How to watch How to Train Your Dragon movies in Chronological Order

Origins and Adaptation

Before diving into the movie chronology, it's worth noting that the franchise began with Cowell's book series. The main series follows the adventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a smallish Viking and the main character of the saga. While the movies take significant liberties with the source material, they maintain the spirit of adventure and the central theme of an unlikely friend of a young dragon.

The transition from page to screen brought some changes. In the books, Hiccup is initially described as an ordinary boy among crazy Hooligans, facing an important initiation test of his Viking clan. The movies reimagine Hiccup as a hapless young Viking who becomes the best friend of Toothless, the only Night Fury dragon known to exist.

The Chronological Viewing Order

"How to Train Your Dragon" (2010)

The journey begins with this first film that introduces us to the world of Vikings and dragons. Set on the island of Berk, we meet Hiccup, a young Viking who doesn't quite fit in with his dragon-fighting tribe. His life changes forever when he encounters a mysterious dragon.

"How to Train Your Dragon 2" (2014)

The second film is set five years after the events of the first movie. Berk has embraced a new way of life, and Hiccup is now a young adult exploring the world beyond his home island. New challenges arise, including encounters with new wild dragons and a mysterious dragon rider.

"How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" (2019)

The third film brings the main trilogy to a conclusion. Taking place about a year after the second movie, it introduces new elements that challenge the bond between Hiccup and Toothless, including the discovery of a secret dragon utopia.

Supplementary Content

While the main trilogy forms the core of the story, there are several short films and TV series that expand the universe:

• "Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon" (2010 Short Film)
• "Gift of the Night Fury" (2011 Short Film)
• "Dragons: Riders of Berk" (TV Series, 2012-2013)
• "Dragons: Defenders of Berk" (TV Series, 2013-2014)
• "Dawn of the Dragon Racers" (2014 Short Film)
• "Dragons: Race to the Edge" (TV Series, 2015-2018)
• "How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming" (2019 Short Film)

These TV shows and shorts offer further adventures of Hiccup and his friends, introducing new dragons and expanding the lore of the franchise.

Themes and Character Development

Watching the "How to Train Your Dragon" movies in chronological order allows viewers to fully appreciate the development of key themes throughout the saga:

1. Friendship and Trust: The bond between Hiccup and Toothless is the heart of the story, evolving from tentative trust to unbreakable friendship.
2. Challenging Preconceptions: From the first movie's message about looking beyond appearances to the final film's exploration of coexistence, the series consistently encourages viewers to question assumptions.
3. Leadership and Responsibility: We watch Hiccup grow from a misfit teen to a responsible leader, grappling with the weight of his decisions along the way.
4. Change and Adaptation: Each movie presents new challenges that force the characters to adapt, reflecting real-life experiences of growth and change.
5. The Importance of Family: Whether it's Hiccup's relationship with his parents or the family he builds with his friends and dragons, the value of family (both blood and chosen) is a constant theme.

The World of Berk and Beyond

The franchise does an excellent job of world-building, starting with the Viking village of Berk and expanding to include diverse landscapes and cultures. From the introduction of dragon racing as a popular sport to the discovery of an ice cave filled with new species of dragons, each installment broadens the scope of the universe.

As the story progresses, we see how the integration of dragons into Viking society changes everything from daily life to warfare. The franchise also touches on themes of conservation and the balance between civilization and nature, particularly relevant in our modern world.

The Legacy of "How to Train Your Dragon"

The "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Its success spawned not only the main film trilogy but also multiple television series, short films, and graphic novels. The franchise has been praised for its animation quality, emotional depth, and the way it handles themes of friendship, loyalty, and growing up.

The influence of the franchise extends beyond the screen. It has inspired countless fans, cosplayers, and artists. The character of Hiccup, voiced by Jay Baruchel in the films and Jeremy Shada in some of the TV series, has become an iconic figure in animation.

Connections to the Books

While the movies take a different direction from Cowell's books, they still draw inspiration from the source material. The books, which include titles like "How to Be a Pirate" and "How to Speak Dragonese," present Hiccup's story as Hiccup's memoirs, framing him as the greatest Viking hero who ever lived.

In the books, Hiccup faces challenges like curing deadly Vorpentitis, dealing with a hired tyrant, and being at the center of a battle between humans and dragons. While these specific plot points don't appear in the films, the spirit of adventure and the theme of a young hero rising to meet extraordinary challenges remain consistent.

The Future of the Franchise

As of 2024, the main film trilogy has concluded, but the world of "How to Train Your Dragon" continues to expand. The short film "How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming" offers a glimpse into the future of Berk, while various spin-off materials continue to explore the rich universe created by the franchise.

There have been discussions about potential spin-offs or reboots, possibly exploring different time periods or focusing on new characters within the "How to Train Your Dragon" universe. The enduring popularity of the franchise suggests that we may not have seen the last of the world of Vikings and dragons.

Conclusion

Watching the "How to Train Your Dragon" movies in chronological order offers a rich, emotionally resonant experience. From Hiccup's first encounter with Toothless to their final adventure together, this viewing order allows audiences to fully immerse themselves in the growth of the characters and the expansion of their world.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, this chronological viewing order promises an unforgettable saga of humans and dragons learning to coexist and thrive together. It's a journey filled with friendship, courage, and the power of understanding, set against a backdrop of breathtaking animation and thrilling adventure.

As you embark on this viewing journey, remember that while the order suggested here enhances the narrative flow, there's no wrong way to enjoy these beloved films. Whether you choose to follow this chronological order, opt for release order, or mix in the TV series and short films, you're in for a treat with the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise.