On June 13, 2014, audiences soared back to the Viking village of Berk with the theatrical premiere of "How to Train Your Dragon 2." Arriving four years after the universally acclaimed original, the sequel had enormous expectations to meet. The date marked a significant moment for DreamWorks Animation, as the film aimed to prove that the franchise could evolve, deepening its narrative and expanding its world while retaining the heart and spectacle that made the first film a classic. The release was met with immense anticipation from fans and critics alike, eager to see the next chapter in the lives of Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless.
What it is
"How to Train Your Dragon 2" is a 3D computer-animated action-fantasy film that continues the story of the young Viking Hiccup and his Night Fury dragon, Toothless. Set five years after the first film, the Vikings of Berk now live in harmony with dragons. Hiccup, now a young adult, spends his days exploring and mapping new lands. His adventures lead him to discover a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, who turns out to be his long-lost mother, Valka. This discovery places Hiccup at the center of a new conflict against the power-hungry conqueror Drago Bludvist, who seeks to build a dragon army.
How it came to be
Development for a sequel began shortly after the release of the first film in 2010. Director Dean DeBlois, who co-directed the original, agreed to helm the sequel on the condition that he could turn it into a trilogy, envisioning a larger coming-of-age story for Hiccup. Inspired by films like "The Empire Strikes Back," DeBlois aimed for a sequel that was darker, more emotional, and expanded the scope of the world. The animation team at DreamWorks pushed their proprietary software to new limits, allowing for more complex character animations, richer lighting, and more detailed environments. Composer John Powell returned to create a soaring, epic score that built upon the beloved themes of the original while introducing powerful new motifs.
How many it sold
"How to Train Your Dragon 2" was a major box office success. It grossed over $177 million in North America and $444.5 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $621.5 million. It was the highest-grossing animated film of 2014 and the 12th highest-grossing film of the year overall. The film's commercial success solidified "How to Train Your Dragon" as one of DreamWorks Animation's most valuable and beloved franchises, paving the way for the concluding chapter, "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World," as well as numerous television series and merchandise.
Why it resonated
The film resonated deeply with audiences and critics for its ambitious storytelling and emotional depth. It bravely aged its characters, tackling more mature themes of family, loss, responsibility, and the consequences of war. Unlike many animated sequels that simply rehash the original's formula, "How to Train Your Dragon 2" expanded its mythology in meaningful ways. The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless remained the film's core, but the introduction of Hiccup's mother and the formidable villain Drago added new layers of emotional complexity and raised the stakes significantly. The breathtaking animation and John Powell's magnificent score created a truly immersive and awe-inspiring cinematic experience.
Impact today
"How to Train Your Dragon 2" is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated sequels ever made, often cited alongside "Toy Story 2" and "Shrek 2." It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film and received a nomination for the same award at the 87th Academy Awards. The film's success demonstrated that family-oriented animated films could tell sophisticated, emotionally mature stories without sacrificing entertainment value or broad appeal. Its legacy is that of a sequel that not only matched but, in the eyes of many, surpassed its predecessor, setting a high benchmark for animated storytelling and cementing the trilogy as a modern classic.
Historical content researched and generated by Gemini 2.5 Pro.