The How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captured the hearts of millions with its breathtaking animation, powerful storytelling, and lovable characters like Hiccup and Toothless. With so many movies, short films, and spin-off series released over the years, it can be confusing to figure out the right way to watch them all. Whether you’re a new viewer or a longtime fan looking to rewatch the series, this guide will show you exactly how to watch all How to Train Your Dragon movies in order, including series and specials, both by release and by chronological sequence.
This blog is your ultimate roadmap to understanding the How to Train Your Dragon watch order. We’ll walk you through every movie, every show, and every short film that makes up this enchanting franchise. If you’ve ever wondered about the correct How to Train Your Dragon sequence or where to find How to Train Your Dragon 3 to watch, you’ve come to the right place.
Why Watch the How to Train Your Dragon Movies in Order?
Watching the How to Train Your Dragon movies in order allows you to experience the full growth of the characters and story arcs as intended by the creators. There are two main ways to enjoy the How to Train Your Dragon sequence:
- Release Order – How fans originally experienced the franchise.
- Chronological Order – The in-universe timeline that gives a coherent story flow.
Understanding both these orders helps you decide which suits your viewing preference better. Let’s dive into both orders one by one.
How to Train Your Dragon Movies in Release Order
This is the order in which the How to Train Your Dragon movies, shorts, and series were released to the public. This is the most straightforward way to experience the franchise.
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010) – Short film
- Book of Dragons (2011) – Short film
- Gift of the Night Fury (2011) – Holiday special
- DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk (2012–2013) – TV series
- DreamWorks Dragons: Defenders of Berk (2013–2014) – TV series
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
- Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014) – Short film
- DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge (2015–2018) – Netflix series
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
- How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019) – Holiday special
- Snoggletog Log (2019) – Yule Log short
- DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders (2019–2022) – Preschool spin-off series
- Dragons: The Nine Realms (2021–2023) – Set far in the future
- How to Train Your Dragon (Live-action, 2025)
Watching all How to Train Your Dragon movies in order of release gives you the experience of seeing how the animation, tone, and character development evolved over time.
How to Train Your Dragon in Chronological Order
If you want to follow the story as it happens in-universe, then this is the best How to Train Your Dragon chronological order to watch everything:
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010)
- Book of Dragons (2011)
- Gift of the Night Fury (2011)
- DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk (2012–2013)
- DreamWorks Dragons: Defenders of Berk (2013–2014)
- Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014)
- DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge (2015–2018)
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
- How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019)
- Snoggletog Log (2019)
- Dragons: The Nine Realms (2021–2023) – Occurs 1,300 years after the original trilogy
- How to Train Your Dragon (Live-action, 2025) – A remake of the original story
Following the How to Train Your Dragon movies in chronological order gives a seamless storytelling experience and shows character progression in a logical sequence.
Where to Watch How to Train Your Dragon Movies and Series
You may be asking, “How to Train Your Dragon 3 where to watch?” or “Where can I stream all How to Train Your Dragon movies in order?” Here’s where you can currently find them:
- Peacock: How to Train Your Dragon 2, The Hidden World, and several shorts
- Netflix: Race to the Edge and Dragons: The Nine Realms
- Hulu: Dragons: Rescue Riders and The Nine Realms
- Max: The original How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- Amazon Prime Video: Most movies and specials available to rent or buy
- Apple TV & YouTube Movies: Pay-per-view rentals of all titles
Note: Availability may change by region, so always check JustWatch.com for the most up-to-date listings.
Which Order Is Best for First-Time Viewers?
For newcomers to the franchise, we recommend watching the How to Train Your Dragon movies in release order. This gives you the same unfolding experience that original fans had. If you’re more interested in the story timeline, the chronological How to Train Your Dragon sequence is ideal.
For younger viewers or families, the Rescue Riders series offers a lighter, preschool-focused version of the dragon universe.
