It’s been over a decade since Hiccup and Toothless first took flight, and How to Train Your Dragon 2 remains the emotional high point of the trilogy for many viewers. This guide covers where to stream it in 2025, the age rating for families, and how it fits into the larger Dragon saga, including what we know about the upcoming live-action remake.

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IMDb rating: 7.8/10 ·
Release year: 2014 ·
Runtime: 102 minutes ·
Age rating: PG ·
Director: Dean DeBlois ·
Streaming services: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Peacock, BBC iPlayer

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Streaming on Netflix (many regions) – Netflix
  • Available to rent/purchase on Amazon Prime Video – Amazon
  • Rated PG by the MPAA – Common Sense Media
  • IMDb rating 7.8/10 – IMDb
2What’s unclear
  • Whether a live-action sequel will ever be made – Wikipedia (2025 film)
  • Exact regional streaming availability (e.g. Ireland vs UK) – BBC iPlayer
  • When the film will next leave Netflix – Netflix
  • Whether Peacock’s streaming availability extends to all regions globally – Peacock
3Timeline signal
  • Live-action How to Train Your Dragon releases June 13, 2025 – Wikipedia
  • Original 2014 film remains the second trilogy entry – Wikipedia
4What’s next
  • Live-action remake of the first film hits theaters in 2025 – Rotten Tomatoes
  • No live-action sequel announced as of 2025 – Wikipedia (Rotten Tomatoes)

Here are nine key facts, one pattern: the 2014 sequel consistently earns high marks from both critics and audiences, making it a standout family film.

Attribute Value
Director Dean DeBlois
Writers Dean DeBlois, Cressida Cowell (book)
Cast Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera
Runtime 102 minutes
IMDb Rating 7.8/10 (IMDb)
Rotten Tomatoes 92% critic score (Rotten Tomatoes)
MPAA Rating PG
Budget $145 million
Box Office $621.5 million (Box Office Mojo)

Where can I watch How to Train Your Dragon 2?

The film is widely available across major streaming platforms, but the exact option depends on your region and whether you prefer subscription streaming or a one-time rental.

Is it available on Netflix?

Yes. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is included with a Netflix subscription in many countries, including the United States, the UK, and Ireland (Netflix). The availability can change without notice, so check your local library.

Is it streaming on Peacock?

Peacock also includes the original animated film in its streaming library (Peacock). This applies to the 2014 version, not the upcoming live-action adaptation.

Can I watch it on Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon Prime Video offers both rental ($3.99 HD) and purchase options (Amazon). It is not included with a standard Prime membership.

Is it on BBC iPlayer?

In the UK, the film is available to stream on BBC iPlayer for free with a TV licence (BBC iPlayer).

Is it available on Apple TV?

Yes. Apple TV has the title available for rent or purchase (Apple TV). Prices vary by region.

Where can I watch it in Ireland?

Irish viewers can stream it on Netflix, rent it from Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, or access it via the UK’s BBC iPlayer (which is usable with a valid UK TV licence). Additionally, the live-action 2025 film was classified by the Irish Film Classification Office with a PG rating (Irish Film Classification Office).

Bottom line: The 2014 sequel is easy to find across five major services. Netflix and Peacock subscribers get it for free; everyone else pays a small rental fee. Irish families have the same digital options plus a theatrical live-action release in June 2025.

The implication: viewers have multiple affordable options, with Netflix and Peacock being the most cost-effective for subscribers.

Is How to Train Your Dragon 2 appropriate for children?

Parents often wonder if the mild fantasy violence crosses a line for younger kids. Here’s what the ratings and expert reviews say.

What is the age rating?

The Motion Picture Association rates the film PG for sequences of intense action and peril (Common Sense Media). There is no strong language, sexual content, or gore.

What does Common Sense Media say?

Common Sense Media recommends the film for children ages 7 and up, praising its positive messages about friendship, courage, and family (Common Sense Media). The review notes that some scenes of dragon-fire battles might frighten younger viewers.

Is it ok for a 7-year-old?

Yes. Many parents find it suitable for children who can handle mild fantasy action. The film contains no gore, and the emotional stakes are balanced with humour and heart (Common Sense Media).

The upshot

PG rating and 7+ recommendation means the sequel is safe for most primary-school kids. The fantasy violence is closer to a Disney animated adventure than anything gritty.

The pattern: the sequel is well-suited for family viewing despite mild intensity.

What is the IMDb rating and what do critics say?

The film’s critical and audience scores are consistently high, reflecting its reputation as one of DreamWorks’ best.

Who stars in How to Train Your Dragon 2?

The voice cast includes Jay Baruchel as Hiccup, Cate Blanchett as Valka, Gerard Butler as Stoick, Craig Ferguson as Gobber, and America Ferrera as Astrid (IMDb).

How was it received by critics?

Critics widely praised the animation, story, and emotional depth. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 92% approval rating from critics (Rotten Tomatoes). IMDb users rate it 7.8/10 based on over 400,000 votes (IMDb). The film also won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film (Wikipedia).

Why this matters

Strong critical and audience scores mean the sequel is a reliable pick for family movie night — it holds up for both kids and adults, which is rare for a middle chapter.

What this means: the high ratings make it a safe bet for movie night.

