15 Epic Movies Like How to Train Your Dragon

15 Epic Movies Like How to Train Your Dragon

Table of Contents

Introduction

This article explores various movies like how to train your dragon. The original film, “How to Train Your Dragon,” is not just a story about Vikings and dragons; it is a narrative filled with emotion. The plot focuses on finding friendship in unexpected places and demonstrates courage through ultimate thrills and absolute adventure. If you are looking for movies like how to train your dragon, you have reached the right place.

In this discussion, we will be talking about 15 epic movies like how to train your dragon. To discover the best and most engaging movie for you, stay connected and read the whole detailed article. You are sure to enjoy these interesting movies like how to train your dragon.

What Makes "How to Train Your Dragon" So Magical?

The Unlikely Friendship Theme

The entire story of “How to Train Your Dragon” focuses on the powerful bond that develops between two main characters who were supposed to be enemies. This particular aspect of the plot is what makes the story feel so unique and epic, providing a much more entertaining experience for movie lovers.

Breathtaking Animation & World-Building

Throughout the film, the most striking features are undoubtedly the breathtaking animation and detailed world-building. This level of visual excellence allows the movie to connect deeply with fans of animation. The work done by the animation team is incredibly impressive, and this visual foundation is a major reason the film became so popular.

A Powerful Coming-of-Age Story

The narrative at the heart of the film “How to Train Your Dragon” serves as a perfect and compelling example of a coming-of-age story. The entire plot is meticulously crafted around the personal evolution of its central character, Hiccup, tracking his significant progression from an insecure youth to a confident adult. When we are first introduced to him, Hiccup is portrayed as a socially awkward young man who is consistently viewed as a profound disappointment to his entire Viking community. He desperately makes an effort to embody the tough, dragon-slaying ideals of his people, but unfortunately, he finds that this aggressive nature is simply not part of his true self.

Hiccup’s real journey begins with the goal of becoming a great dragon killer, but it transforms into something much greater. He ultimately rises to the challenge and becomes a truly effective leader. His success comes from proving that his unique ability to see the world from a different perspective, with a more understanding mentality, was the exact quality his people needed all along. We will see this theme of finding strength in uniqueness as we look further in this article at other movies like how to train your dragon.

Epic Action and Adventure

While “How to Train Your Dragon” is widely celebrated for its emotional depth, it is equally deserving of praise as one of the best action stories in modern animation. The film masterfully balances heartfelt moments with high-energy spectacle. The flying sequences, in particular, are an unbelievable and breathtaking creation that provides a significant thrill for the audience; this is undoubtedly one of the core reasons for the film’s immense popularity. The sense of action and exhilarating speed is crafted so effectively that viewers feel as if they are soaring through the skies right alongside the main characters, Hiccup and Toothless.

A key creative choice that makes the film stand out is the focus on large, epic battles while deliberately avoiding smaller skirmishes. This approach makes every action sequence feel important and impactful. Throughout the story, we witness explosive, large-scale conflicts, from confronting giant dragons to facing massive armies. It is clear that the creators planned everything very thoughtfully and with tremendous dedication, resulting in high-stakes action and exceptionally exciting scenes that captivate the audience.

Top Picks: The Best Movies Like How to Train Your Dragon

1. Big Hero 6

Poster for Big Hero 6, showing Hiro and Baymax flying over San Fransokyo with their superhero team

The movie “Big Hero 6” shares many remarkable similarities with “How to Train Your Dragon,” making it a great choice for fans of the film. A primary reason for the comparison is that it also centers on a young hero who forms a deep and meaningful bond with a non-human companion. Viewers get to witness a beautiful friendship develop, much like the central relationship in the HTTYD film. Furthermore, “Big Hero 6” delivers a perfect blend of genuine heart, well-timed humor, and thrilling action, all woven together with a powerful emotional touch that resonates with the audience.

The story is set in the city of San Fransisco and introduces us to a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada. Along with a compassionate robot created by his brother, Hiro attempts to solve a dangerous mystery that has upended his life. To accomplish this mission, he and the robot join forces with their friends to form an inexperienced but formidable high-tech superhero team.

