How To Watch The 'How To Train Your Dragon' Movies In Order 

Based on Cressida Cowell’s bestselling fantasy novel of the same name, How To Train Your Dragon introduces viewers to a mythical world where Vikings and dragons collide. The story follows Hiccup, a misfit Viking whose life takes a turn when his quest to kill a dragon ends up with him befriending one instead, setting him on the path to a grand adventure. 

Think soaring landscapes of rugged cliffs, dazzling dragon flights across the skies, and a hidden nest full of dragons, all brought to life with stunning animation. If you’re a fan of animated movies that have a deep emotional core like Spirited Away, Moana, or Big Hero 6, you’ll feel right at home with How To Train Your Dragon. This is probably the only franchise where the live-action remake is just as good as the original, so I’d strongly recommend watching both to judge which one you like the best for yourself. 

DreamWorks has a longstanding tradition of releasing bonus short films with the DVD release of its feature films. The short follows Hiccup and other young fellows as they accompany their mentor Gobbler on a quest to kill the legendary Boneknapper Dragon. At just 16 minutes, Legend of the BoneKnapper Dragon is the perfect short to watch when you’re in the mood to commit to a full-length feature but still want a dose of dragon-fuelled fun. 

It’s fun, light, and a lot more goofy than How To Train Your Dragon, making it an ideal choice for younger kids, casual viewers, and anyone who wants to dip their toe into the franchise without getting overwhelmed. 

If, like Fishlegs, the only hunt you’re interested in is the one that leads to discovering new dragons and their unique abilities, then Book of Dragons is a must-watch short. At just 18 minutes, it runs about as long as a cartoon episode, but don’t let the brief runtime fool you. It still packs in plenty of depth, delving into the legend of the Book of Dragons and revealing insider dragon-training secrets. 

The short expands the lore by introducing fourteen new dragons, grouped into seven distinct classes. Most of the main characters return—Hiccup, Astrid, Fishlegs, Gobber, and, of course, Toothless, making it a fun and rewarding watch for fans of the first film. Ultimately, this one is for the fans, best enjoyed after experiencing the original feature.

Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury, is a 22-minute holiday special set during the Vikings’ winter celebration, Snoggletog. If you loved the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless in the first film, this short expands on it beautifully, while also spotlighting the wider bond between Vikings and their dragons.

Festive visuals, heartwarming themes, and a good dose of humour, Gift of the Night Fury is very in line with Dreamwork’s signature holiday specials like Shrek the Halls and Kung Fu Panda Holiday. 

The high-flying follow-up, How To Train Your Dragon 2, picks up five years after the events of the first film. Hiccup and Toothless have transformed the Viking village of Berk into a dragon-loving society, but the rest of the world still isn’t on board. The sequel takes a bolder, more mature approach than How To Train Your Dragon, exploring the lands beyond Berk, giving way to newer villains, and adding a deeper emotional layer with the return of Hiccup’s long lost mother. 

In tone it’s a lot like Kung Fu Panda 2 amping up everything that made the first film such a hit, with larger battle sequences, more formidable villains, and weightier family themes taking the franchise from a fun kids adventure into a truly epic fantasy saga making it more suited for older kids, teens, and even adults who grew up with the first film.

Released as a special feature on the DVD and Blu-ray of How To Train Your Dragon 2, Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers is a 26-minute short film set before the events of the second movie.

It takes place between Dragons: Defenders of Berk and Dragons: Race to the Edge, and follows Hiccup and his friends as they compete for the very first title of Dragon Racing Champion of Berk. If you found How To Train Your Dragon 2 too moody and serious, Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers reels the franchise back to its lighthearted and comedic side.  

How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World wraps up the trilogy with heart, spectacle, and some of the most stunning visuals DreamWorks has ever produced. Hiccup’s journey into leadership, Toothless’s discovery of Light Fury, and the high-stakes dragon battles make for a finale that’s as emotionally resonant as it is visually dazzling. 

It’s a film that asks tough questions about love, leadership, and letting go, all while delivering breathtaking flight sequences, and dragon designs fans have come to love and expect. With How To Train Your Dragon, each film gets progressively more serious and interconnected than its predecessor, much like the Harry Potter franchise, making it difficult to enjoy the sequels as standalone films. That said, fans who’ve grown with the characters will feel every triumph and heartbreak.

A quick reunion for fans who want to check in on their favourite characters from Berk, How To Train Your Dragon: Homecoming picks up 10 years after the events of The Hidden World, but before the epilogue. It’s a short, festive, adventure that celebrates the bonds of friendship, family, and community. If you’re looking for epic battles or major plot developments, this one’s not for you.

How To Train Your Dragon: Snoggletog Log is a seasonal, atmospheric special inspired by the traditional Yule Log. This 28-minute short features several Viking and dragon characters from the Rescue Riders series relaxing in a cosy room, enjoying the warmth of a crackling fireplace.

Unlike the other specials, it isn’t story-driven but instead serves as a calming, ambient experience created for festive background viewing and relaxation. It’s great to have on while decorating, wrapping gifts, or simply unwinding, and ideal for fans who love the world of Berk, and want their holidays to feel more in theme with the movies.

The live-action How To Train Your Dragon marks DreamWorks’ debut in live-action remake, bringing the beloved animated world of Berk to life in a whole new way. It’s the same story, but with the breathtaking backdrop of Faroe Islands, realistic dragon designs, and the tactical charm of live-action cinematography. 

For fans of the animated classic, the live-action comes as a welcome reimagining, and in a rare triumph for live-action remakes, it stands tall as a worthy reimagining rather than just a pale imitation. Even if you’re not a fan of the animated movies, the live-action remake offers enough spectacle and world-building to go toe to toe with fantasy epics like Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, and House of the Dragon.