Warning! This post contains spoilers for The Dragon Prince.
Netflix’s animated adventure series, The Dragon Prince, has recently concluded its seventh season, prompting fans to revisit and rank all seasons of this underrated gem. The series boasts an impressive 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing its creative brilliance. Combining fantasy elements with rich storytelling, The Dragon Prince appeals to enthusiasts of iconic franchises like The Lord of the Rings, despite its lower profile compared to other mainstream fantasy narratives.
The series follows the journey of two human princes, Ezran and Callum, along with Rayla, a Moonshadow Elf from the mystical land of Xadia. For years, the human and magical realms were embroiled in conflict, but their path changes when they unite to protect the egg of the Dragon Prince. The epic scale of the narrative is captivating, yet certain seasons stand out as superior to others. Below, we present a ranked list of all seven seasons of The Dragon Prince, from least to most impressive.
7 Season 5
Season 5 Lacked The Action of Other Seasons
Debuting on July 22, 2023, Season 5 ranks as the weakest installment in the series. While the quality of voice acting, animation, and character development remained high, the storyline fell short compared to earlier seasons. This decline can be attributed to a significant shift in the show’s narrative direction following the previous season.
Seasons 1 to 3 followed a clear path, focusing on Rayla, Callum, and Ezran as they endeavored to safeguard the Dragon Prince’s egg while working toward harmony between humans and magical beings. This lengthy arc culminated in Season 3 with an intense showdown reflecting the escalating tensions between the two realms.
With Season 4 ushering in an entirely new narrative arc titled “The Mystery of Aaravos,”Season 5 struggled to find its footing. It appeared to serve as a transitional phase, lacking the excitement and engagement characteristic of previous seasons. Ultimately, this resulted in a narrative that felt somewhat stagnant, disappointing fans who were accustomed to the series’ high standards.
6 Season 4
Season 4’s Pacing Deceleration
Season 4 marked the introduction of “The Mystery of Aaravos,”which set out to lay the groundwork for this fresh narrative. While establishing a new direction was necessary after the climactic resolution of Season 3, it presented challenges in pacing and character dynamics.
Viewers were disappointed when Rayla, having just confessed her feelings to Callum, opted to venture alone, creating an unexpected rift in their relationship. This regression undermined the emotional buildup developed over the previous three seasons.
Despite this, intriguing developments emerged, particularly for Claudia, who became increasingly embroiled in dark magic as she resurrected her father, Viren. This decision effectively marked her descent into villainy, providing a captivating layer to her character arc.
5 Season 7
A Rush to the Conclusion in Season 7
Regrettably, season 7 failed to provide the satisfying conclusion that fans hoped for. Many viewers felt the series finale was rushed, leaving lingering questions about the show’s abrupt termination with this season. Speculation surrounding a possible cancellation arose, particularly since Season 6 had positioned itself for more expansive storytelling.
While there were glimmers of inner conflict for Callum facing Aaravos, the expected depth of character development was lacking. The climactic defeat of Aaravos, albeit inevitable, was executed in a swift manner that left audiences unsatisfied, especially considering the substantial obstacles previously laid out in Season 6.
Ultimately, Aaravos’s defeat seemed surprisingly straightforward. Although he hinted at a return in seven years, the imminent threat felt diminished, given the series’ conclusion. This season was marred by some ill-conceived character choices, including Ezran’s unwarranted transformation into a ruthless king, and a poorly received joke about Zym’s voice that undermined the gravity of the ending.
4 Season 6
Season 6: Aaravos’ Threat Intensifies
Season 6 functioned as the series’ penultimate chapter, showcasing significant developments amidst the looming menace of Aaravos. His character was enriched as the tragic backstory of his daughter’s death was unveiled—an event that pushed him towards malevolence, albeit not mitigating his destructive actions.
Major narrative strides were achieved, including Viren’s death, which offered sympathy for his character as he was driven to dark magic in a desperate attempt to save his ailing son, Soren. Though the resolution fell short of providing complete closure for the family, Viren’s ultimate sacrifice added a hero’s layer to his arc.
3 Season 2
Season 2: A Successful Sequel
Season 2 emerges as one of the series’ strongest offerings. Despite the common challenges sequels face, it preserved the essence of its predecessor while enriching character arcs and advancing the overarching narrative. By honing in on established relationships and character development, it effectively expanded upon the groundwork laid in Season 1.
Rather than serving solely as a bridge between the first and third seasons, Season 2 succeeded in telling its own story, introducing new elements that harmonized seamlessly with the overall narrative. Even against the backdrop of subsequent seasons, it stands out as a high point in the series.
2 Season 1
The Groundbreaking Season 1
The inaugural season of The Dragon Prince ranks as its second-best, expertly laying the foundation for the show’s lore. Establishing a captivating narrative in a fantasy context is challenging, but Season 1 managed to do so with remarkable success, introducing central characters like Ezran, Callum, and Rayla in an engaging manner.
Quickly outlining the stakes and the turbulent relationship between Katolis and Xadia, Season 1 captured viewers’ interest effectively. Its ability to maintain narrative allure upon revisiting solidified its role as a foundational season, setting the tone for subsequent seasons and contributing to the series’ acclaim, evidenced by its six renewals and impressive Rotten Tomatoes score.
1 Season 3
Season 3: The Pinnacle of The Dragon Prince
Undoubtedly, Season 3 stands as the crowning achievement of the series, culminating in a spectacular conflict between magical beings and humans. This season featured a rich blend of new characters while unraveling the complicated history between humans and dragons, affirming its status as the one to beat.
As The Dragon Prince concludes with the seventh season, the future remains uncertain. The final moments hinted at a possible continuation, with characters referencing Aaravos’ and Claudia’s anticipated return. While this leaves the door ajar for future storytelling adventures, no concrete plans have been established to revive this beloved series.
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