How to Train Your Dragon: Exploring the Best Viewing Order

I. Introduction

The How to Train Your Dragon film franchise has become a beloved classic and it can be difficult to decide how to properly watch the films and appreciate their growth. In this article, we will explore some ways to watch the movies and suggest suitable viewing orders based on different approaches.

II. Chronological order

The first approach to watching the movies is to follow their release order. This means that one should first watch How to Train Your Dragon (2010), followed by How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), and finally, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019).

The advantage of following the chronological order is that it allows viewers to appreciate the progression of animation technology and storytelling in the sequels. The disadvantage is that it might not be as satisfying to end with a third movie that is farther along in the timeline.

For viewers who want to take this approach, it is recommended to watch the film franchise in the order of release date.

III. Storyline order

An alternative method is to watch the movies in the order of their storyline. Starting with the events of the short film How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019), and then going on to How to Train Your Dragon (2010), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), and finishing with How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019).

The advantage of following the storyline order is the ability to have better understanding of the plot and following the character arcs. It also allows for a better understanding of side-stories and minor characters.

For viewers who want to take this route, it is recommended to watch the film franchise in the order of their storyline.

IV. Taking it further

For those who want to deepen their viewing experience, watching the TV series, DreamWorks Dragons, can add to the knowledge and enjoyment. The TV series explores the storyline of the films and introduces new characters and places.

For interested viewers, it is recommended to watch DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk, DreamWorks Dragons: Defenders of Berk, DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge, and finally, DreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers, in that order.

V. Thematic order

Viewing by theme is like following the storyline order, but instead of following the chronology, the order is dictated by the themes explored in the films. Starting with friendship, moving on to family, and finally exploring the theme of home. Watching the films in that sequence: How to Train Your Dragon (2010), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019), would create the best thematic experience.

The advantage of this approach is that it allows viewers to notice the subtleties and progression of each theme and its impact on the main characters.

VI. Age rating order

Since the How to Train Your Dragon franchise is well-received among all age groups, viewers can opt to follow the age rating order, intended to keep younger viewers interested in the series. Following the age rating order, starting with How to Train Your Dragon (2010), next How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019), and lastly, How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019), would be the perfect order for all age groups.

This approach makes the films viewed fun for both children and adults and yet still able to understand the storyline without confusion.

VII. Character-driven order

A character-driven order revolves around the development of individual characters. Following in the steps of Hiccup’s evolution and growth, it is fitting to watch How to Train Your Dragon (2010), followed by How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), then finally How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019).

This approach centers on character arcs, character motivation, and life lessons learned, giving a deeper understanding of the psyche of characters.

VIII. Reverse order

A unique way to view the films is to watch the movies in reverse order. Starting with How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019), followed by How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), then How to Train Your Dragon (2010), and concluding with How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019).

Watching the films in reverse order allows viewers to see the outcome before the story’s beginning. It’s a terrific way to see the influence of the characters from beginning to end.

IX. Conclusion

There are many ways to watch the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. Viewers can select one of these methods to create the best viewing options that suit their tastes. While it is up to individual taste to choose the viewing order, it is strongly recommended that viewers should include DreamWorks Dragons TV series to deepen their appreciation of the franchise. Regardless of the approach taken, the How to Train Your Dragon series is a marvelous example of storytelling and animation.