There’s a particular kind of movie magic in How to Train Your Dragon. It gives us a world of rugged islands, soaring creatures and spectacular flights, but the heart of the story is much smaller: a boy who feels out of place, a creature everyone fears, and the friendship that changes how they see each other. Hiccup and Toothless don’t begin as obvious allies. They learn to trust one another, and that trust challenges the assumptions their whole community is built on.

That blend of thrilling adventure and tender character work is what makes the film so rewatchable. The dragons are a huge part of its appeal, of course, but they aren’t the only reason it stays with you. The story also understands the awkwardness of growing up, the pressure to live up to a parent’s expectations, and the courage it takes to choose understanding over fear. Its flights feel exhilarating because the relationship at their centre feels earned.

If you’re looking for another animated adventure with that same sense of discovery, this list brings together films about unlikely friendships, young heroes and fantastical worlds. Some feature dragons or other extraordinary creatures; others focus on a family crossing dangerous terrain, a girl finding her place in a divided kingdom, or a boy whose stories take on a life of their own. Each offers a different reason to settle in for a big-screen journey.

The countdown starts with a dragon quest of its own and builds towards a recent ocean-spanning adventure that captures much of the scale, warmth and emotional sweep that make How to Train Your Dragon special. Whether you’re revisiting a family favourite or choosing a film for a new viewer, there’s plenty here to keep the adventure going.

If you enjoy our film and television guides, support That Love Podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/donate). Your contribution helps us keep creating new stories and recommendations. And for more conversations about entertainment, browse our podcast episodes (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes).

10. Dragon Rider (2020)

If you want another animated adventure built around a dragon and a journey into the unknown, Dragon Rider is a natural place to begin. Based on Cornelia Funke’s novel, the film follows Firedrake, a young silver dragon who sets out to find a safe home for his kind. He travels with a mountain spirit named Sorrel and an orphaned boy, Ben, through a world that is far bigger and more dangerous than the one he has known.

The connection to How to Train Your Dragon is easy to spot: both stories put a dragon at the centre of a quest and ask what happens when different kinds of people learn to rely on one another. Firedrake isn’t Toothless, and the film has a gentler, more storybook quality, but it shares that sense of wonder that comes from looking at the world through a creature’s eyes.

The Himalayan setting gives the adventure a pleasing change of scenery, while the trio’s shifting friendship supplies its emotional thread. Firedrake has to grow into the responsibility of protecting others; Ben is searching for belonging; and Sorrel’s cautious humour keeps the expedition from becoming too solemn. Together, they make an appealing team for younger viewers and anyone in the mood for a straightforward fantasy quest.

It may not have the same intricate character development or visual polish as the top entries here, but its heart is in the right place. Think of it as a lighter follow-up for viewers who want another dragon-led story and a clear message about courage, trust and finding a place to call home. In the UK, Dragon Rider is listed on Sky Go and NOW Cinema, with rental and purchase options through Sky Store; availability can change. Check current UK listings (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/dragon-rider).

9. Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Po’s journey from noodle-shop worker to legendary kung fu hero is one of animation’s most joyful underdog stories. Like Hiccup, Po doesn’t fit the image other people have of a champion. He’s clumsy, easily distracted and far more comfortable around food than a training ground. Yet when the Valley of Peace faces a genuine threat, he discovers that being different from the other warriors may be exactly what makes him the right one.

The film’s martial-arts action gives it a very different flavour from How to Train Your Dragon, but the underlying appeal is remarkably similar. Both heroes have to stop measuring themselves against somebody else’s idea of strength. Po’s training with Master Shifu is funny and satisfying because it isn’t a simple transformation into a conventional fighter. He succeeds when he finds a way to make his own qualities useful.

Jack Black brings enormous energy to Po, while Dustin Hoffman gives Shifu a prickly seriousness that makes their unlikely partnership work. The action sequences are easy to follow, inventive and full of physical comedy. At the same time, the film makes room for a sincere story about confidence, mentorship and the difference between looking like a hero and choosing to act like one.

