16 of the Best Movie Dragons to Ring in the Lunar New Year
The Year of the Dragon is upon us. While China and Taiwan have formally used the more widespread Gregorian calendar for over a century, the traditional lunisolar calendar is still important in terms of culture and astrology. Typically referred to as the Lunar or Chinese New Year (although it's celebrated in several Asian countries, including Korea and Vietnam), it kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 10 this year, with Chinese celebrations concluding with the Lantern Festival on the 24th. Each year is represented by the transition from one animal to the next, with 12 in total, and an overlapping run of five elements. 2024 is, therefore, not just the Dragon year, but it's also a year of wood; one is associated with power and ambition, the other harmony and balance.
In celebration of this momentous, and hopefully not horrible, new lunar year, we'll take a look at dragons in film. Though often associated with China and East Asia, dragons come in a variety of international flavors and alignments, being formidable allies and/or fearful enemies. Like the new year itself, approach with care.
