Dickens & Rumi
Cover of How to Train Your Dragon 2

film

How to Train Your Dragon 2

2014

Five years after uniting the dragons and Vikings of Berk, Hiccup and Toothless soar beyond their homeland, charting the vast unknown. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons—and a mysterious dragon rider with a startling connection to Hiccup. And as the ruthless conqueror Drago Bludvist rises to seize control of both dragons and people alike, Hiccup must step into his role as a true leader and, alongside his friends and Toothless, protect Berk from a devastating war.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? PG-rated animated fantasy with frequent peril and battles, frightening dragon-control scenes, wartime destruction, and a major on-screen character death followed by grief. Younger children may find the intensity upsetting. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Kindness & empathy5/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard merchandising tie-ins typical of a major studio animated film.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The death of a major character (Hiccup's father) is central to the plot and is treated with emotional weight.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal; injuries are mostly implied or handled with animated restraint, though the loss of a parent is impactful.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild insults or exclamations appropriate for a PG rating.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Hiccup and Astrid have a consistent, supportive relationship with brief romantic gestures.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Features menacing villains, intimidating giant dragons, and tense scenes involving mind control.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Includes intense dragon battles, aerial combat, and war-like scenarios involving weaponry and fire.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Characters frequently act with great courage to protect their community and friends.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Highly imaginative world-building, dragon designs, and inventive animation techniques.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The cast features a variety of personalities and physical types, though primarily within a fantasy Viking setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Touches on themes of conservation and the importance of peaceful coexistence.

Kindness & empathy5/5
Why this rating?

Central theme of empathy for dragons and the value of reconciliation over violence.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes leadership, responsibility, compassion for animals, and the importance of unity.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Hiccup grows into a responsible and compassionate leader; the film encourages integrity.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in How to Train Your Dragon 2 would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in How to Train Your Dragon 2, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating