How To Train Your Dragon: The Best Order To Watch

If you’re new to the How To Train Your Dragon (HTTYD) franchise or planning a marathon, knowing the optimal viewing sequence can make the experience smoother and more rewarding. Below you’ll find a clear, step‑by‑step guide that covers every film, TV series, short, and special, plus an estimate of the total time required to fly through the entire universe.

Why the Order Matters

The HTTYD saga spans over a decade, with stories told out of chronological order. Watching the titles in release order preserves the evolution of animation, voice‑acting, and storytelling, while a chronological approach lets you follow the narrative from the Viking era to the far‑future epilogue. Most fans recommend a hybrid method: start with the original movies, then move into the series that fills in the gaps, and finish with the latest releases.

Recommended Watch Order

  1. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
  2. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
  3. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
  4. DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders – Series (2020‑present) – optional for younger viewers
  5. DreamWorks Dragons (TV series, 2012‑2018)
  6. Dragons: Race to the Edge (TV series, 2015‑2018)
  7. How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2020) – short
  8. How to Train Your Dragon: The Secret Library (2023) – short

Following this list lets you enjoy the core story first, then explore the expansive world‑building material that bridges the gaps between the movies.

Step‑by‑Step Breakdown

1. The Original Trilogy

The three feature films form the backbone of the franchise. They introduce Hiccup, Toothless, and the Viking village of Berk, then follow their growth from unlikely friends to legendary heroes.

2. DreamWorks Dragons (2012‑2014)

This short‑form series aired on television and serves as a bridge between the first two movies. It expands on Hiccup’s early attempts to integrate dragons into Berkian life.

3. Dragons: Race to the Edge (2015‑2018)

Set after the