5 Most Powerful Anime Dragons, Ranked

The anime medium has never been short on fantastical monsters. And when it comes to great beasts of the fantasy variety, none are more seminal or recognizable than dragons.

Over the course of the anime medium’s long, rich history, a variety of impressive dragons have come to the surface. From devastatingly powerful villains to complex characters sporting tragic backstories, the dragons of anime have provided viewers with a litany of different storytelling themes and concepts over the years. Of the many examples for fans to discover, a select few stand out when it comes to the eyebrow-raising levels of power they possess.

5 Rayquaza – A Wildly Overpowered Pokemon

A Meteor-Munching Dragon Residing Above The Ozone Layer

• Debut episode: MS007: Pokemon: Destiny Deoxys

The Mega form of this impressive Legendary Pokemon serves as one of the long-running franchise’s most over-the-top figures when it comes to power. Usually residing in the stratosphere, this mighty dragon has the capacity to completely neutralize and even devour meteors.

While this could potentially be great news for planet Earth if a disaster were to ever strike, it also showcases how Rayquaza is essentially levels above most Pokemon. The knack for meteor destruction extends to locking horns with the typically devastating Minior, who is among the many unable to handle Rayquaza’s offense. A key figure in the Pokemon Emerald game, this popular figure has also made multiple appearances in anime shows and films, with eager fans keeping their eyes peeled for the dragon’s highly-anticipated appearances.

4 Shooting Star – The Deadliest Of Lodoss’ Dragons

Shooting Star Relishes Wiping Out Locations With His Fiery Attacks

• Debut episode: The Sword of the Dark Emperor

The dreaded Demon Dragon serves as the most powerful—and most evil—of the Five Chromatic Dragons. As one of the Five, Shooting Star was tasked with protecting the Governor’s Treasures, serving as the guardian of the Sceptre of Domination.

What makes Shooting Star such a terrifying figure is the immensely destructive nature of his powers. Often essentially hibernating, this red menace would emerge for hunting seasons, utterly destroying human settlements and cities with his fire-breathing assaults. The flames Shooting Star can produce made him one of the most powerful beings in all of Lodoss, ensuring he was a consistent subject of fear for inhabitants across the board.

3 Bahamut – Destructive Ways Led To A Mighty Alliance Against Him

Possesses The Power To Wipe Out Mistarcia

• Debut episode: Encounter Wytearp

It’s a testament to just how strong and destructive Bahamut is that the gods, demons, and mortals he’d terrorized banded together to stop him. Despite such a monumental alliance, however, Bahamut was simply too powerful to be put down, with everyone agreeing to simply imprison him instead.

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The land of Mistarcia finally discovers some peace in the aftermath of Bahamut’s imprisonment. However, 2000 years later, when the series’ main plot kicks off, the threat of his return remains ever-present, with characters frequently warring over whether he should remain imprisoned. Considering he has the power to completely wipe out Mistarcia, though, the threat of his return is a major source of suspense in the series.

2 Acnologia – Became Everything He Swore To Battle Against

A Dark And Troubling Figure Who Showcases The Dangers Of Obsession

• Debut episode: Let’s Join Hands

In a dark example of someone becoming what they hate, Acnologia was once a vengeful Dragon Slayer. Needless to say, his heavy reliance on Dragon Slayer Magic eventually backfired, leaving him reborn as the fearsome Dragon King, transforming into a dragon form of his own at will.

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Acnologia’s origin story is one of tragedy, with him starting as a noble doctor and caring family man. Unfortunately, the Kingdom of Fiore’s long-running dragon issue rears its ugly head, and Acnologia’s family is caught in the crossfire as the city he resides in is destroyed during a dragon attack. Needless to say, this horrifying event set him on the dragon-slaying path, one that eventually ended in the cruel irony of him becoming the ultimate dragon.

1 Super Shenron – Make Any Wish Come True

This Mighty Dragon Can Prove Very Useful To Anyone Who Manages The Near-Impossible Summoning Process

• Debut episode: Come Forth, Divine Dragon! And Grant My Wish, Peas and Carrots!

Few stats quite hammer home strength the way unlimited power does. In the acclaimed Dragon Ball Super, Super Shenron is revealed to be the Dragon of the Gods.

In order to summon this seemingly omnipotent figure, all seven of the enormous Super Dragon Balls must be examined. To put that into perspective, every Super Dragon Ball is the size of a planet. Needless to say, upon pulling off that monumental feat, summoners have earned the right to a moment in Super Shenron’s presence, during which they can make a wish. Thanks to his all-powerful abilities, from healing and resurrections to total annihilation, essentially any wish can be granted on the spot.

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