10 More Fantastical Adventures Like How to Train Your Dragon
How To Train Your Dragon is a fantastical tale that brilliantly depicts the bond between man and a misunderstood creature. There’s plenty of action, drama and fantasy fun to be had with Dreamworks’ excellent film.
For those who have finished watching this and are looking for alternate picks, we’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top choices for what to watch next. As usual, let us know your thoughts about our picks in the comments below!
The Iron Giant
In 1957, a young boy named Hogarth discovers a giant alien robot in the woods. He befriends the Iron Giant, teaching him about humanity and Earth, while keeping him a secret from government agents that are looking to destroy him.
Both films center on an unlikely friendship between a young protagonist and a misunderstood creature. The stories explore themes of acceptance, understanding, and challenging societal norms.
Lilo & Stitch
Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl, adopts a strange pet who is actually a notorious extra-terrestrial fugitive named Stitch. Together, they form a unique bond and learn the importance of family.
In both movies, a central theme is the bond that forms between a young character and an unusual, initially feared creature. The narratives delve into the protagonists’ growth and learning to accept others’ differences, complete with a smattering of humour, drama and heartwarming moments for good measure.
How To Train Your Dragon 2
Set five years after the first film, Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons. The duo find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace when a power-hungry warrior threatens their wellbeing.
Being a sequel, the film continues the themes and characters of the original, further exploring the bond between Hiccup and Toothless, as well as the broader dynamics between dragons and humans.
Raya and the Last Dragon
In a realm known as Kumandra, a reclusive warrior called Raya is determined to find the legendary last dragon to restore her fractured land and its divided people. But is she too late to save the realm?
Both films are set in fantastical worlds and focus on the central theme of dragons as misunderstood creatures. The protagonists in both movies embark on a journey to create harmony between dragons and humans, making it an essential watch.
Kubo and the Two Strings
Kubo, a young boy with a magical ability to wield origami through music, embarks on a quest to retrieve his father’s armor to defeat a vengeful spirit. He is aided by a monkey and a beetle, discovering the truth about his family and his own power along the way.
Both films feature young protagonists who embark on heroic quests in fantastical settings, discovering their heritage and potential in the process. Both movies emphasize the power of storytelling and the importance of family and legacy.
Big Hero 6
In a futuristic city, a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada forms a superhero team to combat a mysterious villain in San Fransokyo. Hiro builds a close bond with Baymax along the way, an inflatable healthcare companion robot created by his late brother.
Like How To Train Your Dragon, Big Hero 6 involves a young protagonist who forms a deep bond with a non-human character (a robot in “Big Hero 6,” a dragon in “How To Train Your Dragon”). These relationships are central to the plot and the emotional arc of the characters.
Moana
Moana, the daughter of a Polynesian tribal chief, is chosen to restore a mystical relic to a goddess. She sets sail on a daring mission and discovers her own identity as a leader and a wayfinder.
Both films focus on young protagonists who defy their communities’ conventions as they embark on adventurous journeys that help them discover their own identities and destinies.
Rise of the Guardians
When the evil spirit Pitch threatens to take over the world, a group of beloved storybook characters, known as the Guardians, enlist the help of Jack Frost to defeat Pitch and protect the children of the world.
Both movies are set in expansive, fantastical worlds and feature protagonists who undergo significant personal growth as they accept responsibility and learn to appreciate the power of unity and friendship.
Wolfwalkers
In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter called Robyn comes to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last pack of wolves. She befriends Mebh, a wild girl from a tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night.
In both movies, the young protagonists form an unlikely friendship with a character initially considered an enemy or outsider by their community, leading them to challenge the prejudiced views of their society.
The Sea Beast
Netflix’s Sea Beast is probably about as close to a comparison as you’re likely to get! The story centers on a young girl who stows away on the ship of a legendary sea monster hunter, launching an epic journey into uncharted waters.
Both films appear to be set in fantastical maritime worlds with the bond between our protagonist and a misunderstood creature. Themes of exploration, discovery, and that aforementioned bond are also key parts of this film.
There we have it, our list of best movies that are similar to How To Train Your Dragon. What do you think about our picks? Did one of your favourites make the list? Let us know in the comments below!