DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures. Directed and written by Dean DeBlois, it serves as the third and final installment in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, following How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014). The film features voice performances by Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, F. Murray Abraham, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig, and Kit Harington. The musical score is composed by John Powell.
🧠Plot Summary
Set a year after the events of the second film, Hiccup has become the chieftain of Berk, which has transformed into a dragon utopia. However, the island becomes overpopulated with dragons and faces constant attacks from dragon hunters. In response, Hiccup seeks the mythical “Hidden World,” a safe haven for dragons his late father once spoke of.
Meanwhile, a white female Light Fury is captured by warlords and given to the infamous dragon hunter Grimmel the Grisly as bait to capture Toothless. Toothless becomes enchanted with the Light Fury, leading to a series of events that challenge Hiccup’s leadership and the bond between humans and dragons.
🎨 Animation and Visuals
The film is noted for its stunning animation, particularly the depiction of the Hidden World—a bioluminescent dragon paradise inspired by natural phenomena such as bioluminescence and phosphorescence. The animation team developed new software to handle complex tasks, such as lighting the Light Fury dragon.
🎵 Music
John Powell returns to compose the film’s score, continuing his work from the previous two installments. The music complements the film’s emotional depth and adventurous spirit, enhancing key moments throughout the narrative.Wikipedia+1WIRED+1
🏆 Reception and Accolades
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World received positive reviews from critics, who praised its animation, voice acting, musical score, and emotional weight. The film holds a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 71 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating “generally favorable” reviews. Wikipedia
The film grossed over $525 million worldwide against a production budget of $129 million. It received several accolades, including five Annie Award nominations, a Golden Globe nomination, and a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards. Wikipedia
đź“ş Streaming Availability
As of now, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is available for streaming on Peacock. Rotten Tomatoes
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World serves as a poignant conclusion to the beloved trilogy, exploring themes of growth, letting go, and the enduring bond between humans and dragons.
