How to Train Your Dragon 2
How to Train Your Dragon 2
When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace.
Michael Heimgartner reviewedJuly 6, 2025
A Worthy, Even Darker Sequel That Grows With Its Characters
I decided to rewatch How to Train Your Dragon 2 alongside the new live-action remake, and it really reminded me just how strong this sequel is. Honestly, I’m now extremely curious to see what the remake of this chapter will look like. This is a beautiful continuation that never feels like a cheap follow-up or a lazy retread. The story genuinely moves forward, building on everything from the first film while adding even more depth and emotional weight.
What surprised me most is how grown-up this entry feels. It’s real action cinema with genuine stakes, not just simple kids’ entertainment. It’s darker, more intense, and unafraid to explore sad and even devastating territory. The film actually trusts its younger audience to handle these heavier themes, which is refreshing. Set five years after the original, it’s incredibly satisfying to see how the characters have matured. Hiccup in particular stands out as one of animation’s best protagonists. Every choice he makes feels logical and true to his personality. He’s strong, determined, empathetic, and so incredibly relatable.
Toothless is simply one of the greatest dragons in film history. He’s beautifully animated, and despite being nonverbal, you always know exactly what he’s feeling. Their bond is even stronger here, and it serves as the emotional heart of the film. Gerard Butler once again delivers a powerful performance as Stoick, whose role is even more impactful than in the first film. Djimon Hounsou is also fantastic as Drago, giving the story a truly menacing and memorable antagonist.
The entire supporting cast shines, with Astrid, Fishlegs, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and Gobber all given meaningful moments that add depth and humor without ever feeling superfluous. The animation is breathtaking—seriously among the best of its era, even rivaling Pixar at times. The action scenes are sweeping and epic, yet they never lose the emotional core that makes the franchise so special.
What I especially appreciate is the film’s willingness to change the status quo. Unlike many sequels that hit the reset button just to keep the formula intact, How to Train Your Dragon 2 moves its world and characters forward in meaningful, sometimes painful ways. It’s willing to take risks, and it treats its audience with respect.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a rare sequel that doesn’t just match its predecessor but arguably surpasses it in some ways. It’s beautifully animated, deeply emotional, and packed with epic moments that left me genuinely excited for the next chapter. DreamWorks really nailed it with this one.