My girls have spent the past month watching, (and rewatching) the Netflix exclusive How to Train Your Dragon series, Dragons: Race to the Edge. There is a bit of a Dreamworks Dragons obsession in our household. My kids can’t wait to see How to Train Your Dragon 3, which was just released on DVD on May 2st.
With the release of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, now is definitely a great time to catch up on watching (or rewatching) all of the various films and TV episodes.
But with three How to Train Your Dragon movies, and, if you count the Netflix series, three different TV shows, plus numerous short films… How do you figure out the chronology, the How to Train Your Dragon timeline, and the correct order to watch all of the various shows in?
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I have to admit, when my kids first started watching Race to the Edge, I wasn’t paying much attention. I watched a bit, here and there, basically just checking to ensure it was a series I felt comfortable with them seeing, and then I pretty much ignored it. At that point, I hadn’t even seen the film that launched this spin-off series. The girls had watched How to Train Your Dragon with their dad one afternoon when I was busy doing other things.
However, over time their obsession level ramped up (at least in part because Grace became really wrapped up in working on her own Book of Dragons). When my kids start asking to watch the same show every day, I sit up and pay attention. That combined with the fact that I am often in the room with them when they are watching TV, has led to me getting drawn further and further into the dragon riders of Berk, and to be honest, getting sucked into the setting and storylines.
This, of course, made me want to watch the movies, and as I started poking around I came to the realisation that there was a heck of a lot more Dreamworks Dragons stuff out there that we had yet to see (in total there are three movies, two older television shows, a handful of short films, plus the Netflix exclusive series).
But out of that what was available to watch on Netflix? Where could I find the other shows? What order should we watch them in? I mean my kids don’t really care and will watch things in any old order, but I was curious to know what the chronology of the ongoing story was.
So I did some research and this is what I came up with.
First, of course, is the film that started it all: How to Train Your Dragon. This is easy to find, just about anywhere. Watch it on Netflix, grab a DVD, whatever works for you. Just go watch it, right away. Don’t wait six years, like I did.
Next up is a handful of short films; Gift of the Night Fury, Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon, and Book of Dragons. You can find all of these on Netflix, and I recommend streaming them there versus trying to hunt down the DVD versions, which can be pricey.
The short films can be difficult to locate on Netflix. For example, Book of Dragons and Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon can be found bundled together under the title How to Train Your Dragon Legends.
Gift of the Night Fury is a little trickier, looking for it in the Netflix search bar won’t net you any results, but you can find it hidden within Dreamworks Holiday Classic (Episode 3).
After that come two seasons worth of Dreamworks Dragons television episodes. These originally aired on the Cartoon Network, and are currently available on DVD. The first season was called Dragons: Riders of Berk. You can find it on DVD packaged as Dragons: Riders of Berk Part 1 and Dragons: Riders of Berk Part 2. The second season was called Dragons: Defenders of Berk. You can find it on DVD packaged as Dragons: Defenders of Berk Part 1 and Dragons: Defenders of Berk Part 2.
Next up is another short film called Dawn of the Dragon Racers, which is currently streaming on Netflix.
Following that is the Netflix exclusive series Dragons: Race to the Edge. There are six seasons of Race to the Edge available (And yes, unfortunately, it’s been confirmed that the sixth season is the final).
Then you have the second movie, How to Train Your Dragon 2. Yes, parts of the Dragons television series have premiered after this film. However I guarantee, the second film takes place after the television series. (Without dipping too far into spoilers — there is a character who dies in the second film that is still around in the most recent of the Dreamworks Dragons spin-off shows.)
And lastly you have the newst film, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, which just came out on DVD.
I also feel like I should mention, the entire franchise is based on the series of How to Train Your Dragon books written by Cressida Cowell. They are a fun read. Check them out.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
VIEWING ORDER CHECKLIST:
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010) – Currently on Netflix.
- Gift of the Night Fury (2011) – Currently on Netflix, sort of hidden under Dreamworks Holiday Classics, Episode 3.
- Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010) – Currently on Netflix under How to Train Your Dragon: Legends.
- Book of Dragons (2011) – Currently on Netflix under How to Train Your Dragon: Legends.
- Dragons: Riders of Berk (2012–13) – Not on Netflix, is available to purchase on DVD as Dragons: Riders of Berk Part 1 and Dragons: Riders of Berk Part 2.
- Dragons: Defenders of Berk (2013–14) – Not on Netflix, is available to purchase on DVD as Dragons: Defenders of Berk Part 1 and Dragons: Defenders of Berk Part 2.
- Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014) – Currently on Netflix.
- Dragons: Race to the Edge, Season 1-6 – Exclusively available on Netflix.
