon 1977 movie

“Pete’s Dragon” is a 1977 live-action/animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Productions. It tells the heartwarming story of a young orphan boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who happens to be a magical dragon.

The film begins with Pete escaping from his abusive adoptive family and wandering into the forest, where he befriends Elliott, a large, green, and furry dragon who can turn invisible. Together, they form a strong bond and become inseparable friends.

The small fishing town where Pete and Elliott reside is skeptical about the existence of the dragon, but a kind-hearted lighthouse keeper named Nora and her father Lampie eventually come to believe the boy’s stories. Nora and Lampie help Pete find a new home in the town, away from his previous hardships.

Meanwhile, a traveling quack named Dr. Terminus, and his partner, Hoagy, discover Elliott’s existence and see an opportunity to profit from the dragon’s magical abilities. They attempt to capture Elliott and exploit his powers for their own gain.

As the story unfolds, Pete and Elliott must protect each other from those who want to exploit them while also proving the existence of the friendly dragon to the disbelieving townspeople.

“Pete’s Dragon” is a heartwarming tale that explores themes of friendship, family, and the power of belief. The film is known for its touching moments, catchy musical numbers, and groundbreaking combination of live-action and animation.

The film received positive reviews from both audiences and critics, praising the performances, animation, and touching story. It became a beloved classic, captivating generations of viewers with its charming characters and feel-good message.

In 2016, Disney released a live-action remake of “Pete’s Dragon,” featuring a reimagined storyline and updated visual effects while retaining the heart of the original film.

Overall, “Pete’s Dragon” has left a lasting impact on Disney’s film legacy, demonstrating the power of friendship and the importance of believing in the extraordinary. It continues to be cherished by audiences of all ages as one of Disney’s most heartwarming and magical stories.


Fun Facts

  • Pete’s Dragon is the first Disney animated movie on which none of the 9 original Disney animators worked on.
  • Pete’s Dragon was remade once in 2016.


Additional Details

  • Movie Studio:
  • Year Released: 1977
  • Type of Movie: Live-Action
  • Box Office: $36 million
  • Awards: Nominated 2 Academy Awards; Nominated Golden Globes
  • IMDB Link

Cast

Crew

  • Director: Don Chaffey
  • Producers: Jerome Courtland and Ron Miller
  • Music: Irwin Kostal

Movie Trailer:


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About the Author

Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.