The How to Train Your Dragon franchise, a heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship between Viking Hiccup and his Night Fury dragon Toothless, spans movies, TV series, and shorts. To experience the full arc of their extraordinary journey, understanding the correct chronological order is crucial. Start with How to Train Your Dragon (2010), followed by the shorts Gift of the Night Fury, Book of Dragons, Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon, and Dawn of the Dragon Racers, then the series Dragons: Riders of Berk, Dragons: Defenders of Berk, Dragons: Race to the Edge, How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), the series Dragons: Rescue Riders (optional), and concluding with How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019).
The Complete Chronological Order: A Dragon Rider’s Roadmap
Successfully navigating the world of How to Train Your Dragon can seem daunting, given its multi-platform presence. However, following this chronological order ensures a seamless and rewarding viewing experience, allowing you to witness Hiccup and Toothless’ growth and the evolution of their world in the intended narrative flow.
Here’s the definitive order:
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010): The film that started it all, introducing Hiccup, Toothless, and the Viking village of Berk, locked in a centuries-old war with dragons.
- Gift of the Night Fury (Short): Taking place after the events of the first movie, this short follows Hiccup’s efforts to create a proper Viking holiday when the dragons inexplicably leave Berk.
- Book of Dragons (Short): Hiccup and the gang discover a mysterious book filled with information about different dragon species, expanding their knowledge of the dragon world.
- Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (Short): Gobber the Belch shares a tall tale about his lifelong pursuit of the elusive Boneknapper dragon, leading to a humorous and adventurous quest.
- Dawn of the Dragon Racers (Short): Set before the TV series, this short reveals how dragon racing, a popular sport in Berk, was initially created.
- Dragons: Riders of Berk (TV Series – Season 1): This series follows Hiccup and his friends as they learn to train dragons and protect Berk from new threats.
- Dragons: Defenders of Berk (TV Series – Season 2): Continuing the events of Riders of Berk, this season sees Hiccup and his team facing even greater dangers and uncovering deeper mysteries about the dragon world.
- Dragons: Race to the Edge (TV Series – Seasons 3-6): Set a few years before How to Train Your Dragon 2, this series sees Hiccup and his dragon riders venturing beyond Berk to discover new islands and dragon species, facing formidable villains along the way. Crucially, this series addresses Hiccup’s character growth and his relationship with Toothless that directly sets up How to Train Your Dragon 2.
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014): Five years after the first film, Hiccup and Toothless encounter a new threat that could plunge Berk into chaos, forcing them to confront their destiny and the origins of dragons.
- Dragons: Rescue Riders (TV Series): (Optional) Geared towards a younger audience, this series follows twins Dak and Leyla, who can communicate with dragons and rescue them. While set in the same universe, it doesn’t directly impact the main storyline.
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019): In this final chapter, Hiccup and Toothless must lead their people and dragons to a safe haven, a legendary Hidden World, while facing a ruthless dragon hunter.
Understanding the Why: The Narrative Impact of Order
Watching the franchise in chronological order isn’t just about avoiding spoilers; it’s about understanding the gradual development of characters, the expanding lore of the dragon world, and the subtle thematic nuances that permeate the entire series.
Character Development: Hiccup’s Transformation
Witnessing Hiccup’s evolution from a scrawny, misunderstood Viking teenager to a confident and capable leader is a central theme. The series allows for a deeper exploration of his insecurities, his triumphs, and his growth into the chieftain he becomes. Race to the Edge, in particular, is crucial for understanding his leadership skills and strategic thinking that are fully realized in How to Train Your Dragon 2.
World-Building: Unveiling the Dragonverse
The How to Train Your Dragon universe is richly detailed, with diverse dragon species, intricate Viking customs, and fascinating ecological systems. The TV series significantly expands this world, introducing new locations, cultures, and dragon abilities that are only hinted at in the films. By watching in order, you gain a comprehensive understanding of this intricate world.
Thematic Resonance: The Power of Friendship and Understanding
At its core, How to Train Your Dragon is a story about the power of friendship, understanding, and overcoming prejudice. Watching the franchise unfold chronologically allows you to appreciate how these themes evolve and deepen over time, culminating in the emotional impact of The Hidden World.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watching How to Train Your Dragon
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the optimal viewing experience:
FAQ 1: Do I have to watch the TV series?
While the movies tell the core story, the TV series (Riders of Berk, Defenders of Berk, and Race to the Edge) adds significant depth to the characters and expands the world. Race to the Edge is especially important as it bridges the gap between the first two movies and provides crucial context for Hiccup’s growth. Skipping them will result in a less rich and complete experience.
FAQ 2: Where does Dragons: Rescue Riders fit in?
Dragons: Rescue Riders is a spin-off series aimed at a younger audience. While it exists within the same universe, it doesn’t directly contribute to the main storyline of Hiccup and Toothless. It can be watched at any point or skipped entirely without impacting the core narrative.
FAQ 3: Is there a difference between Riders of Berk and Defenders of Berk?
Defenders of Berk is simply the second season of Riders of Berk. They are essentially the same show, continuing the same storylines and character arcs. Treat them as consecutive episodes.
FAQ 4: What is the most crucial TV series to watch?
Dragons: Race to the Edge is arguably the most important TV series. It’s set a few years before How to Train Your Dragon 2 and showcases significant character development for Hiccup, explaining his growth into the leader he becomes in the second film. It also introduces key elements and characters that play a role in How to Train Your Dragon 2.
FAQ 5: Are there any deleted scenes or extended editions worth watching?
While there aren’t significant deleted scenes that drastically alter the plot, some extended editions offer minor additions that enhance the viewing experience. However, they are not essential for understanding the overall story.
FAQ 6: Does the order of the shorts matter?
Yes, the order of the shorts does matter. Gift of the Night Fury should be watched immediately after the first movie as it directly follows its events. Book of Dragons and Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon provide additional lore and character development and should be watched before the TV series. Dawn of the Dragon Racers shows the origin of dragon racing and is best viewed before Riders of Berk.
FAQ 7: What age is the series suitable for?
The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is generally suitable for ages 7 and up. While the films and TV series contain some action and mild peril, the overall tone is positive and uplifting. Dragons: Rescue Riders is specifically targeted at younger children.
FAQ 8: Are there any comics or books that expand the universe?
Yes, there are several How to Train Your Dragon comics and books by Cressida Cowell, the original author. While they are a separate continuity from the films and TV series, they offer a different perspective on the characters and the world of dragons.
FAQ 9: Is there a “correct” way to skip parts of the series?
While skipping content is discouraged for a complete experience, if you’re short on time, prioritize watching the first movie, Race to the Edge, How to Train Your Dragon 2, and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. These are the core components of the narrative.
FAQ 10: Why is the chronological order so important?
The chronological order allows you to witness the gradual development of the characters and the world. Jumping around can lead to confusion and a diminished appreciation for the storytelling. Character deaths, relationship developments, and the introduction of new elements are all best experienced in the intended order.
FAQ 11: Will more How to Train Your Dragon content be created?
While there are no immediate plans for a direct sequel, the franchise remains popular, and the possibility of future spin-offs or adaptations remains open. DreamWorks has not ruled out revisiting the world of Berk.
FAQ 12: What makes How to Train Your Dragon so special?
How to Train Your Dragon resonates with audiences because of its compelling characters, breathtaking animation, and universal themes of friendship, acceptance, and understanding. The bond between Hiccup and Toothless is one of the most iconic and heartwarming in animated cinema. It’s a series that offers something for viewers of all ages, making it a timeless classic.