For those interested in watching the film, you can find “Big Hero 6” available for streaming on Disney+. It is also available to rent or purchase through Amazon Prime Video.

2. Lilo & Stitch

Poster for Lilo & Stitch, featuring Lilo hugging Stitch on a Hawaiian beach at sunset, with a spaceship in the sky

The main point in the film “Lilo and Stitch” is the development of an incredibly strong and beautiful bond between a young girl and a creature named Stitch. This core relationship is very encouraging and will certainly remind the audience of the connection between Hiccup and Toothless. While watching this movie, you will definitely recall “How To Train Your Dragon” because the fundamental script and the combination of the central characters in both films are so nearly similar.

The story is set in Hawaii, where a girl named Lilo adopts a strange creature she names Stitch. She decides to adopt him under confusing circumstances, not fully knowing what he is. Afterward, she takes on the responsibility of caring for this creature and ensuring his safety from the other aliens who are searching for him.

You must watch this heartwarming movie on the most popular platform, Disney+, where it is available for rent or purchase

3. Rise of the Guardians

Poster for Rise of the Guardians, with Jack Frost, Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Sandman facing Pitch Black under a full moon

The film titled “Rise of the Guardians” is another fantastic movie that provides stunning animation and some of the most exciting scenes in the genre. Similar to the DreamWorks film “How to Train Your Dragon,” this movie also features a very reluctant hero named Jack Frost. This character shares many traits with Hiccup, as he is an outsider who must embark on a difficult journey to prove his worth to his peers. Furthermore, the battles in this film are highly relevant and comparable in scale and intensity to those seen in HTTYD.

The central plot follows the film’s main characters—Jack Frost, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy—who must come together as a team. Their mission is to unite their unique powers to defeat an evil spirit in a monumental battle, fighting to protect the hopes and dreams of children everywhere.

You can watch this movie on the platform Netflix or Amazon Prime Video (Rent or Purchase)

4. The Iron Giant

Poster for The Iron Giant, depicting a young boy reaching out to the giant robot in a forest, with government agents searching nearby

The film titled “The Iron Giant” tells the memorable story of a profound friendship between a young boy and a giant robot. The central conflict of the film strongly mirrors the themes found in “How to Train Your Dragon.” Specifically, the situation where fearful people want to destroy the robot creates a scenario that clearly defines the kind of challenges that Hiccup and Toothless also faced together. The movie beautifully explores the powerful idea that a personal bond of friendship is far more important than the fearful opinions of society.

Set in the 1950s, the story follows a young boy who discovers and befriends a giant alien robot. To protect his new companion from a world that would not understand, the boy must keep the robot’s existence a complete secret. A large part of the film involves his efforts to hide the gentle giant from determined government agents, doing whatever it takes to ensure the robot’s safety and to preserve their ultimate friendship.

This classic film can be found for streaming on the platform Netflix. It is also available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.

5. Kung Fu Panda

Poster for Kung Fu Panda, showing Po with the Furious Five in action against a backdrop of ancient Chinese temples and cherry blossoms

The widely famous animated movie “Kung Fu Panda” shares many strong similarities with HTTYD. A key reason for this is that the film introduces us to an unlikely hero, Po, who is initially assumed by everyone to be completely lacking in skill. However, against all odds, he eventually rises to the occasion and becomes the prophesied chosen one. Po’s ultimate victory is achieved in a style that is very reminiscent of Hiccup’s own triumphs, which creates a wonderfully similar and satisfying feeling between the two films. Furthermore, since the animation was also crafted by DreamWorks, both movies share a familiar and high-quality visual style that gives them the same great feeling.

The story follows a kind-hearted panda named Po, who starts out humbly working in his family’s noodle shop. In a surprising turn of events, he is suddenly and unexpectedly selected to become the legendary Dragon Warrior. With this new and intimidating title, he is given the monumental task of training in martial arts to defeat the dangerous villain, Tai Lung, and save his home.

This movie is available for you to watch on Netflix. It can also be found on Amazon Prime Video for rent or purchase.

