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How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) movie poster

Timeline

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2014 · 102 min · English
JustWatch #20,310 11
Directed by
Dean DeBlois
Starring
Gerard Butler, Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig, Craig Ferguson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Budget
$145M

As the Viking village of Berk enjoys a newfound harmony with dragons, Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless, venture into uncharted territories. Their exploration leads them to a hidden ice cave, revealing a vast, untamed world of dragons and a mysterious Dragon Rider. This discovery jeopardizes the peace they’ve worked so hard to achieve, forcing Hiccup and Toothless to confront a dangerous threat and protect their bond, along with the future of humans and dragons.

Action Adventure Fantasy Comedy Animation Family Cast, crew & box office
On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 The book behind the movie
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

Where can you watch How to Train Your Dragon 2? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount Plus Premium and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Hiccup's Journey Begins

    Five years after establishing peace with dragons, Hiccup and Toothless set out to explore uncharted territories. They aim to discover new lands and further understand the world around them, showcasing their adventurous spirit and bond.

    When
    Five years after peace established

  2. Encounter with Dragon Trappers

    While exploring a scorched forest, Hiccup and Astrid come across the remnants of an icy fort. Here, they confront Eret and a group of dragon trappers who serve Drago Bludvist, learning of Drago’s sinister plans to control all dragons.

    Where
    Charred Forest

  3. Stoick's Warning

    Back at Berk, Hiccup informs his father Stoick about the dragon trappers. Stoick shares a chilling tale of his past encounter with Drago at a chieftains' gathering, revealing how he survived Drago's brutal retaliation.

    Where
    Berk

  4. Hiccup's Resolve

    Determined to confront the threat posed by Drago, Hiccup sets off with Toothless to find him. His deep conviction leads him to seek a peaceful resolution, even in the face of looming war.

  5. Reunion with Valka

    Instead of encountering Drago, Hiccup meets a mysterious dragon rider who turns out to be his long-lost mother, Valka. She shares her life-saving mission of rescuing dragons from Drago and introduces him to her sanctuary.

    Where
    Dragon Sanctuary

  6. Stoick's Shock

    Stoick and Gobber trace Hiccup to the sanctuary, where Stoick is overwhelmed to discover that Valka is, in fact, alive. This emotional reunion adds layers to Hiccup's understanding of family and duty.

    Where
    Dragon Sanctuary

  7. Astrid and the Dragon Riders Captured

    Astrid and the other dragon riders confront Eret, leading them to Drago's lair. However, their attempt to uncover Drago's plans is thwarted as they are captured along with their dragons.

    Where
    Drago's Lair

  8. Battle for the Sanctuaries

    Drago launches an assault on the dragon sanctuary, igniting a fierce battle between the dragon riders, Valka’s dragons, and Drago’s forces. This chaotic clash significantly shifts the balance of power among the factions.

    Where
    Dragon Sanctuary

  9. Drago's Bewilderbeast Revealed

    During the fight, Drago unveils his own Bewilderbeast to challenge Valka's formidable alpha dragon. This intense confrontation reveals the true stakes of their conflict, resulting in dire consequences for both sides.

  10. Stoick's Sacrifice

    In a moment of desperation, Hiccup attempts to reach out to Drago for peace but is betrayed by his own dragon, Toothless, under Drago's control. Stoick heroically jumps in front of Hiccup to protect him, sacrificing his life in the process, shattering Hiccup’s world.

    Where
    Dragon Sanctuary

  11. Hiccup's Grief

    Following Stoick's tragic death, Hiccup struggles with overwhelming grief, feeling lost and abandoned. Valka encourages him, urging him to embrace his destiny of uniting humans and dragons against the darkness.

    Where
    Dragon Sanctuary

  12. Return to Berk

    Inspired by his mother's words and driven by his father's legacy, Hiccup returns to Berk with his companions. They ride baby dragons, resistant to Drago’s influence, ready to confront the new threat to their home.

    Where
    Berk

  13. Berk Under Siege

    Upon their return, Hiccup finds Berk under attack by Drago’s forces, who have enslaved the dragons. Realizing the imminent danger, he sets out to liberate Toothless and rally their defenses.

    Where
    Berk

  14. Toothless's Transformation

    In a climactic moment, Toothless breaks free from the Bewilderbeast’s control, transforming into a super-powered version of himself. This newfound strength enables him to fight back and rally other dragons to their cause.

