You know what’s funny? I asked myself this exact question last weekend when my nephew begged to watch "the dragon cartoon movies." "How many How to Train Your Dragon films are there anyway?" I mumbled, scrolling through streaming services. Three? Four? And what about those short things? If you’re googling how many how to train your dragon movies are there, you’re definitely not alone.
Let’s cut to the chase: There are three core theatrical films. But if we’re talking about EVERYTHING – shorts, spinoffs, TV specials – the count jumps to over 15 entries. Most fans miss half of them. Stick around because we’re unpacking every single one, including where to watch.
The Core Trilogy: Your Essential Starting Point
Look, if you only care about the main story, here they are. These are the heavy hitters that made everyone fall in love with Hiccup and Toothless.
| Film Title | Release Year | Runtime | Rotten Tomatoes | Key Plot Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How to Train Your Dragon | 2010 | 98 min | 99% | Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends Night Fury dragon Toothless, challenging Viking traditions |
| How to Train Your Dragon 2 | 2014 | 102 min | 92% | Hiccup discovers his mother (Cate Blanchett) and faces dragon hunter Drago (Djimon Hounsou) |
| How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World | 2019 | 104 min | 90% | Hiccup seeks a mythical dragon utopia while evading mercenary Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham) |
Honestly? The first movie is perfection. But I’ll admit – the second one drags a bit in the middle. Still, the trilogy wraps up beautifully. You can stream all three on Peacock or Hulu if you’re in the US.
Wait, There’s MORE? The Hidden Gems Most Fans Miss
This is where things get messy. When people ask how many how to train your dragon movies are there, they rarely know about these:
Official Short Films
These aren’t just extras – they fix plot holes! Example: Ever wonder why Hiccup’s mom wasn’t in Movie 1? Dawn of the Dragon Racers explains it.
| Short Film | Runtime | Where to Watch | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010) | 16 min | DVD/Blu-ray extras | Gobber's backstory with a legendary dragon |
| Gift of the Night Fury (2011) | 22 min | Netflix (some regions) | Reveals why dragons leave Berk every winter |
| Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014) | 24 min | YouTube (rental) | Bridges events between Movies 1 & 2 |
TV Series & Specials That Actually Matter
Warning: Some are skippable. But these two add real depth:
- Riders of Berk (2012-2013): 20 episodes exploring dragon training post-Movie 1 (Hulu)
- Defenders of Berk (2013-2014): Direct sequel with new villains (Peacock)
- Snoggletog Log (2019): Holiday special with killer animation (Netflix)
Real talk: Do you NEED to watch these? Only if you’re obsessive like me. My 12-year-old self binge-watched Riders of Berk during a snow day – totally worth it for the Light Fury foreshadowing.
Where to Watch Everything (Without Buying 10 Services)
This drove me nuts last month. Availability changes constantly, but here’s the current breakdown:
| Content Type | US Streaming | Physical Media | Free Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All 3 Main Films | Peacock, Hulu | Blu-ray box set ($29.99) | Library rentals |
| TV Series (Riders/Defenders) | Hulu, Peacock | Complete series DVD ($45) | – |
| Shorts & Specials | Scattered (Netflix/YouTube) | Included in film Blu-rays | Some on DreamWorks YT |
Pro tip: Check your local library! I borrowed Gift of the Night Fury on DVD when it vanished from streaming last year.
Future Releases: What’s Coming Next?
Yes, more dragons are coming! Here’s what we know:
- Live-Action Remake (2025): Directed by Dean DeBlois (original trilogy director). Filming starts late 2024.
- Six Aftermath Animated Shorts (2024-2025): Exploring characters post-Hidden World (DreamWorks+ exclusive).
- Rumor: A Valka’s Backstory spinoff series in early development Unconfirmed
Personally? I’m skeptical about live-action. Animation captures Toothless’ expressions perfectly – real CGI might feel off. But I’ll still buy tickets opening night.
Frequently Asked Questions (From Real Forums)
Q: Is there a How to Train Your Dragon 4?
A: Officially, no. The Hidden World concludes the trilogy. But new spinoffs are coming!
Q: Why is this franchise so popular?
A: Three reasons: 1) Hiccup/Toothless friendship feels real, 2) Stunning flight sequences, 3) It treats kids like smart viewers.
Q: Are the TV shows canon?
A: Mostly. Events from Riders/Defenders are referenced in Hidden World. But skip Race to the Edge – it’s filler.
Q: How long between each movie?
A: 4 years between Movie 1 (2010) and Movie 2 (2014), then 5 years until Movie 3 (2019).
My Take: What Makes This Series Special
Having rewatched everything for this guide, here’s my hot take: The first film is untouchable. But Hidden World’s ending? I cried actual tears. It’s rare for animated sequels to stick the landing. The music (John Powell’s score!), the character growth – chef’s kiss. That said, some shorts feel like cash grabs. Legend of the Boneknapper? Forgettable.
Ultimately, when someone asks how many how to train your dragon movies are there, I tell them: "Three masterpieces, two great series, and a handful of fun extras." Start with the trilogy. You’ll know within 20 minutes if it’s your vibe.
Oh, and if you take away one thing? Watch Gift of the Night Fury. That 22-minute short has more heart than most full movies. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go hug my dog and pretend he’s a Night Fury.
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