Pete's Dragon

Pete's Dragon

Year: 1977

Runtime: 128 min

Language: English

Director: Don Chaffey

AdventureFantasyFamilyMusical

In the Pacific Northwest, a young woodcarver shares stories of a dragon with the local children. His daughter, Grace, doesn’t believe in such creatures until she encounters Pete, an orphaned boy who insists he lives with a dragon. Intrigued, Grace and her friend Natalie begin to investigate Pete’s extraordinary claims. They soon find themselves on a heartwarming journey where they must discover the truth behind Pete's fantastical tale and the bond he shares with the dragon.

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Pete's Dragon (1977) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the mist‑cloaked forests of the Pacific Northwest, a modest woodcarver entertains the local children with tales of a shy, invisible dragon that watches over the towering pines. His quiet life is stirred when his spirited daughter Grace—who has never believed in such fantastical creatures—crosses paths with a wandering orphan, Pete, who insists that a real dragon lives in the woods with him. The chance meeting sparks a gentle curiosity that pulls Grace and her close‑knit friend Natalie into a quiet adventure of their own, as they begin to wonder whether the stories they’ve heard could be more than mere imagination.

The film’s mood balances the soft rustle of leaves and the warm glow of lantern light with a sense of wonder that feels both timeless and immediate. The natural world feels alive, its waterways and hidden clearings serving as both backdrop and character, inviting viewers to linger in the spaces where myth and reality may intertwine. The tone is tender and optimistic, coaxing the audience to share in the child‑like awe of discovering something extraordinary just beyond the known.

At its heart, the story is about the fragile bond that forms when belief is tested. Pete carries the weight of a lonely past, while Grace wrestles with the limits of her skepticism, and Natalie offers a steady chorus of encouragement. Their intertwined perspectives set the stage for a heartfelt exploration of trust, imagination, and the quiet courage required to chase a whispered legend. As they follow the faint trail of wonder through the forest, the film hints that some friendships—whether with people or unseen beings—can illuminate even the most solitary of journeys.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:14

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Pete's Dragon Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Pete's Dragon

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Pete's Dragon

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