How Many How to Train a Dragon Movies Exist? A Complete Franchise Count
Three full-length animated features anchor the core franchise. Each one takes viewers deeper into the bond between Vikings and dragons. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how many how to train a dragon movies.
But wait. The number gets more complicated the moment you look beyond the main trilogy.
The Original Trilogy: The Foundation
DreamWorks Animation rolled out the first film in 2010. How to Train Your Dragon introduced Hiccup and Toothless to the world. Audiences fell hard for the scrawny Viking and his misunderstood Night Fury.
The sequel arrived in 2014. How to Train Your Dragon 2 expanded the world dramatically. It showed us dragon islands and revealed a ruthless dragon hunter named Drago.
Then came the third and final chapter in 2019. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World closed the original arc. Toothless found his mate. Hiccup grew up. Fans got the ending they deserved.
The Hidden Numbers: Spin-Offs and Specials
So, is the answer three? Not exactly. You have to count the short films.
DreamWorks dropped Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon in 2010. This 17-minute short follows Gobber on a ridiculous quest. It is a delightful add-on for true fans.
Then there is Book of Dragons, released in 2011. It serves as a parody documentary. Fishlegs walks us through different dragon classifications. The humor lands perfectly.
Don't overlook Gift of the Night Fury from 2011. This short captures the dragons' mysterious annual migration. It is sweet and funny.
The franchise also includes a television series that bridges the gap. Dragons: Riders of Berk (and its later seasons) adds more lore.
Upcoming Entries and Rumors
The franchise refuses to die quietly. Reports persist about a fourth main movie. DreamWorks has hinted at a continuation of Hiccup's story. A live-action adaptation is also in the works at Netflix.
However, as of right now, no official fourth film has dropped. Stick with the three theatrical films for the complete animated experience.
The Complete Count
So, how many movies should you watch?
Three theatrical releases form the essential story. Three animated short films flesh out the lore. One television series expands the timeline.
Watch them in release order. You will get the best experience. The animation quality improves with every single entry.
The bond between a boy and his dragon still holds up. That is the real magic of this franchise.