6. Raya and the Last Dragon

Poster for Raya and the Last Dragon, featuring Raya and Sisu the dragon soaring over a mystical land with floating islands and waterfalls

Another similar and highly recommended film is titled “Raya and the Last Dragon,” a movie where dragons are among the most important and central characters to the plot. The story follows a determined warrior princess on an epic quest that is filled with adventure and fantasy. A powerful and recurring theme seen throughout her journey is the importance of learning to place trust in others.

The film’s main conflict involves a warrior’s mission in the land of Kumandra concerning the dragons Raya and Sisu. Their shared goal is to secure the world from the threat of destructive monsters known as the Druun, a task that creates the most interesting and action-packed parts of the movie. As the title suggests, dragons play an incredibly important role in the narrative, but all of the other characters also have very relevant and significant roles in the story’s outcome.

For those who wish to see this adventure unfold, you can watch this movie on the Disney+ movie platform.

7. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Poster for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, with Miles Morales and various Spider-People swinging through a vibrant, comic-book style cityscape

In this movie, we are introduced to another young hero named Miles Morals, who must move beyond his own personal situation to accept a huge new responsibility. His journey is very similar to the one undertaken by Hiccup in a movie like How to train your dragon, making it a compelling watch for fans of that theme. It is also worth noting that the film features absolutely outstanding and groundbreaking animation, which is a clear result of the great teamwork from the creative team behind it.

The story begins when the hero, Miles Morals, is bitten by a radioactive spider and unexpectedly becomes the new Spider-Man. In the film, the hero Miles Morals must team up with other Spider-people from alternate universes to handle the emerging threats. Together, they learn to cooperate and fight against the formidable villain known as Kingpin.

For those interested in seeing this adventure, we can watch this movie on popular platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

8. Avatar (2009)

Poster for Avatar, showing Jake Sully riding a Banshee (Ikran) over the lush, waterfall-filled landscape of Pandora at sunset

Another immensely popular movie that shares strong similarities with HTYD is “Avatar.” The core comparison lies in its story, where a human character named Jake Sully forms a powerful and significant bond with a magnificent flying creature. This central relationship is established on a grand scale and will feel very familiar to fans of the iconic bond between Hiccup and Toothless. The epic scope of the world-building and the sheer scale of the storytelling are also quite comparable.

The film’s story takes place on a distant moon known as Pandora. There, the main character becomes fully integrated with a new society of indigenous people, learning their unique culture and ways of life. His journey eventually leads him to take on the crucial role of a protector, providing safety for the planet’s inhabitants by defending them from destructive human attacks that threaten their existence.

For anyone wanting to experience this visual masterpiece, we can watch this film on the streaming service Disney+.

9. Brave

Poster for Brave, featuring Princess Merida with her bow and arrow, standing with her bear mother and bear siblings in a mystical Scottish forest with a castle in the background

In this compelling film, we also meet a main young character named Merida. Much like Hiccup, she is a determined individual who chooses to follow her own route in life, pursuing her goals with ultimate dedication and powerful motivation. Adding to the strong similarities, the movie’s story setting is also rugged, wild, and deeply mythical, creating an atmosphere that feels very much like the world presented in the HTTYD movie.

The story is set in Scotland and focuses on a princess named Merida who, through her actions, unfortunately causes her own mother to be turned into a bear. The rest of the plot follows her desperate attempts to destroy some dark magic in order to reverse the curse. This movie provides a great deal of thrilling action and is also filled with challenging, hypothetical situations that test the hero’s courage and resolve.

For those who wish to see this exciting tale, we can watch this movie on the Disney+ platform.

10. Abominable

Poster for Abominable, depicting Yi, Jin, and Peng riding Everest the Yeti over snowy Himalayan mountains at sunset, with magical musical notes

The movie “Abominable” is another fantastic film that showcases a magical friendship developing between a young girl and an amazing creature. Together, the pair embarks on a big and unforgettable adventure across a breathtaking landscape. Because this is also a movie created by DreamWorks, it shares a very similar feeling and high-quality animation style with how to train your dragon, making it a perfect choice for fans.

The story begins when a girl named Yi discovers a lost magical creature on the upper surface of her apartment building. She, along with her loyal friends, then takes on the incredible and challenging mission of helping this creature travel safely across the country. Their ultimate goal is to return him to his home and family on the majestic Mount Everest.