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) – Not currently on Netflix, is available to purchase on DV.
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (aka How to Train Your Dragon 3)(2019) – out on DVD as of May 21st!D
If you (or your kids) are into Dreamworks Dragons you may also be interested in creating your own book of dragons, check out this great list of free online resources for making your own dragon rider’s notebook.
I don’t think that they have seen any of these. I’ll have to check them out.
Just binged Dragons: Race to the Edge. It answers a lot a questions that I had about How to Train your Dragon 2. I won’t spoil it for you but they were great.
We dont have Netflix so I didnt know there is more How To Train Your Dragon!! My kids and even me loved that movie!!
I’m a fan of toothless 🙂 let me tell you you can pick up or a Roku stick and it has a USB drive port that you can just connect to the back of your TV and you can pick one up for about $19.99 and then I think the monthly subscription to Netflix is like 10 bucks or something like that the six series the hours rather than six seasons of 13 episodes each race to the edge of her unbelievable and just fabulous. Enjoy it
well now I know what we’re watching this evening! thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you SO much for your quick and easy guide on how to watch how to train your dragon. We were completely lost! We started watching one episode from Dragons: Race to the Edge and realized there were new characters, enemies and quarrels so I looked for some guidance on the net and found yours! SO happy for that!!
Best wishes from Argentina!
Thank you very much. I love how to train your dragon 1 + 2 and a friend of mine told me there is more, because her son loves it in german. I prefer english to improve mine. So you guided me what I really want to buy.
Greetings from Germany
It should be noted that there is also a HTTYD comic book called “The Serpent’s Heir,” which takes place right after How To Train Your Dragon 2. The book is available through your local library, and is well worth a read.
I’ll have to take a look for that one. Thanks, Christopher!
Thank You for this! I love the franchise and just finished season 5 on Netflix ( :O ) I’ve been wanting to rewatch everything from start to finish, but wasn’t sure on the exact order of things 🙂
Also , the 3rd movie got moved to 2019 *Crying*
Oh, boo. Too bad about the third moving being pushed back. Still, something to look forward to.
We’ve only watched the two main movies and loved it, but we have yet to dive into the Netflix ones… Thanks for the checklist though!
Ha! This is helpful – we couldn’t figure it out on our own lol
Wow, I did not know how many mini films and movies this franchise has. This is a handy list!
My daughter is obsessed, and honestly, I really love watching with her! I have been trying to figure out what more to watch and this post is perfect! But question, we don’t have Netflix. Is the ONLY way to watch Race to the Edge through purchasing Netflix? I guess I assumed earlier seasons would be on DVD, but it doesn’t look like it. Thank you!
Here’s what I know:
Race to the Edge is a Netflix exclusive show, it was produced by Dreamworks specifically to air on Netflix.
Race to the Edge is not available on DVD.
I can’t think of any other Netflix exclusive kids shows that have made their way to DVD, so I am guessing that Race to the Edge will not be hitting DVD anytime soon.
However, this August Season 1 of Race to the Edge premiered on the Family Channel (in Canada). So, if you have cable you may be able to catch it on there (https://www.family.ca/shows/dragons-race-edge/). (If you’re in the US — I believe Season 1 premiered on “Universal Kids” this summer.)
I really have to start watching these. I’ve heard so much about them.
I have seen every thing How To Train Your Dragon. I almost have all the movies all I need is the gift of the nighfurry and I have seen it. I have Rideres and Defenders of been part 1 and 2 for both of them i have seen all the episodes on Dragons Race To Dragons Edge 20 times every episod and yes I have kept track and I have been tracking the 3rd movies release date since the 2nd movie came out. I would say that I’m a little bit obsessed with it.
cheers! btw… thank you so much for that information.. really helped me out ..but i just wanna ask that in our netflix…there is inly 4 seasons of dragons:race to the edge i am currently in love with the series and i like to keep on going! i could really use your help in fixing it thx! pls reply ASAP
Where in the world are you located, Virgil? Is it possible that season 5 and 6 has yet to premiere in your country? I’m located in Canada and I can view all six seasons (and I believe the same can be said for the United States).
sorry for the late reply…i live in the philippines but no need to worry i downloaded it online in utorrent..btw that also goes with some other films..i cannot find them in netflix
Will we don’t have seasons 5/6 here in Dubai
They are scheduled to be released today so it’s all good 🙂
I search netflix but i cant find race to the egde, there is a different name?
It’s listed under “Dragons: Race to the Edge”, Netflix Original series.
I just double checked and it’s still there (whew), all six season.
I am in Canada and am using Canadian Netflix. If you are elsewhere in the world your version of Netflix may be different.
My daughter wants to have a birthday party with this theme. Any suggestions?
