How to Train Your Dragon 2

  • 2014
  • PG
  • 102m
movieMx RATING
7.7/1010.3K
VERDICT
SUPER HIT
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Performance & Direction: How to Train Your Dragon 2 Review

Last updated: February 21, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 21, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and How to Train Your Dragon 2 features a noteworthy lineup led by Jay Baruchel . Supported by the likes of Cate Blanchett and Gerard Butler , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.7/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Result: SUPER HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, How to Train Your Dragon 2 stands as a SUPER HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: How to Train Your Dragon 2

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2014, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family film directed by Dean DeBlois. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jay Baruchel.

Story Breakdown

The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Five years have passed since Hiccup and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons -- and a mysterious dragon rider. Now, Hiccup and Toothless find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
  • Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Jay Baruchel, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
  • Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.

Thematic Depth

The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
  • Strong performances, especially from Jay Baruchel, that bring depth to the characters
  • Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
  • A few underdeveloped subplots

Ending Explained: How to Train Your Dragon 2

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Dean DeBlois, How to Train Your Dragon 2 resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to fantasy resolution.

The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Jay Baruchel, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes in a way that feels organic to the story.

The final moments of How to Train Your Dragon 2 demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch How to Train Your Dragon 2?

Highly Recommended For:

  • Fans of Fantasy cinema looking for quality storytelling
  • Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
  • Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises

Box Office Collection: How to Train Your Dragon 2

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $145.0M
Worldwide Gross $621.5M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Budget

The estimated production budget for How to Train Your Dragon 2 is $145.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: How to Train Your Dragon 2

All Cast & Crew →
Jay Baruchel
Jay BaruchelHiccup (voice)
Cate Blanchett
Cate BlanchettValka (voice)
Gerard Butler
Gerard ButlerStoick (voice)
Craig Ferguson
Craig FergusonGobber (voice)
America Ferrera
America FerreraAstrid (voice)
Jonah Hill
Jonah HillSnotlout (voice)
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Christopher Mintz-PlasseFishlegs (voice)
T.J. Miller
T.J. MillerTuffnut (voice)
Kristen Wiig
Kristen WiigRuffnut (voice)
Djimon Hounsou
Djimon HounsouDrago (voice)
Kit Harington
Kit HaringtonEret (voice)
Kieron Elliott
Kieron ElliottHoark the Haggard (voice)
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Where to Watch How to Train Your Dragon 2 Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

NetflixNetflix
Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video
JioHotstarJioHotstar
Amazon Prime Video with AdsAmazon Prime Video with Ads

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Zee5Zee5
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Parents Guide & Age Rating

2014 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about How to Train Your Dragon 2 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of How to Train Your Dragon 2 is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.7/10, and global performance metrics, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2014 cinematic calendar.

SUPER HIT
Official movieMx status for How to Train Your Dragon 2. Rating: 7.7/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is How to Train Your Dragon 2 worth watching?

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.7/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find How to Train Your Dragon 2 parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for How to Train Your Dragon 2 identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of How to Train Your Dragon 2?

The total duration of How to Train Your Dragon 2 is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.

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How How to Train Your Dragon 2 Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for How to Train Your Dragon 2

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.7
How to Train Your Dragon 2
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