How to watch all the How to Train Your Dragon movies and shows in order is a common question for new and longtime fans. This guide walks you through the official release timeline so you never miss a Toothless moment.
Below is a structured overview of the feature films, short films, and series that make up the complete HTYD universe. Use this table to plan your binge or to confirm which content belongs where in the chronology.
| Title | Type | Release Year | Key Role in Chronology |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Train Your Dragon | Feature Film | 2010 | Origin story of Hiccup and Toothless |
| How to Train Your Dragon 2 | Feature Film | 2014 | Set five years after the first film |
| How to Train Your Dragon 3 | Feature Film | 2019 | Final chapter concluding the main saga |
| Dragons: Race to the Edge | Streaming Series | 2015–2018 | Bridge between the first two feature films |
| Homecoming | Short Film | 2011 | Holiday short set after the first film |
Feature Films in Release Order
How to Train Your Dragon 2010
This debut feature introduces Hiccup, an awkward Viking teen, and his unlikely bond with a Night Fury named Toothless. Watch it first to understand the emotional foundation of the entire series.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 2014
Set five years later, this sequel expands the world with new dragons, a larger-scale conflict, and deeper family themes. It builds directly on the original while standing strongly on its own.
How to Train Your Dragon 3 2019
The trilogy wraps up with sweeping stakes, hidden realms, and the ultimate test for Hiccup and Toothless. Viewing this after the second film ensures you catch all the payoff moments.
Streaming Series and Spin-offs
Dragons: Race to the Edge
This Netflix series runs parallel to the later events of the second film and leads into the third. It explores dragon training beyond Berk and gives side characters rich development.
Short Films and Holiday Content
Shorts like Homecoming and others deliver compact stories that slot into gaps in the main timeline. They are light, family-friendly, and great for completists.
For viewers tracking every release, following the order of feature films, then series, then shorts delivers the smoothest experience. Chronology fans may prefer a story-based progression that aligns with character aging and plot causality.
Timeline and Viewing Path
Use this recommended sequence to preserve narrative impact and avoid confusion. The path balances release order with in-story progression so events and character relationships feel coherent.
| Viewing Path Step | Content | Relation to Main Story | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | How to Train Your Dragon (2010) | Beginning | Start here for character origins |
| 2 | Homecoming (2011) | Side story | Holiday short after the first film |
| 3 | How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) | Direct sequel | Continue the adventure after a time skip |
| 4 | Dragons: Race to the Edge (2015–2018) | Bridge to finale | Binge after the second film |
| 5 | How to Train Your Dragon 3 (2019) | Conclusion | Wrap up the saga here |
Plan Your How to Train Your Dragon Marathon
- Start with the 2010 feature film to establish core relationships.
- Add the holiday short Homecoming for extra festive flavor.
- Continue with the 2014 sequel to maintain story momentum.
- Binge Race to the Edge to bridge gaps and deepen lore.
- Finish with the 2019 finale to experience the full character arc.
FAQ
Reader questions
Should I watch the films before the Race to the Edge series?
Yes, watching the 2010 and 2014 films first ensures you understand the character dynamics and major plot twists before the series expands the world further.
Does the order of the shorts matter for first-time viewers?
Not significantly; shorts like Homecoming are self-contained and can be enjoyed after the main films without disrupting the overall story arc.
Is Race to the Edge connected to the third movie?
Yes, the series sets up events and emotional beats that directly influence the stakes and resolutions found in How to Train Your Dragon 3.
What is the best order for someone new to the franchise?
Follow the chronological release path: first film, short, second film, series, third film, and remaining shorts for a complete and satisfying journey.