The 2003 book “How to Train Your Dragon” by Cressida Cowell led to a series of 11 more stories about Hiccup and Toothless. As a result, it wasn’t surprising that the film adaptations of these books, which made significant changes from their original versions, couldn’t be contained in a single movie. The first “How to Train Your Dragon” movie, directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, debuted in March 2010. This was followed by two animated sequels and one live-action remake (along with three television series). With the live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon” causing a stir at the box office, and plans for another live-action reboot of “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” it seems that Hiccup and Toothless will continue their adventures on the big screen.
How do you manage to stay active in the movie industry for so long? Quality definitely plays a role, and the “How to Train Your Dragon” series certainly embodies that. These animated films are particularly noteworthy, often recognized as some of DreamWorks Animation’s finest productions. The ranking of the four full-length “Dragon” movies highlights the artistic talent that makes this saga a lasting classic in contemporary cinema.
4) How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
In his first foray into live-action filmmaking with the 2025 remake of “How to Train Your Dragon”, DeBlois shows proficiency in adapting stories across different mediums. His choice to use real sets and scenic locations as backdrops adds authenticity, while Toothless’ endearing design and John Powell’s score continue to shine. However, this live-action version of “Dragon” is rather underwhelming. It’s not as disappointing as the most poorly received live-action Disney remakes, but it lacks the engaging quality that sets it apart. Odd camera framing and awkward attempts to bring over-the-top cartoon characters into reality further detract from the overall experience.
3) How to Train Your Dragon 2
The movie How to Train Your Dragon 2 takes on more than it can handle in just 102 minutes, making it a daringly ambitious animated family sequel. However, this brevity leaves certain aspects underdeveloped, such as the excessive comedic subplots involving characters like Fishlegs and Snotlout. Despite these shortcomings, Dragon 2 showcases stunning animation, remarkable voice-over performances (particularly Cate Blanchett in her new role), and a surprisingly dark narrative. The film even dares to transform Toothless into a villain for a time, which contrasts sharply with the sanitized, toy-like leanings of many American animated films. While it may not surpass its predecessor, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is far from just a cash grab.
2) How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
In “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” there’s a sense of conclusive emotion that amplifies its impact. Unlike other installments in an ongoing franchise, this film serves as a poignant goodbye, emphasizing the reasons why dragons and humans can’t coexist harmoniously. The animation is vibrantly engaging, particularly when portraying the physical interactions between Toothless and the Light Fury during their courtship. The movie also offers deep emotional moments and a cleverly wicked villain, superbly voiced by F. Murray Abraham, which only add to the delight of “The Hidden World.” It’s challenging not to feel that this film provides a fulfilling conclusion to the Hiccup storyline.
1) How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
In the 21st century, feature-length computer-animated American movies hadn’t really found a niche like “How to Train Your Dragon” was aiming for. Few films centered around teenagers or dragons, and the more serious, dialogue-free style clashed with the trend of pop culture references seen in post-2001 titles, such as DreamWorks’ “Shrek.” However, this absence of direct contemporaries allowed “Dragon” to march to its own rhythm. Instead of copying existing styles, the story of Hiccup and Toothless, who transformed the world through their friendship, was completely unique.
Sanders and DeBlois skillfully adapted the artistic blend of fantastical elements and deep family struggles from Lilo & Stitch into the movie Dragon, notably enhancing the emotional intensity of moments between Hiccup and Stoick the Vast. Awe-inspiring scenes of Toothless flying majestically through the sky add to the film’s grandeur. Powell’s score is captivating, as are the distinctive dragon designs. The movie’s refusal to conform to stereotypical traits found in traditional American animated films has been instrumental in How to Train Your Dragon’s enduring popularity and ability to attract new admirers even today.
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2025-06-16 20:40