I. Introduction
Are you a big fan of “How to Train Your Dragon” movies, but confused about the order in which to watch them? Fret not! This article is your ultimate guide to understanding the order of the movies and how to enjoy the franchise in the best possible way.
II. The Ultimate Guide to Watching How to Train Your Dragon Movies in Chronological Order
The chronological order of the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies is as follows:
- How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019) – Short film
- Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014) – Short film
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010) – Short film
- Book of Dragons (2011) – Short film
- Gift of the Night Fury (2011) – Short film
- Dragons: Riders of Berk (2012) – TV series, 40 episodes
- Dragons: Defenders of Berk (2013) – TV series, 20 episodes
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
- Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014) – Short film
- Dragons: Race to the Edge (2015) – TV series, 78 episodes
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
Watching the movies in chronological order gives you an in-depth understanding of the timeline of events in the “How to Train Your Dragon” universe. However, there are some pros and cons to this viewing order.
Pros:
- Viewers can get a comprehensive understanding of Hiccup and Toothless’s journey.
- By starting with the prequels, viewers may get more invested in the characters than if they started with the original film.
Cons:
- The prequels and shorts aren’t as well-developed as the originals and may be less engaging for some viewers.
- This order can make it difficult to understand the significance of certain events or developments.
Our recommendation:
If you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise and love getting all the details, start with the prequels and shorts in order before diving into the movies. But if you prefer a more straightforward viewing experience, stick with the release order.
III. Why You Should Watch How to Train Your Dragon Movies in Release Order
The release order of the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies is as follows:
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010) – Short film
- Book of Dragons (2011) – Short film
- Gift of the Night Fury (2011) – Short film
- Dragons: Riders of Berk (2012) – TV series, 40 episodes
- Dragons: Defenders of Berk (2013) – TV series, 20 episodes
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
- Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014) – Short film
- Dragons: Race to the Edge (2015) – TV series, 78 episodes
- How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019) – Short film
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
Watching the movies in release order is the way most people watched the franchise and is how the creators intended it to be viewed. However, there are some pros and cons to this viewing order as well.
Pros:
- Release order provides a more straightforward viewing experience.
- The storyline progresses naturally and character development occurs at a more natural pace.
Cons:
- Starting with the highest-quality content in the first movie can make the prequels and shorts feel like a step-down in terms of animation quality.
- In some cases, the release order may create confusion because of the non-linear timeline of the franchise.
Our recommendation:
If you’re new to the franchise or want to get a straightforward, coherent storyline, stick with the release order.
IV. How to Enjoy The How to Train Your Dragon Franchise: Movie Viewing Options
There are several different movie viewing options for the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise:
- Theatrical releases – Watch each movie in the theatre when they come out.
- Home video releases – Purchase the DVDs or Blu-rays of each movie to watch at home.
- Streaming services – Watch the movies on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
Each movie viewing option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at them.
Theatrical releases:
- Advantages: Experience the movie as intended by the creators with high-quality picture and sound.
- Disadvantages: Can be expensive and may involve travel time to get to the theatre.
Home video releases:
- Advantages: Easy access to the movies and can be purchased in physical or digital format.
- Disadvantages: May not have the same picture and sound quality as a theatrical experience.
Streaming services:
- Advantages: Cost-effective and convenient since you can watch the movies from home with the click of a button.
- Disadvantages: Picture and sound quality can be lower than theatrical or home video releases and some streaming services may not have all the movies available.
V. A Comprehensive Breakdown of the Timeline in How to Train Your Dragon Movies
To fully understand the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise, it’s essential to comprehend the timeline of events. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline of the movies:
How to Train Your Dragon
The first movie takes place in a Viking village called Berk and introduces us to the protagonist, Hiccup, son of the Viking chief, Stoick the Vast. Hiccup befriends a dragon named Toothless and inspires the Vikings to view dragons differently.
Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon
This short film takes place after the events of the first movie when Hiccup and the Vikings hear rumors of a dragon that no one has ever seen. They embark on a quest to find it.
Book of Dragons
This short film features Gobber the Belch introducing the Viking youths to the Book of Dragons, filled with knowledge on how to train and defeat dragons.
Gift of the Night Fury
This short film takes place during the holiday season when the dragons suddenly begin to disappear. Hiccup goes on a quest to find out what happened to the dragons.
Dragons: Riders of Berk
The TV series is set between the first and second movie and follows the adventures of Hiccup and his friends as they try to protect their village from dragon attacks.
Dragons: Defenders of Berk
The sequel to the TV series sees the characters trying to prevent an acid-spewing dragon from destroying Berk.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
The second movie takes place five years after the events of the first movie and sees Hiccup and the Vikings fighting to protect the dragons they’ve begun to see as friends and allies.
Dawn of the Dragon Racers
This short film is set after the second movie and follows the characters competing in the first ever Dragon Racing competition.
Dragons: Race to the Edge
The TV series picks up where the second movie left off and shows Hiccup and his friends finding new dragons and encountering new enemies beyond the borders of Berk.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
The third and final movie shows the Vikings and dragons facing their toughest challenge yet when a dangerous dragon hunter tries to capture Toothless and threaten the peaceful coexistence of dragons and Vikings.
Understanding the timeline of events is crucial to grasping the full story of the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise.
VI. The Importance of Watching How to Train Your Dragon Movies in the Correct Order
Watching the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies in the correct order is of paramount importance as it can enhance the entire viewing experience.
Watching the movies in the correct order helps with character development and continuity of storylines. You’ll be better able to see how each new installment fits into the established story and understand the significance of each event.
For example, watching How to Train Your Dragon 2 before the TV series means you’ll understand the significance of a particular dragon character much better.
Overall, watching the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies in the correct order can make for an engaging and immersive experience that will leave you feeling more connected to the characters.
VII. Choosing the Perfect Order: How to Train Your Dragon Movie Marathon Tips
If you’re planning a “How to Train Your Dragon” movie marathon, there are many ways to order the films for an enjoyable experience.
Here are some tips to help you plan your marathon:
- Start with the original How to Train Your Dragon movie.
- Watch the prequels and shorts if you want more details and an in-depth understanding of the timeline.
- Follow up with the How to Train Your Dragon sequels for a more coherent viewing experience.
- Consider ending with the third and final movie, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, for an emotional conclusion.
- Or, if you’re feeling daring, watch the movies in chronological order for a full picture of the franchise timeline.
Ultimately, the order you choose is up to personal preference, and there’s no right or wrong way to watch the movies. It’s all about enjoying the franchise to the fullest!
VIII. Conclusion
The “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise is an exciting and immersive world that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer to watch the movies in release order or chronological order, understanding the timeline of events and character development can enhance the viewing experience.
Ultimately, we recommend starting with the original movie and following up with the sequels, with the prequels and shorts in-between if you want a more comprehensive understanding.
