Dragons happen to be one of, if not the, most popular and enticing fantasy creatures in existence. The Pokémon franchise is no different as the Dragon-types often end up being some of the most beloved, used, and memorable creatures in the series' history. Excluding legendary and mythical Pokémon, what are the best Dragon-types from every generation? It seems that's a task worth completing simply due to the love for the typing. Let's now rank the best Dragon-type Pokémon from every generation through Pokémon Sword & Shield.
8 Dragapult (Gen 8)
The Galar region has a solid selection of non-legendary or mythical dragon-types which makes sense for a region based on the United Kingdom. The combination of Dragon and Ghost-types is unique and allows a creature like Dragapult to stand out among the crowd. It's a naturally fast Pokémon and possesses one of the fastest speed base stats in the franchise. It makes sense considering Dragapult's head resembles a stealth bomber. The Dreepy stashed away in its horns are also shot out at Mach speed when it gets into battle.
7 Kommo-O (Gen 7)
Kommo-O may not have the wingspan of Salamence or the look of Tyrantrum, but it's very much a Dragon-type in every sense of the word. It has a great deal of respect for not only itself but the world around it. When something comes upon it, it shakes its scales as a warning since it has no desire to battle something it greatly overpowers.
It also doesn't battle for no reason, it does so to become strong enough to defeat the darkness it feels is beginning to envelop and cover the world. The Scaly Pokémon is a true protector of its planet.
6 Tyrantrum (Gen 6)
Though Tyrantrum provides a strong case as to why the games should have a Dinosaur-type, it was labeled as a Dragon-type so that's what we'll go with. This Pokémon embodiment of the tyrannosaurus rex is every bit the part and intimidates humans and all other living things in very much the same way its inspiration has. It sports a golden headpiece to better clarify that it is the king/queen of its domain. If Tyrantrum wasn't cool enough on its own, its shiny form trades in the red for blue and makes it even more alluring.
5 Hydreigon (Gen 5)
What's more terrifying than a dragon? What about a dragon with three heads? Hydreigon is specifically that and has a name that reflects its look as a cross between a hydra and a dragon. It comes equipped with great base stats across the board but makes its mark with its special attack ability.
Its secondary heads don't have brains, so it uses them as tools of destruction. The mix of Dragon and Dark-typings doesn't seem unique, but Hydreigon's evolutionary line is the only non-legendary Dark/Dragon-types in the entire franchise.
4 Garchomp (Gen 4)
Garchomp is the Mach Pokémon, and the best Dragon-type in the entire Sinnoh region. One of the best abilities in the franchise is Rough Skin, which makes it so those who physically attack and hit the Pokémon with the ability, get damaged. It's an extra level of defense that allows Garchomp to seemingly inflict damage twice every single turn. Its special attack and defense leave a lot to be desired, but when it comes to the physical battles, you're hard-pressed to find one better equipped than Garchomp, even outside of its own typing.
3 Salamence (Gen 3)
Since Charizard isn't technically a Dragon-type, that means that Salamence holds the crown as the most authentic-looking Dragon-type in the entire Pokémon franchise. Many other Dragon-types don't have wings, or feet, or are sometimes dragon-adjacent fantasy creatures and dinosaurs that get lumped in. Salamence embodies everything that makes dragons both cool and intimidating. It may be a lofty investment to obtain as Shelgon doesn't evolve until level 50, but Salamence's base stats show it provides a return on investment immediately.
2 Kingdra (Gen 2)
Many fans look back fondly on the 2nd generation of games, Pokémon Gold & Silver, without realizing the entire Johto region only had one Dragon-type Pokémon. That's right, Kingdra is the only Dragon-type in the region, and it's technically not even native to Johto as it is an evolved form of Seadra from Kanto.
Thankfully it holds its own and lives up to its typing with a set of base stats that are all pretty solid in their own right. Kingdra is labeled as the Dragon Pokémon, which makes sense when you're the only one of a type in an entire generation.
1 Dragonite (Gen 1)
If GameFreak and The Pokémon Company did the right thing and made Charizard a Dragon-type, it would land in this spot. Since that isn't the case that means the best Dragon-type native to Kanto happens to be Dragonite. This Pokémon gets a lot of flak due to its goofy appearance, but it sure does pack a punch. On top of that, it happens to be a lot more charismatic and kind than Charizard, if the anime is any indication of general personalities among Pokémon. It may not look the part, but Dragonite is the best Dragon-type of the first generation of games.