    Where
    Berk

  15. A New Era Begins

    With the battle won and Drago's forces routed, Hiccup is named the new chieftain of Berk. In a symbolic act of unity, the dragons recognize Toothless as their leader, marking the dawn of a new era of harmony between humans and dragons.

    Where
    Berk

Last updated: November 16, 2024 at 12:18

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Timeline questions answered

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Stoick hate dragons and fear Drago?

Stoick fears dragons because he witnessed Drago's brutal attack on a gathering of chieftains. When the leaders refused to pledge loyalty to Drago in exchange for dragon protection, Drago sent his dragons to kill them. Stoick was the sole survivor of that massacre, which left him traumatized and deeply suspicious of any dragon-related threat.

  • stoick
  • drago
  • chieftains
  • bewilderbeast
  • viking massacre
Q2

Who is the mysterious dragon rider Hiccup meets?

The mysterious dragon rider is Valka, Hiccup's biological mother. She was presumed dead after being taken by a dragon years earlier. In reality, she has been living in a hidden sanctuary, dedicated to rescuing dragons from Drago's control.

Foreshadowing: The movie hints at this when Hiccup expresses doubt about being ready to lead, suggesting an underlying desire for parental guidance.

  • valka
  • hiccup mother
  • dragon sanctuary
  • bewilderbeast
Q3

How does Drago control all the dragons?

Drago controls dragons through a massive alpha dragon called a Bewilderbeast. This creature can emit enchanted sound waves that dominate smaller dragons, forcing them into submission and loyalty. Drago uses his Bewilderbeast to command an army of enslaved dragons.

  • drago
  • bewilderbeast
  • dragon control
  • sound waves
  • alpha dragon
Q4

Why does Toothless attack Hiccup under Drago's control?

Drago's Bewilderbeast Mind control is the reason. The Bewilderbeast's enchantment allowed Drago to seize control of Toothless, overriding his free will and forcing him to attack Hiccup. This was a devastating moment because Toothless was normally fiercely loyal.

  • toothless
  • hiccup
  • mind control
  • bewilderbeast
  • drago
Q5

How does Toothless become super-powered against the Bewilderbeast?

Toothless enters a radiant, super-powered state when he sees Hiccup in mortal danger. This glowing form makes him immune to the Bewilderbeast's control, allowing him to break free from the mind control and unleash powerful blasts that drive the Bewilderbeast into retreat.

  • toothless
  • supercharged
  • alpha
  • immune
  • bewilderbeast
Q6

Why are the baby dragons immune to the Bewilderbeast's control?

The baby dragons have not yet formed a bond with any Bewilderbeast alpha, so they have no allegiance to Drago's creature. This independence makes them naturally resistant to the Bewilderbeast's sound wave domination.

  • baby dragons
  • bewilderbeast
  • immune
  • resistance
  • alpha
Q7

How does Stoick die in the movie?

Stoick dies sacrificing himself to protect Hiccup. When Drago orders the mind-controlled Toothless to fire a lethal shot at Hiccup, Stoick jumps in front of his son and takes the blast. He dies from his injuries shortly after, leaving Hiccup devastated.

Foreshadowing: Earlier warnings about the dangers of dragon control foreshadow this tragic moment where Hiccup's own dragon becomes a threat.

  • stoick death
  • sacrifice
  • hiccup father
  • drago
  • toothtless
Q8

Why did Valka leave Berk and live in the sanctuary?

Valka was taken by a dragon years ago and presumed dead. Instead of returning, she chose to stay in the hidden sanctuary to protect dragons from Drago. She dedicated her life to rescuing captured dragons and building a safe haven away from human threats.

  • valka
  • berk
  • sanctuary
  • dragon rescue
  • absent mother
Q9

How does Toothless become the new dragon leader?

After Toothless defeats Drago's Bewilderbeast and breaks its control over the other dragons, the freed dragons recognize Toothless as their new alpha. His bravery and power earn him their loyalty, establishing him as the leader of all dragons.

  • toothless
  • alpha
  • new leader
  • dragons
  • recognition
Q10

What is the Bewilderbeast in How to Train Your Dragon 2?

