How many How to Train a Dragon movies exist, and how do they fit together? This guide breaks down the main theatrical releases, short films, and streaming specials so you can quickly see what counts as official content.
Below is a structured overview that captures the core movie titles, release years, and runtime in a single scan-friendly table.
| Title | Year | Runtime | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Train Your Dragon | 2010 | 98 min | Theatrical feature |
| How to Train Your Dragon 2 | 2014 | 102 min | Theatrical feature |
| How to Train Your Dragon 3 | 2019 | 104 min | Theatrical feature |
| How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World | 2019 | 104 min | Theatrical feature, alternate title in some regions |
| Homecoming | 2010 | 7 min | Official short film |
| Book of Dragons | 2011 | 22 min | Short film / special feature |
| Gift of the Night Fury | 2011 | 23 min | Short film / special feature |
| Dawn of the Dragon Racers | 2014 | 22 min | Short film / special feature |
| How to Train Your Dragon: Snoggletog Log | 2017 | 24 min | Holiday special |
| How to Train Your Dragon: Wings of Equality | 2020 | 37 min | Streaming special on Netflix |
Main How to Train a Dragon Movies
The Three Theatrical Features
The core cinematic trilogy begins with How to Train Your Dragon in 2010, followed by How to Train Your Dragon 2 in 2014, and How to Train Your Dragon 3 in 2019. Each feature advances the story of Hiccup and Toothless with evolving character arcs and larger-scale action sequences.
The Hidden World Re-release
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World functions as both a re-release of the third film with expanded footage and as the definitive finale. In markets where it was given a separate title, it rounds out the main series journey and provides the ultimate conclusion to the dragon-human alliance storyline.
Short Films and Specials
Official Short Films
Early releases such as Homecoming and Book of Dragons introduce key lore in concise formats, while Gift of the Night Fury and Dawn of the Dragon Racers expand side stories that complement the main arc. These shorts are packaged with Blu-ray releases and streaming bundles, enriching the overall universe without demanding feature-length commitment.
Holiday and Streaming Specials
Snoggletog Log delivers a festive tale perfect for seasonal viewing, and Wings of Equality offers a more modern streaming exclusive on Netflix. These later entries keep the franchise alive between major releases and provide fresh settings for fans to enjoy.
Viewing Order and Chronology
Theatrical Timeline Flow
For viewers asking how many How to Train a Dragon movies form the main storyline, the answer is three theatrical features plus the expanded third film marketed as The Hidden World. Following the chronological order of events helps track character growth and ensures you experience the intended narrative buildup from rookie Viking to seasoned leader.
Optional Short Film Placement
While shorts like Book of Dragons and Gift of the Night Fury can be watched at various points, placing them after the first two features maintains a smooth progression. This approach preserves emotional continuity and lets you appreciate the lighter moments against the backdrop of escalating conflicts.
Streaming and Availability
Platform Differences
Availability varies by region, with some specials appearing on Netflix, Prime Video, or dedicated DreamWorks platforms. Checking local catalogs and bundle options helps you maximize access to both main features and supplementary content without purchasing multiple physical sets.
Physical Media Packages
Blu-ray and DVD collections typically bundle the trilogy, shorts, and holiday specials into one comprehensive package. These editions often include behind-the-scenes material and storyboard comparisons, making them valuable for completists who want every officially released How to Train a Dragon movie and extra content.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- There are three main How to Train a Dragon feature films.
- The Hidden World is the extended finale to the trilogy.
- Multiple short films and specials add depth but are not required viewing.
- Streaming availability differs by region, so check your platform.
- Physical collections offer the most comprehensive viewing experience.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many feature films are considered the main How to Train a Dragon series?
Three theatrical features: How to Train Your Dragon (2010), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), and How to Train Your Dragon 3 / The Hidden World (2019).
Do the short films count as official How to Train a Dragon movies?
No, the short films and specials are supplementary content that expand the universe but are not part of the core trilogy.
Is How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World a separate movie or just the third film with extra scenes?
It is the third film re-edited and released with extended footage and a revised ending, serving as the definitive finale under the title The Hidden World in many territories.
What is the best order to watch all How to Train a Dragon content for a first-time viewer?
Start with the three main features in chronological order, then watch the shorts and holiday specials to deepen your understanding of the world and characters.