Figuring out the precise order to watch the How to Train Your Dragon franchise can be more challenging than wrangling a Nadder. To experience the story chronologically and maximize your emotional connection, the ideal order is: Riders of Berk/Defenders of Berk, Race to the Edge, How to Train Your Dragon, Dawn of the Dragon Racers, How to Train Your Dragon 2, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, and finally, How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming.
Why Chronological Order Matters
While some viewers might opt for release order, following the chronological timeline significantly enhances the storytelling. You witness Hiccup’s evolution from a clumsy teenager to a confident leader, Toothless’s growth from a scared, injured dragon to a powerful Alpha, and the gradual acceptance of dragons into the Viking world of Berk. This order provides crucial context for character motivations and plot developments, making each film and series more impactful. Jumping around can lead to confusion about relationships, abilities, and historical events within the How to Train Your Dragon universe.
The Definitive Viewing Order, Explained
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recommended viewing order and why each entry fits where it does:
1. Riders of Berk and Defenders of Berk (TV Series)
These two seasons, often considered one series, serve as the perfect foundation. They introduce the core characters – Hiccup, Astrid, Snotlout, Fishlegs, and the twins – after the events of the original How to Train Your Dragon short, Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon, but before the main film’s sequel. They detail the initial integration of dragons into Berk’s society, featuring training sessions, new dragon species, and recurring villains like Alvin the Treacherous. This period is crucial for understanding the early challenges of coexisting with dragons. Consider these seasons a vital bridge between the first film and the escalating conflicts to come.
2. Race to the Edge (TV Series)
Race to the Edge is set several years after Defenders of Berk and directly precedes How to Train Your Dragon 2. Hiccup and the Dragon Riders discover the Dragon Eye, a device containing maps to new lands and untold dragon species. This series sees them venturing beyond Berk, facing new threats, and honing their dragon-riding skills. Key character development, particularly for Hiccup and Astrid, occurs here, solidifying their roles as leaders and further developing their romantic relationship. The events of Race to the Edge directly impact the starting point of How to Train Your Dragon 2.
3. How to Train Your Dragon (Film)
The film that started it all. This is the origin story, showcasing Hiccup’s initial encounter with Toothless, his journey of understanding dragons, and the eventual truce between Vikings and dragons. While chronologically earlier than the series mentioned above, watching it after Riders of Berk/Defenders of Berk and Race to the Edge allows you to appreciate the character development that happens in those series leading up to the films.
4. Dawn of the Dragon Racers (Short Film)
This short film fills the gap between How to Train Your Dragon and How to Train Your Dragon 2. It explains how the Dragon Racing sport was established and provides a lighthearted interlude between the more serious plot lines. It showcases the competitive spirit among the Dragon Riders and their growing bond as a team.
5. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Film)
Five years after the first film, How to Train Your Dragon 2 presents a more mature and complex narrative. Hiccup is now 20 years old, grappling with his future as chief of Berk while discovering new lands and facing the formidable Drago Bludvist, who seeks to control dragons for his own nefarious purposes. This film introduces Valka, Hiccup’s mother, and explores themes of leadership, family, and sacrifice. It’s a significant turning point in the franchise.
6. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Film)
Set a year after the events of How to Train Your Dragon 2, The Hidden World sees Hiccup, now the chief of Berk, striving to create a utopia where humans and dragons can coexist peacefully. However, a new threat emerges in the form of Grimmel the Grisly, a dragon hunter who aims to eradicate Night Furies. This film culminates in the bittersweet decision to separate dragons from humans, leading Toothless and the other dragons to the Hidden World.
7. How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (Short Film)
Taking place ten years after the events of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Homecoming depicts a heartwarming Snoggletog celebration on Berk. Hiccup and Astrid’s children struggle to understand the history of dragons and their connection to Berk, leading to a rekindling of the bond between humans and dragons, albeit from a distance. It provides a sense of closure and reflects on the legacy of Hiccup and Toothless’s friendship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding the viewing order of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise:
1. What’s the best way to introduce a child to the series?
Start with the original How to Train Your Dragon film. Its simple narrative and heartwarming characters are perfect for younger audiences. Then proceed with Riders of Berk/Defenders of Berk for more adventures. Race to the Edge is suitable for slightly older children as the storylines become more complex.
2. Can I skip the TV series and just watch the movies?
While you can, you’ll miss out on significant character development and world-building. The TV series add depth to the main storyline and provide context for events in the second and third films. Skipping them will diminish the overall experience.
3. Is Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon important to watch?
Yes, while it’s a short film, it serves as a nice prequel to Riders of Berk, introducing some recurring themes and characters. It is best to watch before beginning the TV series, but after How to Train Your Dragon.
4. Does release order affect my viewing experience negatively?
Release order is acceptable, but not optimal. The TV series fill in crucial gaps between the films and provide a smoother narrative flow when viewed chronologically. Watching them in release order can sometimes feel disjointed.
5. Are there any books related to the franchise? Should I read them?
Yes, there’s a series of books by Cressida Cowell that inspired the films. However, the books and films have significant differences in plot and characterization. While enjoyable, they’re a separate entity and don’t necessarily need to be read for understanding the film franchise. They can be enjoyed independently.
6. Where can I watch all these movies and shows?
Availability varies depending on your region. Typically, the films are available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV. The TV series can often be found on streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, depending on your location. Check local listings for specific availability.
7. Is there any new How to Train Your Dragon content planned?
While there are no confirmed plans for further films, there are talks of a live-action adaptation being developed by Universal Pictures. Keep an eye on entertainment news for updates.
8. Which is the least important installment in the franchise?
While every installment contributes something, Dawn of the Dragon Racers is arguably the least essential. It’s a fun short film, but its plot is largely inconsequential to the overarching storyline. It acts only to fill the gap of time between the first and second movie.
9. Should I watch the short films before or after the full-length movies?
Watch Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon before Riders of Berk. Watch Dawn of the Dragon Racers between How to Train Your Dragon and How to Train Your Dragon 2. Homecoming should be watched after How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World as it is set many years after.
10. What age group is this franchise suitable for?
The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is generally suitable for children aged 6 and up. Some scenes in the later films, particularly How to Train Your Dragon 2 and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, contain more intense action and emotional moments that may be upsetting for very young children. Parental discretion is advised.
11. Is there a correct order for watching the shorts related to the TV series?
No specific order for the shorts is necessary within the TV series. They typically complement the main storylines but don’t heavily influence the overall plot. Watch them as they are released or bundled with the corresponding seasons.
12. Does the chronological order impact the emotional impact of the ending of The Hidden World?
Absolutely. Watching the franchise chronologically intensifies the emotional impact of the ending. You’ve witnessed the evolution of the bond between humans and dragons from initial fear to deep friendship, making the separation in The Hidden World all the more poignant. You’ll better understand the significance of Hiccup’s sacrifice and the bittersweet necessity of the dragons’ departure.