The fascinating “How to Train Your Dragon” film series follows the incredible exploits of Toothless, the Dragon, and Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III. This exciting animated series, which spans three exciting parts—the 2010 original feature, the 2014 and 2019 see sequels, and the 2020 film—showcases the changing dynamic between humans and dragons in the Viking settlement of Berk.
These films have captured audiences’ attention worldwide with their breathtaking animation, poignant storytelling, and strong themes of bravery and camaraderie. They have left a lasting impression on both young and elderly viewers.
A Quick Info Regarding How To Train Your Dragon
| Release Date | 16-Apr-10 |
| Number of Movies | 8 |
| Genre | Animation |
| Comedy | |
| Action | |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Language | English |
| Running Time | 1 Hour 38 minutes |
| Starring | Jay Baruchel as Hiccup Horrendo |
| Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast | |
| America Ferrera as Astrid | |
| Kristen Wiig as Ruffnut | |
| Jonah Hill as Snotlout | |
| T.J. Miller as Tuffnut | |
| Created By | Cressida Cowell |
| Directed By | Dean DeBlois |
| Chris Sanders | |
| Produced By | Mark Platt |
| Adam Siegal | |
| Bonnie Arnold | |
| Dean DeBlois | |
| Production Companies | DreamWorks Animation |
| Vertigo Entertainment |
Watch How to Train Your Dragon Movies in Order
If you’re new to the series, it might be challenging to decide which movie you should see first in this series. Therefore, this is the order in which we advise our viewers to watch the film.
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
The first film in the series takes place in the Viking hamlet of Berk, where the young Viking, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, aspires to be a dragon slayer like his father, Berk’s chief, Stoick the Vast.
However, Hiccup is not like the other Vikings in his tribe. He learns that dragons are not as vicious as people think them to be when he becomes friends with a Night Fury dragon he calls Toothless.
Through their relationship, Hiccup learns about dragons and their calm demeanor. This movie’s message is to overcome prejudice and emphasize the value of empathy and understanding.
2. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Five years after the events of the first film, Hiccup and Toothless travel to new places and find a dragon sanctuary where dragons can dwell in peace.
In the meanwhile, Hiccup must overcome obstacles in his role as Berk’s future chief and deal with Drago Bludvist, a new foe who wants to rule dragons. Hiccup also reunites with Valka, his long-lost mother, who has been living among dragons.
The movie explores themes of sacrifice, family, and the repercussions of one’s choices as it explores the relationship between people and dragons.
3. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
The third installment in the series, The Hidden World, is a stunningly animated film that explores new worlds and dragon species while addressing the concerns of maintaining a civilization while protecting diverse factions.
In this movie, the issues in the second part appear to worsen. Hiccup encounters a villain who despises dragons and poses a threat to the species as a whole. He faces the trials of leadership and those of his dragon. At the movie’s end, they separate, but a few years later, the best friends get back together with their children.
View this post on Instagram
How to Train Your Dragon Short Films in Order
The series also includes five short movies. Let’s check out below.
1. Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010)
It is one of the first short movies in the How to Train Your Dragon series, released in 2010. The story follows Hiccup and his friends from the island of Berk as they embark on a new adventure.
The main focus is on a fearsome dragon known as the Boneknapper, which is said to be highly elusive and dangerous. The Boneknapper is known for creating armor from the bones of its victims, making it a formidable and unique dragon.
2. Book of Dragons (2011)
In this short film, characters from the series explore the Dragon Manual, adding humorous elements to the exploration of dragon facts and characteristics.
3. Gift of the Night Fury (2011)
In “Gift of the Night Fury,” the story is set in the Viking village of Berk, where dragons and humans have learned to live together in harmony. The narrative revolves around the village’s winter holiday traditions, particularly the Viking celebration of Snoggletog.
4. Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014)
The story of the short film revolves around the Viking village of Berk, and it follows Hiccup and his friends as they participate in dragon racing. The dragon races become highly competitive, and Hiccup and Toothless discover a mysterious island filled with wild dragons.
As they explore the island, they uncover a hidden dragon civilization and a secret that could change the future of dragon-human relations.
5. How To Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019)
In “Homecoming,” Hiccup and Toothless, the Night Fury dragon, have successfully created a dragon utopia where dragons and Vikings live together in harmony. The story revolves around the inhabitants of Berk preparing for the Snoggletog festival, which is their version of Christmas.
Hiccup and Astrid are busy with their new responsibilities as the chief and chieftess of Berk, and the short film explores themes of family, unity, and the joy of coming together during the holiday season.
Experience How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World in a whole new way! Now you can fly like a dragon alongside Toothless in exciting virtual reality. Available now—only at @iFLY! And, see #HowToTrainYourDragon in theaters everywhere. pic.twitter.com/Y3bDriuzlQ
— DreamWorks Animation (@Dreamworks) March 2, 2019
Where Can You Watch How To Train Your Dragon Movies?
The series is available on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Peacock Premium. You can also buy and rent this franchise on Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
Is There Any Upcoming Movie in How To Train Your Dragon Franchise?
Yes, an upcoming live-action franchise adaptation is scheduled for release on June 13, 2025. The movie stars Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid.
For now, it will be difficult to reveal the storyline of the upcoming adaptation as the makers have yet to make an announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is There a Specific Age to Watch How To Train Your Dragon Movies?
These movies are well-known for their adaptability to a broad spectrum of viewers, including adults and children. Individuals of all ages find resonance in friendship, bravery, and comprehension.
2. What Distinguishes How to Train Your Dragon Movies from Others?
These films are acclaimed for their fantastic animation, gripping narratives, well-developed characters, and moral and emotional resonance topics. They are praised for their original depiction of the relationship between people and dragons.
3. Is it better to watch the How To Train Your Dragon web series before the movies or after?
It’s usually advised to start with movies, as they set up the main plot and characters. The TV show then broadens the universe’s scope and offers more adventures to accompany the film.
4. Who is the protagonist in the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies?
The protagonist is Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, voiced by Jay Baruchel.
5. What is the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie’s primary setting?
The movies primarily take place on the fictional island of Berk, inhabited by Vikings and dragons.
6. Who directed the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies?
The movies were directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders (first film), with Dean DeBlois solely directing the sequels.
7. Are any spin-off TV series or shorts related to the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies?
Yes, there is an animated television series titled “Dragons: Riders of Berk” (later renamed “Dragons: Defenders of Berk”) as well as several short films and specials.
Wrapping Up
The three gripping films, five short movies, and additional TV shows in the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise provide a captivating journey through the changing connection between Vikings and dragons.
With its breathtaking animation, moving narrative, and timeless ideas, this trilogy has left a lasting impression on viewers worldwide. It inspires courage, empathy, and the eternal strength of the connection between two radically different yet interconnected worlds.