Have you seen the other Dragon Rider’s post I created, the one about how to create a book of dragons? If you hit the dollar store and buy some inexpensive blank books, that might be a cool party activity. If you look at that post I have a list of over 20 different links to where you can print out pictures of dragons to copy (or to colour and cut out). As well, while I was poking around looking for good resources for that post, I happened to notice that the official DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon site also has a bunch of cool print and fold paper crafts, and even some party specific ideas. S 3D papercraft version of Toothless might make a pretty cool centrepiece for a table of snacks, or be a neat take-home activity for older kids.
Create Your Own Book of Dragons post:
https://mapleleafmommy.com/fun/activities-fun-stuff/make-your-own-book-of-dragons-like-a-dragon-rider-of-berk/
Dreamworks site, printables section:
https://www.howtotrainyourdragon.com/play/downloads/printables
(Look for 3D Toothless, 3D Astrid, etc, also look for How to Train Your Dragon 2 Party Kit)
This is super useful!
I’ve been a fan since the first film came out, but until this year (when someone convinced me to get Netflix) I have been unable to watch the series (except sporadically when with friends who have cable or Netflix).
All the series are well designed artistically, nicely animated (remember TV animation is necessarily not as awesome as movie animation due to shorter time and budget). The stories are well written, the characters well developed and while it’s a cartoon and things are exaggerated in that genre, they are grounded in real character, relationships, and the kinds of challenges kids will face as they grow.
And how can you NOT want your own dragon…
You said it perfectly, Teanna. The animation really is decent for an episodic show, the stories are well written with fully realized characters. It’s a topnotch show. I was sorry to see it come to an end. My family is eagerly awaiting the film (and fingers crossed that Dreamworks rolls with another episodic series after the movie).
And yes, who the heck wouldn’t want their own dragon?!?
I just wanted to say that my husband and I are obsessed with the How to Train Your Dragon’s universe! We don’t have any kids but we watch the movies obsessively and are on our second time through race to the edge. Just bought the other two shows on google play movies and are going to be starting them tonight. SO EXCITED!
My kids got the other two shows on DVD for Christmas and I’ve really been enjoying watching them. (And I would totally watch Dreamworks Dragons even if I didn’t have kids. It’s the type of show my husband and I used to watch together before we had little ones.)
Thank you! I would never have found Gift of the Nightfury on Netflix streaming without you!
For those of us who still have Netflix DVD service, all of Riders of Berk and the first half of Defenders of Berk are available through it. I also successfully requested that my local library buy the second half.
Good catch on the DVD service, Luke. I’m in Canada and Netflix doesn’t offer DVDs here, so I would never have discovered that on my own.
Thank you!
I really wanted to watch the Race to the Edge series, but Netflix is stubbornly showing me 4 seasons instead of 6 🙁 So sad
Oh weird, I was (re)watching parts of Season 6 earlier today and it was working fine for me. Try writing their customer support maybe?
If I’m not wrong, I think Dawn of the Dragon Racers takes place chronologically after RTTE S1-6, as RTTE ends 2 years before HTTYD2, and DOTDR was confirmed to be a year before HTTYD2. Thank you for the timeline!
Thanks for the timeline . For those who likes the series , In my opinion its kinda hard to like How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World because the universe is limited , the story “sucks” and some characters behavior not the same..
Wow! I didn’t realize the series was as large as it is! Thank you for sharing a good guide on how to watch in order!
We haven’t seen this, we don’t have Netflix but will check to see if its on Prime or YouTube.
Thank you so much for canonizing the httyd saga especially the TV series as I’ve been dying to find out more about dagurs origins..
Thank you soo much for writing this♡ I’m quite late to know there’s other series of this dragons besides those 3 movies. Your writing is very very helpful.
Tbh since I live in kind of remote village :’) it’s hard for me to get Riders of Berk and Defenders of Berk in DVD. Do you have any other suggestions besides buying a DVD?
Hope your day always goes well~
There’s a holiday special that came out December 2019 after Hidden World called “How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming”. It’s 22 minutes longa nd is currently streaming on Hulu.
Hiccup plans to celebrate dragons with a grand holiday pageant at the Snoggletog Festival; based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” film trilogy, with the voices of Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson and more.
Starring: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Thanks so much for the timeline. I’ve come across a couple of newer additions to the end of the list:
The special How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming which I’ve seen is on Hulu and DVD
The new series Dragons:The Nine Realms to premier on Hulu and Peacock on 12/23/2021 set 1,300 years after HTTYD.
Note that I am in the U.S., but hope they are available in Canada as well.
I’ve seen all of how to train your dragon movies and episodes. I enjoy them alot