All How to Train Your Dragon Movies in Order
| Order | Title | Type | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | How to Train Your Dragon | Movie | 2010 |
| 2 | Legend of the Boneknapper | Short | 2010 |
| 3 | Book of Dragons | Short | 2011 |
| 4 | Gift of the Night Fury | Short | 2011 |
| 5 | Riders of Berk | Series | 2012–2013 |
| 6 | Defenders of Berk | Series | 2013–2014 |
| 7 | How to Train Your Dragon 2 | Movie | 2014 |
| 8 | Dawn of the Dragon Racers | Short | 2014 |
| 9 | Race to the Edge | Series | 2015–2018 |
| 10 | The Hidden World | Movie | 2019 |
| 11 | Homecoming | Special | 2019 |
| 12 | Snoggletog Log | Short | 2019 |
| 13 | Rescue Riders | Series | 2019–2022 |
| 14 | The Nine Realms | Series | 2021–2023 |
| 15 | How to Train Your Dragon (Live-action) | Movie | 2025 |
Final Thoughts
The How to Train Your Dragon franchise offers a rich and emotionally resonant journey, whether you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it. By following this complete guide on how to watch How to Train Your Dragon movies in order, you can enjoy the adventures of Hiccup, Toothless, and the rest of the dragon-riding crew the way it was meant to be experienced.
Whether you choose to follow the How to Train Your Dragon movies in chronological order or release order, both paths offer an unforgettable storytelling experience. Bookmark this blog and share it with fellow fans who are wondering how to watch every How to Train Your Dragon movie and series in order.
If you’re still wondering how to watch How to Train Your Dragon movies in sequence or where to find How to Train Your Dragon 3, this guide should have all the answers. Happy watching!
Frequently Asked Questions
In what order should I watch How to Train Your Dragon?
You can enjoy the franchise in two main orders:
Release order: follows how the audience originally experienced it—starting with How to Train Your Dragon (2010), then shorts, TV series (Riders of Ber, Defenders of Berk), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), Race to the Edge, The Hidden World (2019), specials, spin‑offs, and finally the live‑action remake (2025).
Chronological order: arranges all entries according to the in‑story timeline—for a seamless narrative flow, start with the 2010 film and its shorts, then series (Riders → Defenders → Race to the Edge), followed by the sequel, concluding with the specials, spin‑offs, and the 2025 movie.
How to watch How to Train Your Dragon series?
The animated TV series includes:
Dragons: Riders of Berk (Season 1 on Cartoon Network)
Dragons: Defenders of Berk (Season 2 on Cartoon Network)
Dragons: Race to the Edge (Seasons 3–8 on Netflix)
Watch in that order to maintain the storyline, as each subtitle corresponds to a sequential season of the same series .
How to Train Your Dragon dragon list?
The franchise features numerous dragon species:
Night Fur (Toothless)
Deadly Nadder (Stormfly)
Monstrous Nightmare (Hookfang)
Hideous Zippleback (Barf & Belch)
Plus many others introduced throughout the movies, shorts, and series.
Is there a part 4 in How to Train Your Dragon?
There is no official “Part 4” in the animated trilogy. The third animated movie, The Hidden World (2019), concludes the core storyline. However, a live‑action remake is set for release in 2025
What is the best How to Train Your Dragon movie?
Opinions vary, but How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) and The Hidden World (2019, also referred to as How to Train Your Dragon 3) frequently receive praise for deeper emotional arcs, character development, and cinematic quality. Gerard Butler even called the third film “the best one yet”.
Do I watch Riders of Berk or Defenders of Berk first?
Always start with Riders of Berk, which is Season 1 of the TV series spin‑off. Then continue with Defenders of Berk, Season 2. Though part of the same DreamWorks Dragons series, both retain distinct arcs and episodes and should be watched in sequence
Are Hiccup and Astrid dating in Defenders of Berk?
During Defenders of Berk (Season 2), Hiccup and Astrid aren’t officially dating yet, but their strong bond and growing affections are clearly evident. Their relationship remains platonic but increasingly romantic—by the end of The Hidden World, they are married
What order do the How to Train Your Dragon books go in?
Here is the complete list of all twelve books in Cressida Cowell’s original How to Train Your Dragon series, in the correct reading order:
How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
How to Be a Pirate (2004)
How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2007/2008)
How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2009)
How to Steal a Dragon’s Sword (2011)
How to Seize a Dragon’s Jewel (2012)
How to Betray a Dragon’s Hero (2013)
How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury (2015)
These books chart Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III’s early adventures long before the DreamWorks animated series and movies. They are standalone novels and diverge significantly from the film adaptations.
What is the difference between Dragons: Riders of Berk and Dragons: Defenders of Berk?
Both are seasons of the same Cartoon Network‑aired series:
Riders of Berk (Season 1) focuses on the early days of dragon‑riding in Berk.
Defenders of Berk (Season 2) features new threats and deeper challenges faced by Hiccup and his friends .