Last updated
    How to Train Your Dragon 2
    🎬movieReleasedPG

    How to Train Your Dragon 2

    United States flagUnited States

    "The map ends. The fight begins."

    2014 1h 42m English
    77%

    User Score

    107620 votes

    Community

    Part of a Collection

    How to Train Your Dragon Collection

    Overview

    Five years after Hiccup and Toothless united the Vikings of Berk with dragons, the pair spends their days mapping unmapped territories beyond the island. Their exploration leads them to a hidden ice cavern where they encounter Valka, a masked rider who reveals herself as Hiccup's mother, missing for twenty years since being taken by a dragon. While Hiccup rejoices in her return, he faces growing pressure from his father, Stoick, regarding his future role as chief.

    A new threat emerges in Drago Bludvist, a warlord who seeks to conquer Scandinavia by enslaving dragons through pain and fear rather than partnership. His arrival forces Stoick to choose between diplomacy and defense, creating tension within the family as Hiccup attempts to forge alliances with other tribes. The film balances its darker themes of loss and leadership with the humor of Gobber and the teenage riders, all set against John Powell's sweeping orchestral score.

    Where to Watch

    Availability and pricing can change. Confirm on the provider's site before purchasing.

    PlotSpoiler-free

    It has been five years since the events of the first film, and the village of Berk has transformed into a bustling hub where humans and dragons coexist in peace. Hiccup, now the chief-in-training, spends his days exploring the world beyond their home with Toothless, mapping unmapped territories and discovering new dragon species. His father, Stoick the Vast, serves as the current Chief of Berk, while his mother, Valka, has been missing for two decades after being abducted by a dragon during a raid when Hiccup was a child. The community thrives on this unique bond, hunting together and training as partners, but Hiccup feels the weight of his future responsibilities pressing down on him.

    The status quo shifts dramatically when Hiccup and Toothless discover a hidden ice cavern filled with wild, untrained dragons. Inside, they encounter a mysterious masked rider who reveals herself to be Valka, Hiccup's long-lost mother. She explains that she was taken by an Alpha dragon and has spent the last twenty years living among them, caring for and training various species. Her return is bittersweet; while Hiccup is overjoyed to see her, he is also struggling with the reality of leadership and the expectations placed upon him by his father. Stoick is initially wary of Valka's decision to live apart from the village but eventually accepts her presence. However, tensions rise as Hiccup feels caught between his duty to his people and his desire to explore the unknown with his mother.

    Meanwhile, a dark threat looms on the horizon: Drago Bludvist, a ruthless warlord from a distant land, seeks to conquer all of Scandinavia by building an army of tamed dragons through fear and force. Unlike Hiccup, who believes in partnership with dragons, Drago uses iron spikes and pain to subdue them, creating a terrifying legion under his command. He learns of Berk's unique bond with dragons and sets his sights on the island, viewing it as the key to unlocking the ultimate power. As Drago's forces begin to encroach on Viking territories, Stoick must decide whether to stand and fight or seek peace, a decision that puts his relationship with Hiccup and his wife at risk.

    As the story progresses, Hiccup attempts to forge alliances with other tribes and dragons to stop Drago, but he faces skepticism from those who believe the Vikings are too weak or that the dragons are too dangerous. The narrative builds toward a confrontation that will test not only the strength of Berk's defenses but also the bonds between father and son, husband and wife, and man and beast. The stakes are raised as Drago's army grows stronger, and the fate of the entire world hangs in the balance. The journey takes the characters across vast landscapes, from icy caverns to burning battlefields, as they prepare for a final showdown that will redefine the relationship between Vikings and dragons forever.

    Ending ExplainedSpoilers

    Trailers

    Official Trailer 2

    Official Trailer

    Official Teaser Trailer

    Critical Reception

    Critical Consensus

    Critics widely praised How to Train Your Dragon 2 for its emotional depth, stunning animation, and mature storytelling, marking a significant evolution from its predecessor. The film was lauded for its darker tone, complex character arcs, and John Powell's soaring score, which perfectly balanced melancholy with action. Many reviewers noted that the sequel surpassed the original in scope and emotional resonance.

    Top Cast

    Crew

    Director

    Dean DeBlois

    Writers

    Dean DeBlois, Cressida Cowell

    Composer

    John Powell

    Cinematographer

    Gil Zimmerman

    Producer

    Bonnie Arnold

    Awards

    Annie Awards (2015)

    Best Animated Feature: Won

    Annie Awards (2015)

    Best Voice Acting: Won

    Saturn Awards (2015)

    Best Animated Film: Won

    Golden Globe Awards (2015)

    Best Animated Feature Film: Nominated

    BAFTA Awards (2015)

    Best Animated Film: Nominated

    Keywords

    rescuehusband wife relationshipsacrificeparent child relationshiploss of loved onevillainmelancholyvikings (norsemen)sequeldragonnostalgicwarriormysteriousphilosophicalreflectivemother son relationshiploving3d animationinspirationalwistful

    Sources

    Facts

    Budget
    $145,000,000
    Revenue
    $621,537,519
    Director
    Dean DeBlois
    Production Studio
    DreamWorks Animation
    Release Date
    June 5, 2014
    Runtime
    102 minutes

    Join the community

    fans discussing