Ranking the 10 best Dragon Pokemon from worst to best

Dragon-types are a powerful bunch. We’ve ranked the ten best Dragon Pokemon.

Dragons are an inherently powerful type. Not only are they often tucked away in the late game, but most of them look like they could reduce your house to rubble in seconds. On top of that, a large portion of Legendary Pokemon are Dragon-type, as are the vast majority of Pseudo-Legendaries. In Generation 6 they were seen as being so powerful that Fairy-type was introduced just to balance it.

So what makes a good Dragon Pokemon? In short, they should be able to kick ass and look the part while they do it. Even if they’re lacking in power, there’s a certain aura surrounding the best Dragon-types; they look at you like they know they’re better than you. Even when they are just a tiny apple.

Dragapult

Dragapult best Dragon. Picture: The Pokemon Company

It boggles the mind that this is only the second Ghost/Dragon Pokemon in existence. Giratina showed just how awesome they can be, and now Dragapult has come along to hammer that point home. I could talk about its great stats or unique design, but let’s just focus on the fact that it fires its pre-evolutions out of cannons on its head.

Kingdra

Kingdra best Dragon. Picture: The Pokemon Company

You wouldn’t think a sea horse could be this terrifying, but Kingdra will quickly put you in your place. It manages to be slim and light while having an overwhelming sense of power thanks to the sprawling nature of its fins and ears. Not to mention, with powerful Water and Ice moves under its belt, very little can stand up to it.

Latios & Latias

Latios and Latias. Picture: The Pokemon Company

It seems unfair to separate the Lati-twins on this list given how similar their designs are. They incorporate the idea of modern aircraft without just being an aeroplane with a face. A tonne of character comes off their looks. Just from a glance, you can see Latias’ younger playful nature as well as Latios’ quiet confidence, it’s a masterclass in how to make appealing Pokemon.

Altaria

Altaria. Picture: The Pokemon Company

Altaria proves that Dragon-types can still look cute while holding terrifying power. Bulk is the name of Altaria’s game, and once it gets set up, nothing is breaking through that wall. It’ll sit there and slowly chip away at anything you put in front of it until it is victorious. It does all this while being an adorable blue bird with more floof than you could ever ask for.

Naganadel

Naganadel. Picture: The Pokemon Company

Naganagel is arguably the perfect Ultra Beast. It has that otherworldly look, and it doesn’t fit in with other Pokemon, and yet it is still an undeniably fantastic design. The different shades of purple make it stand out in a crowd, and the sharpness of its wings brings to mind the deadliness of something like Crobat. If the rest of the Ultra Beasts took a leaf out of Naganadel’s book, they’d be looked on far more favourably today.

Salamence

Salamence. Picture: The Pokemon Company

Salamence has gone up and down over the years. It’s always looked cool, but a lot of other Pokemon, especially pseudo-Legendaries stole its thunder for many years. Eventually, it bit back with a Mega-Evolution that was popular in the competitive scene for a whole generation, and since then it’s gotten the respect it deserves.

Rayquaza

Rayquazabest. Picture: The Pokemon Company

Any argument against Rayquaza is nullified by the fact that in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire you ride on its back into space, through a meteor. It doesn’t matter how it looks (awesome), or how strong it is (very), it’s just too cool for you.

Dialga

Dialga. Picture: The Pokemon Company

Our final stop at Legendary corner, Dialga is the lord of time, and he sure looks the part. The royal blue is very appealing and contrasts with the glowing red eyes that probably see in more dimensions than we can count. Then you have its armour plating, which ups its cool factor, and a glowing diamond in the middle of its chest. Perfection.

Noivern

Noivern. Picture: The Pokemon Companny

If even the slightest detail on Noivern were different, it would probably look really stupid, but as it stands, every part of its design is in perfect balance to make it look fantastic. Purple and light blue aren’t colours that should work together, but with just enough black to separate them, this design works despite itself.

Garchomp

Supplied Garchomp best Dragon Pokemon screenshot, supplied by The Pokemon Company

A land shark that would tear you to pieces before you even reach for your Pokéball, Garchomp is everything great about Dragons. It’s powerful, intimidating, and it knows it. The blue gives it a cool look, while the red and yellow make it pop, drawing attention to all of its sharpest and most terrifying features.

Written by Ryan Woodrow on behalf of GLHF.