How does How to Train Your Dragon 2 compare to the other films in the trilogy?

The trilogy follows a complete arc from childhood to adulthood, and many fans consider the second film the strongest entry.

How does it connect to part 1 and part 3?

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) continues Hiccup’s story five years after the first film (2010). The third film, The Hidden World (2019), concludes the trilogy with a bittersweet farewell. All three are directed by Dean DeBlois and share the same core cast (Wikipedia).

Which movie is considered the best?

Many critics and fans rank the second film as the trilogy’s peak. Its character development, emotional stakes, and breathtaking flight sequences earn it a slight edge over the first and third films (Rotten Tomatoes). The first film has an 8.1 IMDb rating and the third has 7.5, while the second sits at 7.8.

  • First film (2010): 98 min, 8.1 IMDb
  • Second film (2014): 102 min, 7.8 IMDb
  • Third film (2019): 104 min, 7.5 IMDb
Bottom line: The middle chapter is widely considered the best of the three. If you only watch one, make it this one — but the trilogy works best as a complete emotional arc.

The catch: while the second film is often preferred, watching the full trilogy provides the richest experience.

Is there a live-action How to Train Your Dragon 2?

No live-action sequel to the 2014 film has been announced, but a live-action adaptation of the first movie is on its way.

Is the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon coming in 2025?

Yes. A live-action How to Train Your Dragon is scheduled for release on June 13, 2025 (Wikipedia). It is directed by Dean DeBlois and stars Mason Thames as Hiccup and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast (Rotten Tomatoes). The Irish Film Classification Office classified it PG with a runtime of 125 minutes (Irish Film Classification Office).

Will there be a live-action sequel?

As of 2025, no official announcements have been made regarding a live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon 2 or The Hidden World (Wikipedia). The studio is focused on the first film’s release.

The catch

If you’re hoping for a live-action version of the 2014 sequel, don’t hold your breath — at least not until the first live-action film proves its box‑office legs. The animated original remains the definitive version for now.

The bottom line: the animated original remains the definitive version until live-action proves itself.

Pros and cons of watching How to Train Your Dragon 2

Upsides

  • Emotionally rich story with character growth
  • Stunning animation and flight sequences
  • Positive messages about family and courage
  • Widely available on multiple streaming services
  • Rated PG — suitable for most children 7+

Downsides

  • Mild fantasy violence may frighten very young children
  • Not included with Amazon Prime – requires rental fee
  • Regional streaming availability varies (e.g. no BBC iPlayer outside UK)
  • No 4K release on some platforms

Clarity: what we know and what’s still uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • How to Train Your Dragon 2 is currently streaming on Netflix in many countries (Netflix).
  • It is available for rental/purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play (Amazon).
  • The movie is rated PG and recommended for ages 7 and up by Common Sense Media (Common Sense Media).
  • A live-action adaptation of the first How to Train Your Dragon is in production for 2025 (Wikipedia).

What’s unclear

  • Whether a live-action How to Train Your Dragon 2 will ever be made (Wikipedia).
  • Exact regional availability differences for streaming services (e.g. Ireland vs. UK) (Netflix).
  • When the movie will next rotate off Netflix (Netflix).

The pattern: most uncertainties revolve around timing and regional variations, not content concerns.

What critics and audiences say

“The movie has positive messages and role models, and is suitable for ages 7 and up.” – Common Sense Media review (Common Sense Media)

“The animation and emotional story are widely praised, earning a 7.8/10 from over 400,000 user ratings.” – IMDb user reviews (IMDb)

“The film won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.” – Wikipedia (Wikipedia)

For Irish families considering the 2025 live-action, the classification board warns of “fantasy action violence and threat throughout, with some scenes that might frighten younger viewers” (Irish Film Classification Office).

What this means for you: The 2014 animated sequel remains the easiest, safest, and most emotionally rewarding way to experience the Dragon story in 2025. For families in Ireland, the digital options are solid — Netflix and rental services cover most needs — while the live-action remake offers a fresh take for older kids and adults. If you’re choosing between the animated trilogy and the live‑action debut, the original 2014 film is still the best entry point. Either way, the choice for parents is clear: stream the animated classic now, or wait for the live‑action spectacle in June.

Additional sources

youtube.com, kids-in-mind.com

For a more comprehensive streaming guide for the sequel streaming guide for the sequel, including platform availability and the upcoming live-action adaptation details, the Observer Ireland article provides updated information.

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Frequently asked questions

Is How to Train Your Dragon 2 available in 4K?

Some digital retailers offer the film in 4K HDR, including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video, but Netflix and Peacock stream it in HD only.

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

The official runtime is 102 minutes (1 hour 42 minutes).

Who voices the main characters?

Jay Baruchel (Hiccup), Cate Blanchett (Valka), Gerard Butler (Stoick), Craig Ferguson (Gobber), America Ferrera (Astrid), and Jonah Hill (Snotlout) among others.

Does How to Train Your Dragon 2 have a post-credits scene?

No. The film ends with no mid- or post‑credits scenes.

Where was the movie filmed?

As an animated film, it was produced at DreamWorks Animation studios in Glendale, California.

How much did How to Train Your Dragon 2 earn at the box office?

It grossed $621.5 million worldwide against a $145 million budget (Box Office Mojo).

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