The “How to Train Your Dragon” film series, based on the book series by Cressida Cowell, has captivated audiences of all ages with its heartwarming story, stunning animation, and lovable dragons. The franchise, created by DreamWorks Animation, has become a significant part of contemporary animation, and fans often wonder how many movies are in the series. In this article, we’ll explore the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie series and provide an overview of the films.
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2010):
The journey of “How to Train Your Dragon” began with the release of the first movie in 2010. Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, this film introduced us to the Viking village of Berk and its young protagonist, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, voiced by Jay Baruchel. Hiccup, an unlikely hero, forms an unlikely bond with a Night Fury dragon named Toothless. The film focuses on their friendship and Hiccup’s efforts to change the Vikings’ perception of dragons. “How to Train Your Dragon” was met with critical acclaim and was a commercial success, leading to the expansion of the franchise.
2. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014):
Four years after the first film’s success, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” was released in 2014, directed by Dean DeBlois. This sequel continued the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless as they discover new lands and face a powerful new adversary. The film delves deeper into the relationship between dragons and humans and explores themes of family, friendship, and leadership. Like its predecessor, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” received critical acclaim and was praised for its storytelling and animation.
3. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019):
The third and final installment in the “How to Train Your Dragon” film series, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” was released in 2019. Directed once again by Dean DeBlois, this film brought the epic story of Hiccup and Toothless to a heartwarming and emotional conclusion. As Hiccup becomes the chief of Berk and Toothless leads a dragon utopia, they face new challenges, including the discovery of a hidden dragon world and the threat of dragon hunters. The film explores themes of sacrifice, love, and letting go as it provides a fitting ending to the beloved franchise.
Spin-Off and TV Series:
In addition to the main film trilogy, the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise has expanded to include a spin-off and an animated TV series:
- Dragons: Race to the Edge (2015-2018): This animated series, set between the events of the first and second films, follows Hiccup and his friends as they explore uncharted territories and face new challenges. It consists of several seasons and further develops the characters and dragons of the franchise.
- Dragons: Rescue Riders (2019-2020): A spin-off series aimed at a younger audience, “Dragons: Rescue Riders” follows two dragon-riding friends, Dak and Leyla, as they protect and care for dragons on an island called Huttsgalor.
Future of the Franchise:
While the main film trilogy concluded with “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise continues to thrive through merchandise, theme park attractions, and the animated TV series. Additionally, DreamWorks Animation has hinted at the potential for future stories within the “How to Train Your Dragon” universe, though no official announcements regarding new films have been made as of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021.
In conclusion, the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie series consists of three main films: “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010), “How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014), and “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (2019). These films have not only entertained audiences with their enchanting tales but have also touched hearts with their themes of friendship, loyalty, and the bonds between humans and dragons. While the film trilogy may have concluded, the world of Berk and its beloved characters continue to live on in the hearts of fans worldwide.
