Everyone Needs a Toothless In Their Lives!
With stunning visuals, a quirky sense of humor and the endearing tale about a young viking’s friendship with a dragon, this flagship Dreamworks franchise has only continued to soar to greater heights following its highly successful first entry. With The Hidden World set to conclude Hiccup and Toothless’ journey, it’s only right we look back on their greatest accomplishments and most trying battles!
#5: Forbidden Friendship
“How to Train Your Dragon†(2010)
While Stoick and Valka have a moving love story, the bond between Hiccup and Toothless has always been at the heart of this franchise. It all started when the young Viking captured the Night Fury. Finding that the wounded dragon isn’t just a savage beast, Hiccup attempts to make peace by offering him a fish. Toothless returns the favor by sharing his slimy meal, which Hiccup reluctantly chokes down. While still hesitant, Toothless warms up to Hiccup after he inadvertently teaches him how to draw, even trusting the boy enough to let him place his hand on his head. Relying on visuals over dialog, we see the seeds of friendship blossom into something truly meaningful.
#4: The Red Death
“How to Train Your Dragon†(2010)
Although this series is full of quiet, atmospheric moments, it also possesses some of the most rousing action sequences modern animation has to offer. The original film builds to a heart-racing battle against the Red Death, in which dragons and Vikings must join forces. After sharing a few loving words with Stoick, Hiccup and Toothless swoop in to distract the enemy. While the Red Death is much bigger, our heroes manage to be faster and craftier, using the shadowy environment to their advantage. They send the colossus charging to his demise, but Hiccup nearly falls to a fiery fate as well. Fortunately, Toothless dives in and shields Hiccup from the blast, saving most of him.
#3: First Flight
“How to Train Your Dragon†(2010)
It’s ironic that Hiccup loses part of his leg in the end, seeing how he was responsible for damaging Toothless’ fin. Hiccup attempts to correct his mistake by constructing Toothless a prosthetic fin, which they test out on their first flight together. The ride isn’t without a few bumps, but they ultimately find their footing once Hiccup learns to trust his own instincts. As is the case with the film’s other airborne sequences, the state of the art animation really makes us feel like we’re up in the air with our heroes, allowing us to be part of the experience. The sequence is only made more immersive when seen on the silver screen in 3D.
#2: Stoick’s Death
“How to Train Your Dragon 2†(2014)
Killing off a major character in a family film is already a risky move, but Stoick’s death is only made more shocking and tragic when you consider the way he dies. The first battle against the Bewilderbeast echoes “The Empire Strikes Back†as the Alpha is defeated and Drago takes control of all the grown dragons. Drago decides to kill Hiccup in the most diabolical fashion possible, having the Bewilderbeast hypnotize Toothless into doing the deed. Unable to get through to his best buddy, Hiccup is nearly annihilated, until his father leaps in to take his place. It may be marketed to kids, but this franchise treats everyone in the audience as emotionally mature.
#1: Toothless vs. the Bewilderbeast
“How to Train Your Dragon 2†(2014)
Reconnecting with Toothless, Hiccup gears up for a final confrontation against Drago and his Bewilderbeast. Legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins acted as a visual consultant on every “How to Train Your Dragon†film, but his experience is particularly apparent in this climax. The gorgeous CGI animation springs to life as Hiccup and Toothless soar through an assortment of obstacles, culminating with the Night Fury challenging the behemoth. The musical score matches both the gravitas of the action and the size of the Bewilderbeast. Of course, size isn’t what matters in the end, as Hiccup triumphs over the Bewilderbeast with aid from the other dragons, becoming the new Alpha. This is animated fantasy at its most epic!
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Animated Sequels.
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