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How to Train Your Dragon 2

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Training is over. The adventure begins.

2014102 minPGMidcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Dean DeBlois
Starring
Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson

Five years after uniting the dragons and Vikings of Berk, Hiccup and Toothless soar beyond their homeland, charting the vast unknown. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons—and a mysterious dragon rider with a startling connection to Hiccup. And as the ruthless conqueror Drago Bludvist rises to seize control of both dragons and people alike, Hiccup must step into his role as a true leader and, alongside his friends and Toothless, protect Berk from a devastating war.

Where to watch

Where can I watch How to Train Your Dragon 2?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists How to Train Your Dragon 2 streaming on Paramount+ via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about How to Train Your Dragon 2?

How to Train Your Dragon 2 earns 12 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of films.

Show 4 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is How to Train Your Dragon 2 worth watching?

How to Train Your Dragon 2's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 1.5M ratings across 6 sources. 88% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

96th percentile among Animation98th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)95th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

79 /100

95th percentile of all films

94th percentile among Animation95th percentile among 2010s

Critics 77 · Audience 79

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.9 — people broadly agree on this one.

88% liked it

97th percentile of all films

96th percentile among Animation97th percentile among 2010s
88% rated it 7–1012% rated it 1–6

Critics 92% · Audience 90%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 15 wins / 61 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
  • WonGolden Globes· Best Animated Feature Film

99th percentile

1.5M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 10% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$145M
Opening weekend$49M
Domestic gross$177M
Worldwide gross$622M

Returned 4.3× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A visually stunning sequel that expands the world and takes darker, more mature narrative risks.

Fans praised

  • breathtaking aerial cinematography and flight sequences
  • emotionally mature coming-of-age story with real stakes
  • deepened bond between Hiccup and Toothless

Detractors panned

  • convoluted, rushed plot with too many subplots
  • underdeveloped villain with generic motivations
  • forced family reunion that lacks emotional credibility

What stands out

Cinematography90

gorgeous sweeping aerial shots and detailed textures

Effects and spectacle88

breathtaking dragon battles and massive alpha dragon clashes

ActingDivisive85

Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler all praised; some find Hiccup's voice annoying

Emotional impactDivisive75

Stoick's death polarizing; some find it manipulative, others profoundly moving

CharactersDivisive72

Hiccup's growth praised; side characters flattened; new characters felt forced

Plot and storyDivisive55

ambitious but overstuffed and predictable

Pacing50

frenetic first half, rushed development, some slow middle sections

Originality40

follows sequel formula; loses novelty of first film

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is How to Train Your Dragon 2 like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Funny and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to laugh and feel something too.

It leaves you bittersweet.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Funny and bittersweet.

Moods
TriumphantWarmBittersweetJoyful
Heaviest: late
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsWarmSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its emotional stakes straight, mixing lighthearted Viking-dragon antics with genuinely heavy dramatic beats, all presented with sincere conviction.
The rideThe film opens with lighthearted adventure, builds to a dramatic conflict, and lands on a poignant, bittersweet note with Stoick's death.
StructureThe story follows a conventional three-act structure: Hiccup's discovery of a wider world, confrontation with Drago, and final battle to protect Berk.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe loss of Stoick and the cost of war linger, but the film ends with Hiccup embracing his role as chief and leading his community into a future of peace with dragons.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeHiccup must confront the warlord Drago, who seeks to enslave dragons for world domination, while also stepping into leadership after his father's death.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfComingof age
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4% (this title)
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Coming of age · 5% of filmsFamily bondsLegacy · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeHiccup moves from avoiding the chieftain's duty to embracing it, while discovering his parents' separate hopes for him and honoring what they believed.
StanceThe film celebrates Hiccup's vision of peace and coexistence, championing empathy and understanding over tradition and fear.

The world

TimelessRuralFantasy
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingBerk, a mythical Viking island now coexisting with dragons
MusicJohn Powell's score builds on the first film's themes, adding sweeping new motifs that underscore the emotional and aerial action.

Content guide

Is How to Train Your Dragon 2 okay for kids?

PG

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is rated PG: “Rated PG for adventure action and some mild rude humor” (MPAA). As of October 18, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (37/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at minimal (3/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (1/100) and frightening material at moderate (51/100). Overall it is heavier than 51% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 25 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • Belgium12
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark7
  • GreeceΚ
  • Hong KongI
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • LTV
  • MexicoAA
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway6
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/6
  • ROAP
  • Russia0+
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden7
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 15% of all filmsHeavier than 51% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 55%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 18%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 4%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 2%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 76%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 76% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does How to Train Your Dragon 2 have?

MovieCove's classifier found 3 depicted content warnings in How to Train Your Dragon 2: Animal cruelty (mild), plus 2 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

MildAnimal cruelty

Cast and crew

Who is in How to Train Your Dragon 2?

Cast

5 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Jay Baruchel
as Hiccup
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Cate Blanchett
as Valka
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Gerard Butler
as Stoick
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Craig Ferguson
as Gobber
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
America Ferrera
as Astrid
Jonah Hill
as Snotlout
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
as Fishlegs
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
T.J. Miller
as Tuffnut
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Kristen Wiig
as Ruffnut
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Djimon Hounsou
as Drago

Crew

Directed by

Dean DeBlois

Written by

Dean DeBlois

More like this

What are movies like How to Train Your Dragon 2?

Movies like How to Train Your Dragon 2 include How to Train Your Dragon (2010), How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019) and The Croods (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Dean DeBlois, and most are family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its subject: coming of age. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with How to Train Your Dragon 2?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: adventurer. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.