This heartwarming movie can be found for viewing on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

11. Princess Mononoke

Poster for Princess Mononoke, featuring San (Princess Mononoke) and Ashitaka with the Wolf God Moro and the Forest Spirit, in a dynamic landscape of nature versus industry

The next film on the list is the renowned “Princess Mononoke.” As the title suggests, a princess is indeed present in this masterclass movie, which is based on very mature and thought-provoking themes. The central plot revolves around the deep conflict between humanity and the natural world. While this focus is somewhat different from other movies, it provides a similar feeling to a movie how to train your dragon because it also features misunderstood creatures and storytelling on an incredibly epic scale.

The story follows a young prince named Ashitaka, who embarks on a journey to find a cure for a deadly curse and destroy a source of dark magic. Unfortunately for him, he soon finds himself caught in the middle of raging jungle wars between the great animal gods of the forest and an industrial human colony. The entire film is driven by this epic and complex theme, making for a powerful viewing experience.

For those who wish to experience this animated masterpiece, this movie is available to watch on Netflix.

12. Pete's Dragon (2016)

Poster for Pete's Dragon, showing Pete riding his friendly green dragon Elliot over a dense forest, with a group of people looking up in wonder

Another very similar movie, titled “Pete’s Dragon,” can be considered a direct parallel to the story of HTYD. This film centers on a small boy named Pete and his secret, incredible friend, a dragon named Elite. The powerful and heartwarming bond that exists between the boy and the dragon is the absolute main heart of the entire film, driving the narrative forward.

The story follows an orphan boy who has managed to survive in the forest for six years by living alongside his loyal companion, the dragon named Elite. Their peaceful, hidden existence is changed forever when a compassionate forest ranger finds the two of them. This discovery eventually leads to their presence being shown to the outside world, which brings a new set of challenges and dangers for their friendship.

For anyone interested in this touching story, this movie is available to watch on the Disney+ streaming service.

13. Dragonheart

Poster for Dragonheart, featuring Bowen the knight with Draco the dragon, overlooking a medieval castle under siege at sunset

The movie “Dragonheart” is a beloved original classic that is fundamentally based on the theme of friendship between a human and a dragon. The central story revolves around an unlikely alliance, where a noble knight and a wise dragon must come together to achieve a common and heroic goal: defeating a tyrannical and evil king.

The plot follows a knight named Bowen who teams up with a powerful dragon. Their difficult mission is to defeat the evil king, who, it is revealed, possesses a piece of the heart belonging to that very same dragon, whose name is Draco. This unique connection complicates their quest and adds a fascinating layer to the action and drama of the story.

This classic fantasy film is available for you to watch on Amazon Prime Video, where it can be rented or purchased.

14. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Poster for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, showing Elliott and E.T. flying on a bicycle in front of a giant full moon, with police cars chasing below

This film is a true classic, centered on the beautiful relationship between a small boy and a gentle, non-human visitor from another world. The story follows the boy as he bravely tries to protect his new alien friend from the dangers and lack of understanding of the huge world around them. Throughout their shared adventure, they form a very deep and emotional connection, creating feelings for the audience that are incredibly similar to the beloved bond between Hiccup and Toothless.

The plot focuses on a boy named Elliot who discovers and develops a remarkable friendship with a lost alien who is simply called E.T. After the alien is accidentally stranded and left behind on Earth, Elliot takes it upon himself to hide his new friend from the authorities and help him find a way to finally go back home to his home planet.

If you wish to experience this timeless story, you can watch this movie on Amazon Prime Video, where it is available for rent or purchase.

15. The Croods

Poster for The Croods, featuring the Crood family running through a vibrant, colorful prehistoric world filled with fantastical creatures and plants

This film is a fantastic DreamWorks family adventure that is dedicated to the theme of discovering a new world and learning to adapt to change. The central idea of the story is very much like the way the Vikings had to adapt to living with dragons, as it focuses on a family leaving the only life they have ever known to embrace a new and unfamiliar reality.

