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Animated comedy

Wish Dragon (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Wish Dragon (2021) movie poster

Wish Dragon is a 2021 animated comedy directed by Chris Appelhans, starring Jimmy Wong as Din, John Cho and Natasha Liu Bordizzo. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $21.1 million worldwide. Critics gave it 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
71%
worldwide gross
$21.1M
Echo Score
80
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Wish Dragon (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Director
Chris Appelhans
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Wish Dragon About?

The premise of Wish Dragon without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In modern-day Shanghai, a young man named Din unexpectedly encounters Long, a hilarious and talkative dragon with the power to grant wishes. As Din navigates this extraordinary opportunity, he sets out on a quest to reconnect with Lina, a childhood friend. Through their adventure, they explore the complexities of friendship, love, and the true meaning of happiness when limitless possibilities arise.

Wish Dragon Themes & Keywords

· 33 tags
  • dragon
  • cgi animation
  • magic
  • puppy
  • computer animation
  • boy
  • chinese
  • wish
  • shanghai
  • childhood
  • best friend
  • friend
+21 more
  • power
  • china
  • secret
  • promise
  • friendship
  • birthday
  • wealth
  • lie
  • heaven
  • expectation
  • 3d animation
  • gold
  • 2020s
  • 21st century
  • cg animation
  • urban adventure
  • 3d
  • 3 dimensional
  • shanghai china
  • asia
  • urban setting
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Cast & crew

Wish Dragon Cast & Characters

Jimmy Wong leads the cast as Din, with John Cho as Long and Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Li Na. Directed by Chris Appelhans; 15 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Wish Dragon

· 11 more
From the director

More from Chris Appelhans

One more film directed by Chris Appelhans: KPop Demon Hunters.

Full filmography
Ratings

Wish Dragon Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Wish Dragon 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (82) and weakest in story & flow (71).

80 /100

Wish Dragon Echo Score Breakdown

Wish Dragon lands in a middle ground between earnest charm and familiar storytelling. Critics note the film’s weak moral and unoriginal plot, yet acknowledge its amusing sight gags and vibrant world‑building, while audiences celebrate its heartfelt characters and engaging visuals. The animation’s detailed style and culturally resonant representation add appeal, and many viewers report repeat‑watch interest. Consequently, the movie offers modest enjoyment with notable strengths in character and sensory presentation, offset by a conventional narrative.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 73

    In terms of direction and visual design, the film presents a vivid, animated world that reviewers describe as fresh and detailed. Sight‑gag sequences and exaggerated animation are highlighted as strengths, while some critics find the overall world‑building less innovative. The mixed commentary yields a solid, though not groundbreaking, artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 82

    When evaluating character depth and emotional resonance, critics and viewers alike note the film’s heartfelt and dynamic personalities. Praise centers on the enjoyable chemistry and a message that connects with audiences, whereas minor critiques point to a lack of complexity in supporting roles. Overall, the character work is perceived as a strong, emotionally engaging component.

  • Story & Flow 71

    The narrative is identified as both familiar and occasionally charming. Critics observe that the plot relies on well‑trod tropes and a simplistic moral, yet acknowledge moments where the story becomes entertaining and heartfelt. User feedback emphasizes enjoyable pacing and a satisfying emotional core, resulting in a moderately positive assessment of the storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Sensory elements, particularly the animation’s color palette and visual flair, receive commendation for their richness and cultural references. While specific remarks on sound design are scarce, the overall auditory‑visual experience is deemed lively and appealing. This combination of vivid visuals and engaging sound contributes positively to the film’s sensory impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 79

    Rewatch factor is reflected in audience enthusiasm and repeat‑view interest. Multiple users express that the film exceeds expectations and remains enjoyable on subsequent viewings, highlighting its humor, cultural representation, and emotional moments as reasons to return. Though critics do not directly address longevity, the prevailing viewer sentiment suggests a strong desire to revisit, indicating a high rewatch potential.

Plot

Wish Dragon Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Wish Dragon from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Din Song is a hardworking college student living in Shanghai, who harbors a deep longing to reconnect with his childhood friend, Li Na. She moved away ten years ago with her father, Mr. Wang, and now enjoys a life of luxury. One day, an old man gifts Din a mysterious teapot, which releases a wish dragon named Long. Long reveals to Din that he will grant him three wishes, making Din the tenth and final master he has served. In return, fulfilling Din’s wishes will free Long from his servitude, allowing him to enter the Spirit world.

Full summary

The whole story of Wish Dragon, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Wish Dragon Box Office

Wish Dragon grossed $21.1 million worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$21.1M

International
$21.1M
Videos

Wish Dragon Trailers & Videos

8 videos: 2 trailers, 3 clips, 1 featurette and 2 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 8 videos
Wish Dragon | Date Announce Trailer
  • Trailer Wish Dragon | Official Trailer | Netflix
  • Clip Meet Long, the Wish Dragon | Netflix Futures
  • Clip Din’s First Wish: Ultimate Fight Skills | Netflix Futures
  • Clip Wish Dragon "Endless Sky" Song Clip | Netflix Futures
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Wish Dragon?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is Din's childhood friend that he wishes to reconnect with?

Details

Wish Dragon Also Known As

32 alternative titles, including “许愿神龙” and “Önskedraken”.

Also known as
  • 许愿神龙
  • Önskedraken
  • De Wensdraak
  • Дракон желаний
  • تنّين الأماني
  • มังกรอธิษฐาน
  • Le Dragon-génie
  • Il drago dei desideri
  • El dragón de los deseos
  • El dragón de la tetera
  • Din e o Dragão Genial
  • O Dragão dos Desejos
+20 more
  • 위시 드래곤
  • ウィッシュ・ドラゴン
  • Дракон бажань
  • Волшебный дракон
  • 許願神龍
  • A kívánságsárkány
  • Der Wunschdrache
  • Smok życzeń
  • Zmaj iz čajnika
  • Το Τζίνι-Δράκος
  • דרקון המשאלות
  • Kouzelný drak
  • Ước Nguyện Thần Long
  • Sihirli Ejder
  • Ønskedragen
  • Змај Жеља
  • Norus pildantis drakonas
  • اژدهای آرزو
  • Dragonul magic
  • Дракон на желанията

Seen Wish Dragon?

FAQ

Wish Dragon FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Wish Dragon, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Wish Dragon?

Wish Dragon runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was Wish Dragon released?

Wish Dragon was released on June 11, 2021.

Who directed Wish Dragon?

Wish Dragon was directed by Chris Appelhans.

More films by Chris Appelhans

Who is in the cast of Wish Dragon?

Wish Dragon stars Jimmy Wong as Din, John Cho as Long and Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Li Na, among 15 credited actors.

How much did Wish Dragon make at the box office?

Wish Dragon grossed $21.1 million worldwide.

How is Wish Dragon rated?

Wish Dragon has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 59 on Metacritic and 79% on TMDB.

Does Wish Dragon have a post-credit scene?

No. Wish Dragon has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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