Dinosaursmay be extinct, but they’ve been on-screen for over a century, ever since films likeBrute ForceandGertie the Dinosaurin the 1910s paved the way. The creatures experienced a massive resurgence in popularity with Steven Spielberg’s masterpieceJurassic Park, reigniting the profitability of dinosaurs. Despite dinosaurs beings so popular and not being tied to one IP, it appears that most studios are worried about making more dinosaur pictures and thatJurassic Parkhas that market cornered.
However, countless memorable pictures have depicted the prehistoric creatures to some extent, with many becoming beloved and entertaining staples moviegoers can’t get enough of. The silver screen has been home to some spectacular dinosaur creations, from heart-warming animated tales to adrenaline-pumping adventure flicks, live-action adaptations to monster movies. Whether you’re in the mood to watch John Goodman and Rick Moranis help bring the famous Stone Age family,The Flintstones, to life or embark on a sidesplitting adventure in the animated comedyIce Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, there is bound to be a prehistoric picture to satisfy your needs. Here are the best movies about dinosaurs that aren’t theJurassic Parkfilms.
Update August 22, 2025: This article has been updated with even more great dinosaur films that are notJurassic Parkfilms, including where each title is streaming.
1065 (2023)
After crashing on an alien planet, space pilot Mills, played by Adam Driver, is surprised to find that dinosaurs roam and rule over the land. As he tries to find his bearings, he meets a young girl, and the two traverse the deadly landscape together. When they eventually learn the truth about the planet they find themselves on, they plan to escape before an inevitable catastrophe is set to wipe out the dinosaurs.
What Makes it Great
Mixing elements of sci-fi, action, and drama,65is a consistently exciting and entertaining movie that focuses on a small and intimate cast of Adam Driver and Ariana Greenblatt. It is an ideal ‘Lone Wolf and Cub’ set-up. The film consistently keeps you on the edge of your seat, the performances are sincere and memorable, and the special effects look amazing; what more would you want for a dino-action-focused experience? Note: The inclusion in this list is more mature than others, as the action and violence are aimed at mature audiences and parents wanting tomatch the excitement of the action scenes ofJurassic Worldto share with their older kids.
Stream 65 on Netflix
9Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s New Dinosaur (2020)
After accidentally finding a fossilized dinosaur egg, Nobita uses a magical item called a “Time Wrapping Cloth” to make it hatch, leading to the discovery of a new breed of dinosaur. Twins hatch from the egg, which Nobita names Kyu and Myu, and along with his friends, including the titular Doraemon, they seek to learn more about how to care for the dinosaurs, eventually taking them back to their era through a time machine.
While Doraemon may not be as infamous here in the West, the Japanese character is one of themost beloved family-friendly creations, dating back to 1969.Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s New Dinosauris just one of the many anime movies/series following Nobita and Doraemon. However, it is a great starting point, especially for those looking for more dinosaur-related content. The movie also balances touching moments between the group, making it one of the more emotionally resonating movies in the franchise. Finally, its focus on education and celebrating friendship makes it a comfortable and rewarding watch for kids.Doraemon the Movie Nobita’s New Dinosauris not available for Rent or Stream.
8We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story (1993)
Based on the Hudson Talbott children’s book of the same name, the 1993 animated adventure comedyWe’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Storytells the dazzling story of a time-traveling scientist who goes back to prehistoric times and feeds four fun-loving dinosaurs a magical cereal that increases their intelligence; the anthropomorphized creatures landin modern-day New York City, where they partake in a series of hilarious adventures.
Related:Best Dinosaur Documentaries to Watch, Ranked
The heartwarming flick features an impressive voice cast including John Goodman, Jay Leno, and Martin Short, and should have capitalized on the dinosaur craze in pop culture afterJurassic Parkwas released half a year earlier, but failed to make much of an impact at the box office (despite Steven Spielberg producing both films).We’re Back!earned praise for its voice performances and animation, brilliantly mixing traditional and computer animation, but was largely overshadowed by the massiveJurassic Park.
Rent We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story on Apple TV
7Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary headline the 2009 animated adventure comedyIce Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,which takes place in a tropical lost world buried beneath the ice, and once again centers on three entertaining heroes: woolly mammoth Manny, ground sloth Sid, and saber-tooth tiger Diego. The friends attempt to rescue Sid after a female Tyrannosaurus takes him after stealing her eggs.
The third installment oftheIce Agemovie franchise, the blockbuster picture was decided to be a “more what-if adventure” and added the element of dinosaurs and a secret world to the series, withBlue Sky Studios describing it“like finding the giant ape inKing Kongor a Shangri-la in the middle of snow.”Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurswent on to have the highest-grossing opening for an animated film, and its success led to two more popular sequels in the franchise: 2012’sIce Age: Continental Driftand 2016’sIce Age: Collision Course.
Stream Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs on Disney+
6The Land Before Time (1988)
Following the adventures of a group of young dinosaurs living in prehistoric times, the 1988 animated adventure dramaThe Land Before Timefocuses on a “Longneck” named Little Foot who becomes orphaned when his mother is killed by a viciousTyrannosaurus, and sets out to flee famine and upheaval to search for the Great Valley. Along his inspiring journey, Little Foot meets a group of mismatched dinosaurs that become his close companions and friends, who also want to reunite with their families in the sacred valley.
