Sequels don’t often top the originals. Usually, a series loses some of its magic as it goes on. But How to Train Your Dragon 2 is one of the few sequels that actually improve on the first.
The first How to Train Your Dragon, released in 2010, was a heartwarming adventure based on Cressida Cowell’s children’s books. It told the story of Hiccup, a young Viking who disliked dragons, until he met the injured Toothless. Their growing friendship, which crossed species lines, made the story simple yet powerful and won over many fans.
The sequel came out four years later, and the story picks up five years after the first film. While the original focused on the bond between a boy and a creature, like E.T. or The Black Stallion, this movie shifts toward themes of growing up and loss, like Bambi or The Lion King.
The Courage to Depict the Pain of Growing Up
At the heart of this film is Hiccup’s struggle with growing up. His father, Stoick, wants him to become the next chief, but Hiccup doesn’t feel ready for that role. He’s more of an adventurer and a dreamer who loves exploring and making maps. Leading the village doesn’t feel right for him.
This struggle of “not knowing where one belongs” is universal to anyone transitioning from adolescence to young adulthood. In the previous film, Hiccup transformed from a ‘coward’ into a “hero.” But in this installment, he realizes that being a hero and a leader are distinct.
Hiccup’s growth speeds up when he reunites with his mother, Valka. Everyone thought she was dead, but she had actually been living with dragons. This discovery shows Hiccup a different way to live. Valka left human society to be with the dragons, a free and beautiful choice but also a lonely one.
Valka, who Cate Blanchett voices, might represent what Hiccup could become in the future. Meeting her makes Hiccup think more deeply about his own path.
Inevitable farewells and tears
One of the main themes in this film is the death of an important character. Facing death directly in an animated movie is a bold choice, but director Dean DeBlois doesn’t avoid it. Like Mufasa’s death in The Lion King, this film shows that growing up often means dealing with loss.
This loss fundamentally changes Hiccup is no longer a boy who can freely adventure under his father’s protection. He is thrust into a position where he must shoulder responsibility, make decisions, and lead others.
Some people thought this was too much for a children’s movie. But I think this brave choice is what makes the film special. All kids will face goodbyes at some point, and seeing it in a story can help them understand and prepare for those moments.
The Characters’ Growth and Change
Hiccup has grown up a lot since the last movie. He’s more confident and even jokes around, but he still feels the pressure of his new responsibilities. Showing him as an imperfect hero makes Hiccup feel real and easy to relate to.
Astrid (America Ferrera) plays a crucial role as Hiccup’s love interest and trusted confidante. She has evolved from the “strong-willed heroine” of the previous film into a more supportive presence. Their relationship has deepened significantly since the first movie.
On the downside, the reduced screen time for the supporting characters is disappointing. Distinctive companions like Snotlout, Tuffnut, Ruffnut, and Fishlegs played significant roles in the previous film but are primarily relegated to the background here. It is to make room for new characters (Valka, Drago, and Eret), but it leaves fans feeling a bit lonely.
Toothless is still as cute and brave as ever, and he’s always by Hiccup’s side. He’s even more expressive in this movie—sometimes acting like a cat, sometimes like a dog, and sometimes like a proud dragon. The trust between Hiccup and Toothless is at the heart of the film.
The Presence of the Antagonist, Drago Bludvist
Drago Bludvist is both the film’s biggest weakness and a necessary part of the story. The first movie didn’t have a clear villain—the conflict came from fear and misunderstanding between humans and dragons, which could be solved by learning about each other. In this film, though, there’s a clear bad guy who is just plain evil.
Drago hates dragons, wants to control them, and uses them as weapons. He’s not a very deep character, but having an enemy like him pushes Hiccup to grow. In the first movie, problems could be solved by understanding each other, but this time, Hiccup has to fight. Drago shows that sometimes, there’s no other choice.
Drago’s subordinate, Eret (Kit Harington), is a more interesting character. His journey from enemy to gradually opening up to Hiccup and his friends carries forward the previous film’s theme of “understanding and empathy.”
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Anticipation and Anxiety for the Sequel
The ending of this movie makes it clear there will be a sequel. Hiccup becomes the new chief, and Berk starts a new chapter. But there’s still a big question: Where did the dragons go?
Author Cressida Cowell reportedly considered ending the story with the dragons’ extinction. Director Dean Dubois embraced this idea, aiming to explore its answer across the trilogy.
After watching this film, you’re left both excited for the next part and a little sad that the story might end. That feeling shows just how much people love this series.
The 2019 sequel, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, wrapped up the series beautifully. Still, How to Train Your Dragon 2 stands strong on its own and leaves you wanting more.
The Only Complaint
If I have one complaint, it’s that the film doesn’t quite stand on its own. It works great as the middle part of a trilogy, but on its own, it feels a bit incomplete. After a significant loss, the story quickly moves on to the next challenge, without much time to process what happened.
If you can, I suggest watching this film and its sequel, “Rise of the Hiccup and Toothless,” one after the other. That way, the story flows smoothly, and the emotions carry through.
Summary: The Light of Growth Beyond the Tears
The animated film “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is a rare example of a sequel surpassing its predecessor, standing as one of the pinnacles of animated cinema. Every aspect of its narrative depth and emotional richness surpassed the first film.
What really sets this film apart is that it doesn’t shy away from the hard truth that growing up can be painful. Saying goodbye, taking on significant responsibilities, and facing your own limits are things everyone goes through. The movie shows these moments in a way that’s sad, beautiful, and hopeful all at once.
And the story of Hiccup and Toothless isn’t over yet. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is waiting for you.
