Pete's Dragon
Performance & Direction: Pete's Dragon Review
Last updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Pete's Dragon (1977) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Pete's Dragon features a noteworthy lineup led by Sean Marshall . Supported by the likes of Helen Reddy and Jim Dale , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Pete's Dragon
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1977, Pete's Dragon is a Fantasy, Animation, Comedy, Family film directed by Don Chaffey. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sean Marshall.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Pete, a young orphan, runs away to a Maine fishing town with his best friend a lovable, sometimes invisible dragon named Elliott! When they are taken in by a kind lighthouse keeper, Nora, and her father, Elliott's prank playing lands them in big trouble. Then, when crooked salesmen try to capture Elliott for their own gain, Pete must attempt a daring rescue. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Sean Marshall's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Pete's Dragon
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Don Chaffey, Pete's Dragon concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to fantasy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Sean Marshall, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Pete's Dragon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Pete's Dragon?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Sean Marshall or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Pete's Dragon
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Pete's Dragon Budget
The estimated production budget for Pete's Dragon is $10.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Pete's Dragon
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Where to Watch Pete's Dragon Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomePete's Dragon Parents Guide & Age Rating
1977 AdvisoryWondering about Pete's Dragon age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Pete's Dragon is 128 minutes (2h 8m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Pete's Dragon is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1977 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pete's Dragon worth watching?
Pete's Dragon is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Pete's Dragon parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Pete's Dragon identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Pete's Dragon?
The total duration of Pete's Dragon is 128 minutes, which is approximately 2h 8m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
