How to Train Your Dragon 2 (animation)

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) is an animated adventure film that follows Hiccup and his dragon Toothless as they confront new threats after the peaceful coexistence of humans and dragons on the island of Berk. The film centers on the struggle against Drago, a warrior who threatens the freedom of dragons, and Hiccup’s transition into leadership.

Plot

How to Train Your Dragon 2 picks up five years after the peace established between Berk and the dragons, as Hiccup and Toothless explore new territories. During their journey, the pair discover a hidden ice cave that shelters hundreds of wild dragons and a mysterious Dragon Rider. They soon learn that the Rider is Valka, Hiccup’s long-lost mother, who was taken by a dragon named Cloudjumper years earlier and has since devoted her life to protecting dragons. This discovery draws them into the heart of a looming war that threatens the fragile peace between humans and dragons.

In the story, Hiccup learns of his mother Valka’s secret sanctuary, where she has spent years safeguarding dragons. However, they face a greater danger: Drago, a ruthless warlord who seeks to conquer the world by turning dragons into his personal army. Drago controls all other dragons through his massive Alpha dragon, a Bewilderbeast. During a battle between Valka’s Bewilderbeast and Drago’s Alpha, Drago emerges victorious and seizes control of the dragon horde. Throughout the film, Hiccup strives to stop this threat through peaceful means, but suffers a devastating loss: his father Stoick is killed when he intervenes to protect Hiccup from Toothless, who has been hypnotically controlled by Drago’s Alpha.

After this tragedy, Hiccup rekindles his bond with Toothless. Toothless rises against Drago’s Alpha, defeats it, and frees all the dragons from control. In doing so, Toothless is declared the new Alpha. The film concludes with Hiccup being proclaimed the new chief of Berk.

Themes

Key themes in How to Train Your Dragon 2 include growth, the responsibility of leadership, the pursuit of peace, a sense of belonging, and loyalty. Hiccup confronts the challenges of decision-making as he steps into the role of future leader of Berk and works to complete his personal development.

The film emphasizes resolving conflict through dialogue and understanding rather than violence. The family theme is explored through Hiccup’s reunion with his mother after years of separation. The relationship between humans and dragons is portrayed through the lenses of loyalty and trust. Through these themes, the film examines the dynamics between individual and society, human and nature, and power and authority.

Voice Cast

• Jay Baruchel – Hiccup
• Cate Blanchett – Valka
• Gerard Butler – Stoick the Vast
• Craig Ferguson – Gobber
• America Ferrera – Astrid
• Jonah Hill – Snotlout
• Christopher Mintz-Plasse – Fishlegs
• T.J. Miller – Tuffnut
• Kristen Wiig – Ruffnut
• Djimon Hounsou – Drago Bludvist
• Kit Harington – Eret

Characters

• Hiccup: The protagonist of the film. Known for his peaceful approach, he is the future chief of Berk. He embarks on explorations with his dragon Toothless and grapples with the responsibilities of leadership.
• Toothless: Hiccup’s loyal dragon. A Night Fury. In the film, despite being placed under hypnotic control, his bond with Hiccup plays a decisive role.
• Stoick the Vast: Hiccup’s father and chief of Berk. An authoritative yet protective leader who prepares to pass on leadership to his son while confronting the dangers of the past.
• Valka: Hiccup’s mother, who was missing for many years. A warrior who protects dragons and defends their world.
• Astrid: Hiccup’s close friend and potential romantic partner. A brave and determined dragon rider.
• Drago Bludvist: The main antagonist. A cruel warlord who aims to conquer the world by controlling dragons.
• Eret: Initially introduced as a dragon hunter working for Drago, he eventually switches sides to join Hiccup and his friends.
• Gobber: Stoick’s close friend and an experienced warrior of Berk. A humorous and loyal character.
• Snotlout, Fishlegs, Ruffnut and Tuffnut: Hiccup’s friends and dragon riders. They contribute action and humor throughout the film.

Box Office Performance

The box office performance of How to Train Your Dragon 2 was considered a commercial success for DreamWorks Animation. The film earned approximately $621 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of 2014.

Generating about $177 million in the United States and Canada, and over $443 million internationally, the film achieved strong audiences particularly in China, Russia, and European countries.

Awards and Nominations

Following its release, How to Train Your Dragon 2 was recognized by numerous award institutions, winning several honors and receiving multiple nominations. The film won the 72nd Golden Globe Awards for Best Animated Feature Film. At the 42nd Annie Awards, it was honored in six categories, including Best Animated Feature.

Composer John Powell received the Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Original Score – Animated Film. He was also awarded by the International Film Music Critics Association for Best Animated Film Score and Film Composition of the Year.

The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 87th Academy Awards. It also received nominations in similar categories from the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, Visual Effects Society Awards, Chicago Film Critics Association, Golden Reel Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. These recognitions highlight the film’s excellence in animation, direction, sound design, and musical composition.