There are three main How to Train Your Dragon animated feature films: How to Train Your Dragon (2010), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019). However, the franchise extends far beyond these cinematic releases, encompassing various short films, television series, and specials that further enrich the world of Berk and its dragon-riding inhabitants.
Diving Deeper into the Dragon World: The Cinematic Trilogy
The core of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise lies in its captivating trilogy of films. These movies tell a cohesive and compelling story of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a Viking misfit who defies tradition by befriending a dragon, Toothless, and ultimately leads his people to embrace peaceful coexistence with these majestic creatures. Each film builds upon the previous, exploring themes of friendship, courage, responsibility, and the ever-evolving relationship between humans and dragons.
The First Flight: How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
The initial film sets the stage, introducing the island of Berk, constantly plagued by dragon raids. Hiccup, deemed weak and clumsy by his Viking father, Stoick the Vast, discovers an injured Night Fury, a notoriously dangerous and elusive dragon. He names him Toothless and begins a secret friendship, learning about dragon behavior and challenging the Viking mindset. The film culminates in a climactic battle where Hiccup proves dragons are not mindless beasts but intelligent creatures capable of friendship and loyalty.
Facing New Threats: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Five years later, Hiccup and Toothless explore uncharted territories, discovering new dragon species and a hidden ice cave. They encounter Hiccup’s long-lost mother, Valka, a dragon rider who has dedicated her life to protecting dragons from the tyrannical Drago Bludvist, a warlord who controls dragons through fear and intimidation. The film explores themes of family, loss, and the devastating consequences of prejudice. Stoick’s death at the hands of a dragon controlled by Drago marks a pivotal moment, forcing Hiccup to embrace his destiny as chief.
A New Beginning: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
The final installment sees Hiccup struggling with the responsibilities of chief as Berk becomes overcrowded with dragons. He and Toothless discover the legendary Hidden World, a sanctuary for all dragons. Meanwhile, a ruthless dragon hunter, Grimmel the Grisly, targets Toothless, forcing Hiccup to make the difficult decision to release all dragons into the Hidden World for their safety. The film explores themes of letting go, embracing change, and the importance of preserving natural habitats. It culminates in a poignant reunion between Hiccup and Toothless, years later, with families of their own.
Beyond the Big Screen: Exploring the Extended Universe
While the three main films form the narrative backbone, the How to Train Your Dragon universe extends into various other mediums, offering fans a deeper exploration of the characters, world, and mythology. These include short films, television series, and video games, each contributing to the richness and complexity of the franchise.
Short Films: Bitesized Adventures
Several short films expand upon the events of the movies, offering glimpses into the everyday lives of Hiccup, Toothless, and the other characters.
- Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010): A humorous tale following Gobber the Belch as he recounts his lifelong quest to hunt the legendary Boneknapper Dragon.
- Book of Dragons (2011): A guide to various dragon species, narrated by Hiccup, providing insights into their characteristics, behaviors, and weaknesses.
- Gift of the Night Fury (2011): A heartwarming story set during the Snoggletog holiday season, where Hiccup and Toothless face a crisis when all the dragons suddenly leave Berk.
- Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014): A fun and competitive short where the dragon riders engage in a thrilling race to determine who is the fastest.
- How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019): A special set a decade after the events of The Hidden World, where Hiccup and Astrid work to keep the spirit of the dragon-Viking relationship alive as Snoggletog approaches.
Television Series: Expanding the Lore
Two main animated television series further explore the adventures of Hiccup and his friends, filling in the gaps between the films and introducing new characters and storylines.
- DreamWorks Dragons (2012-2014): This series encompasses Riders of Berk, Defenders of Berk, and Race to the Edge, showcasing Hiccup’s leadership as he trains new dragon riders, faces new threats, and uncovers secrets about the dragon world. Race to the Edge, in particular, bridges the gap between the second and third films, exploring the Dragon Eye and its vast knowledge of dragons.
- Dragons: The Nine Realms (2021-Present): Set 1,300 years after the events of The Hidden World, this series follows a group of teenagers who discover a hidden rift leading to the dragon realm. While visually distinct from the original films, it aims to expand the How to Train Your Dragon universe for a new generation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, here are some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Are the short films canon?
Yes, the short films are generally considered canon, meaning they are officially part of the How to Train Your Dragon storyline and contribute to the overall narrative.
FAQ 2: Does the television series Dragons: The Nine Realms connect to the original trilogy?
Yes, Dragons: The Nine Realms is explicitly set in the same universe as the original trilogy, taking place 1,300 years later. It establishes a direct link through references to the Hidden World and the legacy of dragons.
FAQ 3: Which is the best How to Train Your Dragon movie?
This is subjective, but many consider the original How to Train Your Dragon to be the best due to its groundbreaking animation, heartwarming story, and impactful themes of friendship and acceptance. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is also highly regarded for its more mature themes and stunning visuals.
FAQ 4: Will there be a How to Train Your Dragon 4?
As of now, there are no official plans for a How to Train Your Dragon 4. The creative team has stated that The Hidden World serves as a definitive conclusion to Hiccup and Toothless’s story. However, the possibility of spin-offs or prequels remains open.
FAQ 5: Is there a live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie?
Yes, a live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is currently in development and scheduled for release in 2025.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch the How to Train Your Dragon movies and TV series?
The How to Train Your Dragon movies and TV series are available on various streaming platforms, including Peacock, Hulu, and Netflix, depending on your region and subscription. They are also available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
FAQ 7: What age is How to Train Your Dragon appropriate for?
The How to Train Your Dragon movies are generally appropriate for children aged 6 and up. While there are some intense action sequences and emotional moments, the overall themes of friendship, courage, and acceptance make them suitable for a wide audience.
FAQ 8: Who voices Hiccup and Toothless?
Jay Baruchel voices Hiccup in the films and TV series. Toothless, being a dragon, doesn’t have dialogue but his vocalizations and personality are expertly crafted by the animators and sound designers.
FAQ 9: What is a Night Fury?
A Night Fury is a rare and powerful species of dragon, characterized by its sleek black scales, incredible speed, and devastating plasma blasts. Toothless is the only known Night Fury in the original trilogy. They are known to be intelligent, loyal, and fiercely protective of their friends.
FAQ 10: What is the Hidden World?
The Hidden World is a vast, bioluminescent cavern located deep beneath the ocean. It serves as a safe haven for dragons of all species, providing them with a place to live in peace and harmony. It is considered the ancestral home of dragons.
FAQ 11: What are the main themes of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise?
The main themes of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise include friendship, acceptance, prejudice, courage, responsibility, environmentalism, and the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures and species.
FAQ 12: Are the books the same as the movies?
The How to Train Your Dragon books by Cressida Cowell are the original source material, but the movies take significant liberties with the plot and characters. While the books share the same core concept of a Viking boy befriending a dragon, the specific storylines and character arcs are vastly different. The movies are inspired by the books but are ultimately their own distinct creation.