Are you ready to return to the Isle of Berk? As of December 2025, the world of Vikings and dragons has expanded far beyond the original trilogy, creating a sprawling, epic saga that spans multiple TV series, short films, and a highly anticipated new live-action film. Trying to piece together the correct viewing order can be a challenge for new fans and veterans alike, especially with prequels and specials released out of sequence. This guide cuts through the confusion to provide the definitive, chronological timeline for every piece of the *How to Train Your Dragon* (HTTYD) universe, ensuring you experience Hiccup and Toothless's legendary friendship exactly as it was meant to be told.
The franchise, which began with the critically acclaimed 2010 film, is a masterpiece of storytelling that follows the growth of a young Viking, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, from an awkward teen to a legendary chief. To fully appreciate his journey, from his first secret flight with a Night Fury to the emotional finale of the trilogy, you need the complete, chronological order. We'll also cover the crucial details on the newest chapter: the 2025 live-action retelling.
The Complete 'How to Train Your Dragon' Chronological Viewing Order
The *How to Train Your Dragon* saga is best viewed in chronological order to follow Hiccup and Toothless’s development, the growth of the Dragon Riders, and the escalating conflicts with dragon hunters. This comprehensive list includes the three main feature films, all five TV series, and the five essential short films/specials.
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- Summary: The foundational story. We meet a 15-year-old Hiccup, the runt of the Viking tribe, who befriends the rare Night Fury dragon, Toothless. This film ends with peace established between Vikings and dragons on Berk.
- Legend of the BoneKnapper Dragon (2010)
- Summary: A short film where Hiccup and the gang help Stoick the Vast track down the mythical BoneKnapper dragon. It's a fun, early adventure that happens shortly after the first movie.
- Book of Dragons (2011)
- Summary: A short educational film where Hiccup, Astrid, and the other teens learn about new dragon species, expanding the world's lore.
- Gift of the Night Fury (2011)
- Summary: A holiday special set right after the first movie. It explores the dragons' migratory habits and the deep bond between the Vikings and their new companions. This is essential viewing before the TV series.
- DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk (2012–2013)
- Summary: Season 1 of the TV series. It bridges the gap between the first and second movies, showing Hiccup and his friends learning to train and live with their dragons, establishing the Dragon Academy.
- DreamWorks Dragons: Defenders of Berk (2013–2014)
- Summary: Season 2 of the TV series. The Dragon Riders face new enemies, including the villain Alvin the Treacherous, and discover new territories, further developing their skills and the relationship between the tribes.
- DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge (2015–2018)
- Summary: Seasons 3–8 of the TV series. This is a crucial prequel to the second movie, set three years after *Defenders of Berk*. It follows the Dragon Riders as they discover the Dragon Eye, encounter the notorious dragon hunter Viggo Grimborn, and establish the Dragon's Edge base.
- Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014)
- Summary: A short film that explains the origins of the competitive sport of dragon racing, which is a major element in *How to Train Your Dragon 2*. It fits best after the *Race to the Edge* series.
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
- Summary: Set five years after the first film. Hiccup is now 20, and Berk is a thriving dragon utopia. The film introduces Hiccup’s long-lost mother, Valka, and the terrifying villain Drago Bludvist, leading to a major turning point for the village.
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
- Summary: Set one year after the second film. Hiccup, now the Chief of Berk, must confront the most dangerous threat yet: the Night Fury hunter Grimmel the Grisly. The film explores the legend of the titular Hidden World and provides a powerful, emotional conclusion to the main trilogy.
- How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019)
- Summary: A holiday special set ten years after *The Hidden World*'s epilogue. It shows a grown-up Hiccup, Astrid, and their children, Nuffink and Zephyr, working to keep the memory of dragons alive for the next generation. It serves as a beautiful, final epilogue for the animated saga.
The Future of Berk: The 2025 Live-Action Remake
The world of Vikings and dragons is set to soar once more with a major new project. DreamWorks and Universal Pictures are developing a live-action retelling of the original 2010 animated film, which promises to introduce the beloved story to a new generation while offering a fresh perspective for long-time fans. This is the most significant update to the franchise since the trilogy concluded.
Live-Action Remake: Cast, Release Date, and Production Details
The new live-action movie is not a sequel or a spin-off; it is a direct adaptation of the first animated film. The production is being helmed by Dean DeBlois, the writer and director of the entire original animated trilogy, ensuring the new film remains faithful to the spirit and tone of the original story.
- Official Title: *How to Train Your Dragon* (2025)
- Anticipated Release Date: June 13, 2025
- Director: Dean DeBlois
- Confirmed Cast:
- Hiccup: Mason Thames (known for *The Black Phone*)
- Astrid: Nico Parker (known for *The Last of Us*)
- Stoick the Vast: Gerard Butler (reprising his role from the animated films)
- Gobber the Belch: Nick Frost
- Snotlout: Julian Dennison
- Fishlegs: Gabriel Howell
The decision to bring back Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast has been met with widespread fan approval, providing a tangible link between the animated legacy and the new live-action venture. The casting of young stars Mason Thames and Nico Parker as the central duo, Hiccup and Astrid, marks a new beginning for the franchise, focusing on the core themes of courage, acceptance, and the bond between man and beast.
Understanding the 'How to Train Your Dragon' TV Series Timeline
The three main TV series—*Riders of Berk*, *Defenders of Berk*, and *Race to the Edge*—are essential to the full HTTYD narrative. They are not optional side stories; they contain critical character development, introduce key villains, and explain the origins of major plot points and technology seen in *How to Train Your Dragon 2*.
DreamWorks Dragons: Riders and Defenders of Berk
These first two seasons (40 episodes total) are set immediately after the first movie. They focus on the challenge of integrating dragons into Viking society. Hiccup and the Dragon Riders must navigate village politics, dragon training difficulties, and the first appearances of hostile human groups and rival tribes who want the dragons for themselves. They solidify the core group's dynamic.
Dragons: Race to the Edge
*Race to the Edge* is the longest series (six seasons, 78 episodes) and acts as the direct prequel to the second movie. It shows a more mature Hiccup and the Dragon Riders leaving Berk to explore new lands. This series is where they discover the Dragon Eye, a crucial artifact, and encounter the dragon hunters who will eventually lead to Drago Bludvist's army. Watching this series explains why Hiccup is so skilled and why the world is so vast by the time *How to Train Your Dragon 2* begins.
The Release Order vs. Chronological Order
While the chronological order is recommended for the best storytelling experience, some fans prefer the release order, which is how the content was originally consumed by the public. This order is simpler, but it can sometimes feel jarring due to the shifts in character age and world state.
The Official Release Order:
- *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)
- *DreamWorks Dragons: Defenders of Berk* (2013)
- *How to Train Your Dragon 2* (2014)
- *Dawn of the Dragon Racers* (2014)
- *DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge* (2015–2018)
- *How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World* (2019)
- *How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming* (2019)
- *How to Train Your Dragon* (Live-Action Remake) (2025)
Notice the major difference: *Race to the Edge* was released after *How to Train Your Dragon 2*, but is chronologically a prequel. For the most immersive experience, stick to the chronological timeline to watch Hiccup and Toothless grow up in sequence.
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