The How to Train Your Dragon trilogy stands as a monumental achievement in animated cinema, earning acclaim for its captivating storytelling and mesmerizing animation. Under the expert guidance of directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, this beloved franchise has enthralled audiences from 2010 to 2019, chronicling the adventures of Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel), a young Viking whose extraordinary friendship with the Night Fury dragon, Toothless, redefines the long-standing enmity between their worlds.
As the series unfolds, Hiccup and Toothless confront various formidable adversaries, including ruthless warlords and the perilous Red Death. However, the true heart of the saga lies in Hiccup’s transformative journey from a timid adolescent to a conflicted dragon rider and, ultimately, a wise chieftain. Recently announced plans for a live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon have ignited enthusiasm among fans, though many wonder if this new iteration can truly capture the magic of the original trilogy.
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How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
A Worthy Conclusion of the Trilogy
Set one year after the events of How to Train Your Dragon 2, The Hidden World features Hiccup as the chieftain of a flourishing Berk, a dragon paradise. However, the tranquility is disrupted by the dragon hunter Grimmel the Grisly (F. Murray Abraham), who threatens Toothless, especially as the dragon develops feelings for a mysterious female “Light Fury.”
Although The Hidden World ranks lower than its predecessors, it is essential to recognize that being the “least”of the three does not equate to inferiority. The film showcases the stunning artistry and intricate details that fans have come to expect, particularly during scenes in the titular mystical realm, which illuminate the screen with breathtaking bioluminescence.
The enchanting dynamic between Hiccup and Toothless remains a highlight, epitomized by a hilarious scene where Hiccup aids Toothless in a mating dance. The film introduces Grimmel as the trilogy’s most compelling villain, contrasting strikingly with Hiccup. Rather than merely engaging in a cliché “not so different”dialogue, Grimmel emerges as a credible threat, skillfully outsmarting our heroes.
However, the film does stumble under the weight of various subplots, particularly when it shifts focus from primary characters like Valka (Cate Blanchett) and Astrid (America Ferrera) to side characters Snotlout (Jonah Hill), Ruffnut, and Tuffnut (Kristen Wiig and Justin Rupple). While this development adds complexity to Hiccup’s ensemble, it also risks tipping the delicate balance between humor and irritability.
The Hidden World continues to resonate with critics, earning a third Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. Financially, it performed admirably, surpassing the first film’s box office but trailing behind the impressive earnings of How to Train Your Dragon 2.
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How To Train Your Dragon (2010)
The Franchise Debuts with a Hit
The inaugural film introduces us to Hiccup, a 15-year-old outcast in Viking society, who attempts to gain respect by slaying a dragon. However, upon achieving this feat and choosing mercy instead, Hiccup’s life irrevocably changes. More than a decade later, How to Train Your Dragon continues to captivate audiences with its distinctive departure from DreamWorks’ typical humor, favoring heartfelt storytelling over pop culture references prevalent in earlier films like Shrek.
This poignant decision has allowed the film’s humor to age gracefully, maintaining its charm and engaging audiences anew. The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless flourishes with adorable interactions, balancing Toothless’s cat-like demeanor and dog-like exuberance, creating some of the film’s most memorable moments.
The impressive test flight sequence remains a breathtaking cinematic achievement, bolstered by John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score, which amplifies the emotional weight of the scene. While the climactic confrontation with the Red Death, the series’ least engaging antagonist, feels somewhat rushed due to its last-minute introduction, it hardly detracts from the overall experience of this seminal film.
Additionally, the original How to Train Your Dragon film is noteworthy for its inclusive representation of disability, showcased through Hiccup’s mechanical prostheses and the character Gobber (voiced by Craig Ferguson).
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How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
The Series at Its Best
Building on the immense success of its predecessor, How to Train Your Dragon 2 stands as one of the finest animated sequels of all time. Set five years after the original, Berk has evolved into a sanctuary of harmony, yet Hiccup faces expectations from his father, Stoick (Gerard Butler), to embrace his destiny as chief while contending with the warrior Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou) and unresolved conflicts from his past.
This sequel not only enhances the series’ core themes but offers profound insights into war, empathy, and leadership, all while retaining a strong focus on character development. The emotional weight of a family reunion and the loss of a cherished character resonate deeply due to the well-crafted animation and voice performances.
The film’s extraordinary visuals reflect a significant advancement in DreamWorks’ animation, with stunning sequences influenced by the legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins. These vivid moments, alongside John Powell’s evocative score, solidify How to Train Your Dragon 2 as an extraordinary achievement in animated filmmaking.
What’s Next for the How To Train Your Dragon Franchise?
As fans await news from the franchise, it’s been five years since How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World made its debut, affirming the creators’ decision to conclude the animated series after three films. Nevertheless, the beloved story is not over yet—following the trend of other iconic animated films, a live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon is in the works. This new adaptation will closely follow the original plot, showcasing beloved scenes in a fresh format.
This remake promises an exciting cast, including Mason Thames (The Black Phone) portraying Hiccup, Nico Parker (The Last of Us) as Astrid Hofferson, and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) reprising his role as Gobber. With director Dean DeBlois returning, fans are eager to see whether this live-action interpretation will lead to remakes of the sequels or explore entirely new narratives within the How to Train Your Dragon universe.