The story centers on a prehistoric caveman family whose own cave is suddenly destroyed, forcing them out into the open. With no other choice, they must journey together to find a new place to live. This quest leads them into a spectacular but very dangerous new world filled with strange creatures and environments they never knew existed.

For those ready for a prehistoric journey, we can watch this movie on the Netflix and Amazon Prime Video platforms.

More Recommendations by Theme

If You Loved the Dragons & Mythical Creatures...

Eragon

This classic fantasy adventure film is another excellent addition to the list, focusing on the fated and magical connection between humans and dragons. The story is set in motion by a seemingly simple yet life-altering discovery that changes a young boy’s life forever.

The plot begins when a humble farm boy finds what he believes is a strange, polished stone, but it soon reveals itself to be a dragon egg. After the dragon hatches for him, he learns that he has been chosen for a great and dangerous purpose. The boy must then leave his simple life behind and embark on a perilous journey to embrace his new identity and become a legendary Dragon Rider, a role that holds the fate of the entire kingdom in its balance.

Spirited Away

This celebrated and magical anime movie transports viewers to an enchanting and sometimes dangerous new realm. The story centers on a young girl who finds herself in an impossible situation after becoming completely separated from her own world and everything she knows.

While trying to navigate and survive this strange new place, the girl gets trapped in the world of spirits. In this perilous situation, she forges a crucial friendship with a mysterious boy named Haku. This bond becomes central to her journey of survival and discovery, especially when she learns that her new friend has the secret and amazing ability to transform into a magnificent dragon. The tale of their friendship and the mysteries of the spirit world make for a visually stunning and deeply emotional adventure.

If You Loved the Found Family & Friendship...

Guardians of the Galaxy

This action-packed science-fiction adventure focuses on the compelling theme of a found family, bringing together a group of individuals who couldn’t be more different from one another. The story follows a collection of misfits, each hailing from different planets and backgrounds, who are initially thrown together by circumstance.

Over the course of their journey, this ragtag group of outlaws and loners learns to overcome their differences and forge an unbreakable bond, becoming a tough, unconventional, but ultimately lovely family. It is this newfound connection that allows them to successfully unite their strengths and work together to secure the entire universe from a powerful and destructive threat.

Paddington 2

This delightful film tells the charming story of a very polite and capable young bear who possesses the remarkable ability to talk. His grand adventure begins when he travels far from his home in the jungle, seeking a new life and a welcoming family in a bustling, unfamiliar city.

After a series of mishaps, the talking bear is taken in by a kind human family who offers him shelter. Together, this unlikely group must face and escape from every difficulty that comes their way. The story celebrates how the bear and his new human family learn to rely on one another to overcome all obstacles, proving that family can be found in the most unexpected of places.

If You Loved the Stunning Animation...

Klaus

One of the most remarkable aspects of this film is its highly unique and visually distinctive 2D animation style. It immediately sets itself apart from other animated features with its memorable and artistic approach.

Throughout the movie, we are treated to a stunning visual experience. The artists have utilized very beautiful and masterfully chosen color combinations in every single frame. This careful attention to the color palette not only makes the film gorgeous to look at but also enhances the story’s emotional tone and atmosphere, resulting in a true feast for the eyes.

Arcane

Shifting focus from films to episodic storytelling, this particular entry is a series that deserves special mention for its visual presentation. The animation style featured throughout the show is absolutely mind-blowing and stands as one of its most impressive highlights.

Beyond just being technically brilliant, the animation itself contributes directly to the show’s suspenseful atmosphere. The dynamic movement, fast-paced sequences, and artistic choices are crafted in such a way that the animation becomes a thrilling element of the narrative, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and making the viewing experience even more intense and engaging.

Conclusion: What's Your Next Adventure?

As we’ve seen on this journey, from the high-tech streets of “Big Hero 6” to the magical forests of “Princess Mononoke,” it is clear that many incredible films are available that explore the powerful “How to Train Your Dragon” friendship concept. This theme of a deep bond between unlikely companions is truly universal and can be found in all corners of cinema.

I truly hope this article’s movie list has been helpful and has inspired you to find your next great adventure movie. There is a whole world of amazing stories just waiting to be discovered.

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