When it comes to heartwarming animation movies about friendship and personal growth, very few franchises can match the appeal of . From its humble beginnings as a book series penned by Cressida Cowell, the saga has captured the hearts of audiences across the globe and given birth to a cinematic universe that continues to build upon its own success.

The story started as a charming 2010 film about a Viking and a dragon and evolved into DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved trilogies. Its defining qualities lie in the stunning animation, emotionally touching narrative, and an incredible score by John Powell. The first movie was such a hit that it spawned two sequels, multiple spin-offs, and now, a highly anticipated live-action adaptation that has just hit theaters worldwide.

The success of the original movie paved the way for How to Train Your Dragon 2 and The Hidden World. Each of these movies breathed new life into Berk and struck the perfect balance between action and drama. Now, in 2025, the franchise has taken flight once again. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the live-action remake is a promising and faithful retelling of the same story. It features Mason Thames as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid, and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick. With at least 27 minutes of new material, DeBlois has ascertained that there are extended sequences and the action is dialed up, and at the same time, elements from the original that weren’t appealing have been left behind.

Of course, box office success has played a vital role in the franchise’s enduring popularity. Each installment has grossed hundreds of millions worldwide and secured an impressive spot on the charts in the year of their respective releases. It’s clear that audiences just can’t get enough of Hiccup and Toothless. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at every How to Train Your Dragon movie, ranked by box office take.

Loosely based on Cressida Cowell’s 2003 novel of the same name, DreamWorks Animation’s takes audiences to the Viking village of Berk, where dragons are feared and hunted. They are seen as nothing more than a destructive menace. Hiccup, the awkward and scrawny son of the village chief, Stoic the Vast, wishes to become a warrior like his father. When he shoots down the elusive Night Fury, a dragon nobody has ever seen up close, he expects to be rewarded with the title of a dragon slayer. But Hiccup can’t bring himself to kill it. So he secretly nurses the dragon back to health, names him Toothless, and forms an unbreakable bond with the dragon. The more Hiccup learns about their kind, the more he realizes they are not the mindless beasts the Vikings believe them to be.

Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, How to Train Your Dragon was a game-changer for DreamWorks Animation. Its stunning visuals and astounding cinematography brought a cinematic quality rarely seen in animated films. The movie managed to balance a deeply emotional story arc with thrilling action and moments of conflict. The flight sequences, especially the breathtaking moment when Hiccup takes Astrid on a ride through the clouds and when Hiccup makes that iconic nosedive, are some of the most memorable ones in animation history.

Also, the entire dynamic between Hiccup and Toothless is the heart of the film. The way it evolves from caution and curiosity to friendship that transcends all barriers is everything. The voice cast, led by Jay Baruchel as Hiccup and Gerard Butler as Stoick, was greatly praised by audiences and critics. The movie was a massive success, grossing $494.9 million worldwide, making it the tenth-highest-grossing film of 2010. It led to two sequels and multiple TV series adaptations. Overall, How to Train Your Dragon is a timeless classic that proves that sometimes the best way to win a battle is to not play by the rules.

Written and directed by Dean DeBlois, this final installment in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy hit theaters in 2019 and made a huge splash. The movie takes Hiccup and Toothless on their most heartbreaking journey. Hiccup, now the chief of Berk, has transformed the island into a sanctuary where dragons and humans live in harmony. However, their peaceful existence is threatened when Grimmel the Grisly, a ruthless dragon hunter determined to wipe out the last Night Fury, sets his sights on Toothless. Meanwhile, Toothless is smitten with the mysterious Light Fury, and Hiccup has to deal with the possibility of letting his best friend go.

The entire movie revolves around the ultimate quest to find a safe haven for dragons, known as the Hidden World. And it builds towards a conclusion where Hiccup must make the hardest decision of his life. stands out because of the advancements it made in the animation, turning complex tasks into a marvel. The film’s visuals are spectacular, and the Hidden World is rendered as a dazzling paradise that feels like something right out of a dream.

Of course, the relationship between Toothless and Light Fury is the highlight. It is handled beautifully. Plus, watching Toothless’ playful and awkward attempts at courtship is a delight. Hiccup’s arc is equally compelling. He goes from being a reluctant leader to a mature, selfless chief. The action sequences are just as exhilarating, making it a fitting conclusion to the trilogy. Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, and Cate Blanchett bring warmth to their roles, while F. Murray Abraham’s presence adds to the tension. The movie grossed $521.8 million worldwide and became the fifth-highest-grossing animated movie of 2019.

Set five years after the events of the first movie, expands the world of Berk and elevates the emotional stakes. Hiccup has now transformed into a confident explorer. He spends most of his days mapping uncharted territories with Toothless to avoid leadership responsibilities and the harsh scrutiny of his father, Stoick. One of his expeditions leads him to his long-lost mother, Valka, who Hiccup learns has spent years trying to rescue dragons from humans. But their reunion is cut short when a looming threat arrives in the form of Drago Bludvist, a warlord who wants to control the dragons and has an army to back him.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor and expands the scope of the Viking-dragon world in poignant ways. There’s a massive war that threatens Hiccup’s entire world, his ideals, and his family. The movie is also where Stoick is tragically killed, leaving Hiccup to step into his father’s shoes and lead his people in a battle against Bewilderbeast, an alpha dragon puppeteered by Drago. This arc is absolutely gorgeous. Hiccup is not ready to embrace the role even though he’s expected to, and he has just found his mother, a character offering a fascinating contrast to his father’s warrior mentality.

Drago, voiced by Djimon Hounsou, is not the most nuanced villain, but his addition pushes Hiccup to his limits and sets the stage for several gut-wrenching moments. Also directed by Dean DeBlois, How to Train Your Dragon 2 was an enormous hit, both critically and commercially. It managed to earn $618.9 million worldwide and secured the title of the 12th highest-grossing movie of 2014. It was particularly successful in the international markets, where the movie grossed over $444 million. How to Train Your Dragon 2 also won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and was nominated for an Academy Award. Clearly one of DreamWorks’ finest achievements.