Theanimated movie from Don Bluthexplores the issue of prejudice between the different species and the hardships they endure, withDon Bluth having explained, “…we came up with another idea that none of these dinosaurs get along with each other, they all hate each other. They’re taught from the time they were born not to associate with each other, that’s racism.”The Land Before Timeearned rave reviews for its stunning animation and endearing message, generating a whopping 13 direct-to-video sequels.
Rent The Land Before Time on Apple TV
5The Flintstones (1994)
Based on the beloved TVcartoon series from the ’60s, the 1994 family comedyThe Flintstonesbrings the iconic Stone Age family and their pet dinosaur Dino to life, following the well-meaning yet dim-witted factory worker patriarch Fred Flintstone as he loans neighbor and close-pal Barney Rubble money, so he can adopt a baby. After getting promoted due to Barney repaying the favor, Fred finds himself embroiled in the schemes of his greedy boss.
Related:The 10 Best Dinosaur Animated TV Shows of All Time
John Goodman takes on the epic role of Fred Flintstone, capturing the character’s essence beautifully while starring alongside Elizabeth Perkins, Rick Moranis, and Rosie O’Donnell; the seasoned actorbeat out fellow starslike John Candy, Chevy Chase, and Bill Murray for the coveted role. Audiences and fans of the cartoon praisedThe Flintstonesfor its faithfulness to its source material, visual effects, costume design, and performances, and it went on to be a box office hit, ultimately inspiring the 2000 prequel titledThe Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas.
Rent the Flintstones on Apple TV
4Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Adapted from the Jules Verne classic science fiction novel, the 2008 sci-fi action-adventure flickJourney to the Center of the Earthdepicts the harrowing quest of Professor Trevor Anderson, his nephew Sean, and their guide Hannah as they become trapped during an expedition to Iceland and discover a mystical and dangerous lost world at the center of the earth. As the brave trio travels deeper and deeper within the planet on their only escape route, they encounter strange places and wondrous creatures, including terrifying dinosaurs.
Starring Brendan Fraser,Josh Hutcherson, and Anita Briem,Journey to the Center of the Earthbrings audiences on an incredible ride, masterfully fusing modern visuals and technology with the adored old-fashioned storyline and thrilling moviegoers in the process. Fraser is in all his charming and swash-buckling glory, withNewsBlazeproclaiming, “Brendan Fraser’s playful force of personality rules, 3D or no 3D, one of the few funny guys who could grab attention away from a dinosaur in assault mode, in the center of the earth or anywhere else on the planet.”
Rent Journey to the Center of the Earth on Apple TV
3Dinosaur (2000)
Walt Disney’s breathtaking 2000 live-action/computer-animated flickDinosaurtells the tale of a young orphanedIguanodon who is raised by a family of lemurs on a tropical island and must embark on an arduous trek to sanctuary after a devastating meteor shower destroys his family home. With a budget of $127.5 million, the Disney picture was reportedly themost expensive computer-animated filmat the time and became the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2000, grossing $350 million worldwide.
Dinosaurearned praise for its gorgeous opening sequence and outstanding animation but was ultimately criticized for its lack of originality and similarities withThe Land Before Time.Nonetheless, the animated flick led to numerous exhibits and a video game and was a smash hit with a home video release in 2001. The movie still stands as a testament to Disney’s constant push to utilize new technology to create memorable stories.
Stream Dinosaur on Disney+
2King Kong (2005)
The renowned Peter Jackson directed the 2005 epic adventure monster movieKing Kong,which takes place in 1933 and focuses on an ambitious filmmaker who coerces his cast and crew to travel to the mysterious Skull Island to create their picture. During their journey, the group encounters frightening prehistoric creatures dwelling on the island and the legendarymassive gorilla known as Kong,whom they capture and bring to New York City.
In the cinematic wonder, Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody, and Jack Black headline the gripping film that stands as one of the greatest remakes of all time. In one harrowing scene, their characters narrowly avoid a dinosaur stampede; an epic showdown takes place between Kong and three giant T-Rexs, with the giant gorilla protecting Watts’ Ann Darrow. The sequence is an incredible display of action, as Kong and the dinosaurs battle wages across various terrains in Skull Island. The sequence of Kong fighting the various T-Rex was so popular that it inspired various rides at Universal Studios theme parks around the world.King Kongwon three Academy Awards and grossed over $500 million, garnering acclaim for its superb special effects, direction, and dynamite performances.
Rent King Kong on Apple TV
1The Good Dinosaur (2015)
The Good Dinosaur
Disney and Pixar’s 2015 animated adventure filmThe Good Dinosaurwonderfully explores an alternate history where non-avian dinosaurs never became extinct and centers on a young and sheepishApatosaurus named Arlo who makes an unlikely human friend on his quest to return home after being washed downriver by a rainstorm. The studios and director Peter Sohn wanted to discover what dinosaurs would represent in present day, with filmmakerBob Peterson revealing,“It’s time to do a movie where you get to know the dinosaur and to be with a dinosaur.”
The Good Dinosaur features nature as the antagonist to the main character, Arlo, and pays homage to the Western genre and its themes, character development, and gorgeous North American landscapes.Despite a lackluster box office performance, the animated movie received positive reviews from critics, withthe Los Angeles Timesdescribing it as “antic and unexpected as well as homiletic, rife with subversive elements, wacky critters and some of the most beautiful landscapes ever seen in a computer-animated film.” It has slowly grown over time to have a cult following thanks to the wonderful mix of cartoonish character designs against realistic backdrops that give the film a unique look, unlike any other animated film.
