The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is a sweeping saga of friendship, bravery, and acceptance, best experienced chronologically to appreciate the evolution of Hiccup and Toothless’s bond. Watching the series in order, including the shorts, allows you to fully immerse yourself in the character arcs and the expanding world of Berk.
The Definitive How to Train Your Dragon Viewing Order
The optimal order to watch the How to Train Your Dragon series, ensuring the most seamless narrative experience, is as follows:
- How to Train Your Dragon (Movie, 2010)
- Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (Short, 2010)
- Gift of the Night Fury (Short, 2011)
- Book of Dragons (Short, 2011)
- Dragons: Riders of Berk (TV Series, Season 1, 2012-2013)
- Dragons: Defenders of Berk (TV Series, Season 2, 2013-2014)
- Dawn of the Dragon Racers (Short, 2014)
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Movie, 2014)
- Dragons: Race to the Edge (TV Series, Seasons 3-6, 2015-2018)
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Movie, 2019)
- How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (Short, 2019)
This order ensures that you witness the unfolding story of Hiccup and Toothless’s relationship, the growing dragon-human community of Berk, and the ever-present threats that test their bond and courage. This chronological progression allows for the most impact from character development and story arcs.
Understanding the Timeline
Understanding the placement of each installment within the How to Train Your Dragon timeline is crucial. The TV series bridge the gaps between the movies, expanding on the world and characters in significant ways. Riders of Berk and Defenders of Berk detail Hiccup’s initial leadership role, while Race to the Edge explores new lands and dragons, setting the stage for How to Train Your Dragon 2. Skipping these vital pieces will result in a disjointed and less rewarding experience.
The Importance of the Shorts
Don’t underestimate the importance of the short films. While shorter in length, they provide valuable insights into the characters and world-building. Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon showcases Gobber’s eccentric storytelling, while Gift of the Night Fury celebrates the bonds between Vikings and dragons during a winter holiday. Book of Dragons provides a narrated guide to various dragon species, adding depth to the dragon lore.
TV Series: Filling the Narrative Gaps
The TV series are not just filler; they are integral to the overall narrative. Dragons: Riders of Berk, Dragons: Defenders of Berk, and Dragons: Race to the Edge showcase the evolution of Hiccup’s leadership abilities, the discovery of new dragon species, and the deepening relationship between Hiccup and Toothless. These series significantly enhance the viewer’s understanding of the world and characters, making the movies more impactful. These series delve deeper into the political and social ramifications of dragons living alongside humans. This exploration builds upon themes introduced in the films, creating a richer and more complex world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I skip the TV series and just watch the movies?
While technically possible, skipping the TV series will result in a significantly less complete and rewarding experience. The series fill the gaps between the movies, fleshing out the characters, exploring new regions, and developing the overall narrative. You’ll miss crucial character development and world-building elements.
Q2: Are the shorts necessary to watch?
While not absolutely essential, the shorts offer valuable insights into the characters and the world of How to Train Your Dragon. They are short, entertaining, and add depth to the overall experience. Gift of the Night Fury, in particular, provides heartwarming moments and insights into the relationship between dragons and Vikings.
Q3: Does Race to the Edge need to be watched before How to Train Your Dragon 2?
Yes, Race to the Edge is crucial to watch before How to Train Your Dragon 2. It introduces key plot points and characters that are essential for understanding the second movie, including the backstory of Drago Bludvist and the discovery of the Dragon Eye.
Q4: What is the runtime of the entire How to Train Your Dragon franchise?
Estimating the exact runtime is tricky due to varying lengths of TV episodes, but approximately:
- How to Train Your Dragon: 1 hour 38 minutes
- Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon: 16 minutes
- Gift of the Night Fury: 22 minutes
- Book of Dragons: 18 minutes
- Dragons: Riders of Berk & Defenders of Berk: Approx. 22 episodes x 22 minutes = 484 minutes
- Dawn of the Dragon Racers: 26 minutes
- How to Train Your Dragon 2: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Dragons: Race to the Edge: Approx. 52 episodes x 22 minutes = 1144 minutes
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World: 1 hour 44 minutes
- How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming: 22 minutes
Therefore, the total runtime is roughly 3516 minutes, or approximately 58.6 hours.
Q5: Are there any spin-offs or other related content I should be aware of?
While there aren’t any direct spin-offs, there are books, video games, and merchandise related to the franchise. However, for the core narrative experience, focusing on the movies, shorts, and TV series listed above is sufficient.
Q6: What age group is the How to Train Your Dragon franchise appropriate for?
The franchise is generally appropriate for ages 6 and up. While there are some scenes with mild action and fantasy violence, the overall tone is positive and focuses on themes of friendship, acceptance, and courage. Parents should always preview content to ensure it aligns with their family’s values.
Q7: Where can I watch the How to Train Your Dragon series?
The availability of the series varies depending on your region and streaming services. The movies are often available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock. The TV series may be available on those platforms or through dedicated streaming services like Peacock or through purchasing seasons on platforms like iTunes or Amazon.
Q8: What is the main message of the How to Train Your Dragon series?
The central theme of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise is the importance of understanding, acceptance, and the power of friendship. It teaches that differences should be celebrated and that preconceived notions can be challenged through empathy and compassion. It also emphasizes the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s difficult.
Q9: How does How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming fit into the timeline?
How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming takes place sometime after How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. It explores the challenges of the next generation understanding the bond their parents had with dragons, now that the dragons are living in the Hidden World. It’s a sweet epilogue that reinforces the importance of remembering the past.
Q10: Is there any news of a How to Train Your Dragon 4?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a fourth movie in the core How to Train Your Dragon series. However, DreamWorks has a history of revisiting successful franchises, so the possibility remains open. Focus currently is on a live-action adaptation.
Q11: What makes the How to Train Your Dragon series so popular?
The How to Train Your Dragon series resonates with audiences of all ages due to its compelling characters, stunning animation, heartwarming story, and universal themes. The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless is particularly endearing, and the franchise explores complex issues in an accessible and engaging way.
Q12: Should I watch the live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie when it is released?
Whether you should watch the live-action film is entirely up to you and your enjoyment of the franchise. A key factor in deciding will be understanding how closely the live-action adapts the source material. The live-action promises to adapt the first How to Train Your Dragon movie into live action and bring beloved characters to life.
By following this guide, you can ensure that you experience the How to Train Your Dragon series in the most enriching and complete way possible. Enjoy the journey!