The Bewilderbeast is a massive, ancient ice dragon that serves as an alpha among dragons. It can control smaller dragons through enchanted sound waves, making them obey its commands. Both Drago and Valka each have a Bewilderbeast, with Drago's ultimately becoming the dominant alpha.

  • bewilderbeast
  • alpha dragon
  • ice dragon
  • control
  • sound waves
Q11

How does Hiccup become the new chieftain of Berk?

After Stoick's death and the victory over Drago, Hiccup is officially named the new chieftain of Berk. His journey from uncertain explorer to brave leader who united humans and dragons earns him the position and the respect of all Vikings.

Foreshadowing: The film builds toward this as Hiccup grapples with whether he's ready to lead, ultimately proving himself through his actions.

  • hiccup
  • chieftain
  • berk
  • leadership
  • viking
Q12

What are Drago Bludvist's plans with the dragons?

Drago seeks to capture and enslave all dragons to build a powerful army. He wants total control over dragons so no Viking village can oppose him. His goal is domination, using dragons as weapons to force loyalty from other leaders.

  • drago
  • enslave
  • capture
  • army
  • domination

Movie threads

More Movies Like How to Train Your Dragon 2, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes How to Train Your Dragon 2 tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Animated Action Epics with Emotional Depth like How to Train Your Dragon 2

High-stakes animated battles intertwined with heartfelt character journeys and bittersweet victories. Explore movies like 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' that blend spectacular animated action with profound emotional resonance. These films feature high-stakes adventures, inspiring heroes, and bittersweet victories that leave a lasting impact, perfect for viewers seeking animated stories with both thrilling spectacle and genuine heart.

  • epic
  • adventurous
  • heartwarming
  • suspenseful
  • inspiring
  • tragic
  • Tone: hopeful, epic, bittersweet
  • Pacing: fast, action-packed
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a heroic protagonist on a large-scale adventure, facing a formidable threat. The fast-paced plot is driven by action sequences and discoveries, but the emotional journey—often involving themes of legacy, sacrifice, and self-discovery—is equally important, leading to a finale that is triumphant yet personally costly.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a unique alchemy of high-intensity animated action and significant emotional stakes. They appeal to a broad audience by delivering visual excitement alongside mature themes of loss, duty, and growth, creating an experience that is both exhilarating and deeply moving.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 movie poster

How to Train Your Dragon 2

2014
The Last Airbender movie poster

The Last Airbender

2010
Dungeons & Dragons movie poster

Dungeons & Dragons

2000
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Dragon Nest: Warriors’ Dawn

2014
The Myth movie poster

The Myth

2005
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie poster

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

2008
Last Action Hero movie poster

Last Action Hero

1993
Return of the Jedi movie poster

Return of the Jedi

1983

Chosen One Chronicles of Legacy and Leadership like How to Train Your Dragon 2

Young heroes embracing their destiny to unite divided worlds against tyranny. Discover movies similar to 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' where a young hero must rise to their destiny. These films explore themes of leadership, uniting opposing forces, and confronting a dark legacy, often involving a personal loss that solidifies their resolve to protect a fragile peace.

  • inspiring
  • tragic
  • uplifting
  • epic
  • adventurous
  • heartwarming
  • Tone: hopeful, inspiring, tragic
  • Pacing: fast, progressive
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a protagonist who discovers a hidden truth about the world and their place in it. They confront a villain who represents an old, divisive order, forcing them to bridge a great divide (e.g., between species or clans). A pivotal personal loss often serves as a catalyst, solidifying their resolve to lead and fulfill a prophesied or inherited role.

Why they belong together: These films are united by a core protagonist arc of accepting a heavy destiny centered on peacemaking and leadership. They share a hopeful tone despite the presence of tragedy, focusing on the hero's growth and the ultimate triumph of unity over conflict, making them inspiring tales of reluctant leadership.

Dragonslayer movie poster

Dragonslayer

1981
Dungeons & Dragons movie poster

Dungeons & Dragons

2000
Sheena movie poster

Sheena

1984
Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild movie poster

Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild

2021
Atlantis: The Lost Empire movie poster

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

2001
Sheena: Queen of the Jungle movie poster

Sheena: Queen of the Jungle

1984
Mosaic movie poster

Mosaic

2007
The Princess and the Pilot movie poster

The Princess and the Pilot

2011

Every angle

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about How to Train Your Dragon 2 in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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