How Many “How To Train Your Dragon” Movies Are There?
The How To Train Your Dragon franchise, created by DreamWorks Animation, currently consists of three theatrical releases and a supplemental short‑film collection. Since the first film debuted in 2010, the series has expanded into television series, specials, and a live‑action adaptation, but the core “movie” count remains three.
Chronological Watching Order for the Main Films
If you want to experience the story as it unfolded, follow this simple order:
- How To Train Your Dragon (2010) – Introduces Hiccup and his dragon Toothless, setting the tone for the Viking‑drake partnership.
- How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) – Explores the growing bond between Hiccup and the dragon world, and introduces new dragon species.
- How To Train Your Dragon The Hidden World (2019) – Concludes the trilogy with an epic battle to protect the secret dragon sanctuary.
All three movies are produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures, ensuring consistent visual quality and storytelling.
Beyond the Trilogy: Shorts, Series, and Live‑Action
While the three feature films form the core narrative, the franchise also offers additional content that enriches the universe:
- DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders – A short‑form series aimed at younger viewers, focusing on new characters and their dragon companions.
- Dragons: Race to the Edge – A Netflix series that runs between the second and third movies, adding depth to Hiccup’s adventures.
- How To Train Your Dragon Live‑Action – A fan‑made production that reimagines the story with practical effects; it is not an official DreamWorks release.
These entries are optional for most fans, but they provide valuable context for the characters’ growth and the mythology of the dragon world.
Ranking the Movies: Critical and Fan Perspectives
Both critics and audiences have weighed in on the three main films. Below is a concise ranking that reflects overall reception, box‑office performance, and fan sentiment:
- How To Train Your Dragon The Hidden World (2019) – Praised for its stunning animation, emotional payoff, and the introduction of the “Alpha Mode” Toothless.
- How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) – Noted for its expanded dragon lore, dynamic aerial sequences, and the memorable “Dragon Racing” set piece.
- How To Train Your Dragon (2010) – Celebrated as a groundbreaking debut that established the franchise’s heartfelt tone.
These rankings are echoed in numerous fan‑generated videos, such as the “Ranking Every How To Train Your Dragon Movie” short on YouTube, and in articles that list the series among DreamWorks’ most successful franchises.