It is also a strong choice for viewers who enjoyed the balance of humour and danger in Berk’s dragon battles. The stakes feel real, but the film never loses its playful spirit. In the UK, Kung Fu Panda is currently listed on Disney+, Sky Go, NOW Cinema and ITVX, including a free ad-supported option on ITVX. See current UK streaming options (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/kung-fu-panda).

8. Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Rise of the Guardians turns familiar childhood figures into a team of fantasy heroes. Jack Frost, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the Sandman must work together when the sinister Pitch threatens to make children stop believing. The story has plenty of spectacle, but its most engaging idea is that a hero’s power can come from the thing that makes them distinctive.

That theme will feel familiar to How to Train Your Dragon fans. Jack Frost is an outsider: mischievous, restless and unsure whether anyone truly sees him. His journey is about discovering his own purpose and finding the people who will stand beside him. The Guardians themselves are a lively collection of personalities, and their uneasy teamwork brings the film much of its humour.

Director Peter Ramsey gives the film a dynamic, kinetic look. Jack races across rooftops and freezes ponds; the Guardians’ different abilities shape the way they move and fight. The action has the same kind of clean visual storytelling that makes Hiccup and Toothless’s flights so memorable: you can feel the characters’ joy and freedom, even as a larger threat closes in.

The tone is a little darker than some family adventures, especially when Pitch’s fear-based scheme takes hold, but the story ultimately lands on hope, belief and the comfort of being remembered. It’s a good pick when you want fantasy action, a team of unusual allies and a hero learning that his past doesn’t have to define him. In the UK, Rise of the Guardians is listed on Amazon Prime Video, with rental and purchase options across digital stores. Check the latest UK listings (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/rise-of-the-guardians).

If you’re in the mood for more animation after this countdown, take a look at That Love Podcast’s guides to the first ten DreamWorks movies (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/first-10-dreamworks-movies-ranked) and the best family movies of all time (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/best-family-movies-of-all-time-ranked). And if you’d like to talk about bringing your brand to our readers and listeners, find out about advertising with us (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/advertise-with-us).

7. Epic (2013)

In Epic, teenager Mary Katherine is drawn into a hidden forest world where a battle between tiny Leafmen and the forces of decay is unfolding. The shift in scale is part of the fun: blades of grass become towering forests, everyday creatures become formidable neighbours, and a girl who expected to spend the day with her eccentric father suddenly has a much bigger responsibility.

The film has a connection to How to Train Your Dragon in its sense of a young person being pulled into a world they didn’t know existed. Both stories pair a newcomer with a group of skilled, sometimes stubborn allies and send them into a conflict that demands more than courage alone. Mary Katherine has to pay attention, adapt and make choices for a community she has only just discovered.

The voice cast includes Amanda Seyfried as M.K., Josh Hutcherson as Nod, Colin Farrell as Ronin and Christoph Waltz as the villainous Mandrake. Their performances help give the fantasy world a clear emotional shape. The film mixes comedy and action, but it also gives the forest setting a striking scale, making small details feel enormous and inviting viewers to imagine how much life might be hidden just beyond the garden.

Epic is a particularly good choice if the part of How to Train Your Dragon you love most is the feeling of entering a richly imagined world. It doesn’t have the same intimate bond between a rider and a creature, but it offers a similar combination of danger, discovery and young characters learning to trust their instincts. It is currently listed on Disney+ in the UK, with digital rental and purchase options also available. Check current UK availability (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/epic).

6. The Croods (2013)

The Croods are a family who have survived by following one rule: never leave the cave. Their cautious father, Grug, believes that staying safe means avoiding anything new. His daughter Eep, meanwhile, wants to explore. When an approaching catastrophe forces the family out into the open, they meet Guy, a resourceful young traveller whose ideas challenge everything Grug thinks he knows.

That clash between safety and change gives The Croods more emotional texture than its prehistoric slapstick might suggest. Grug loves his family, but his fear of losing them makes him hold them too tightly. Eep wants independence without giving up the people she loves. Their relationship brings to mind the tension between Hiccup and Stoick: a parent and child who care deeply for one another, but see the world in very different ways.

The film’s landscapes are colourful and strange, filled with creatures that feel as if they belong in a prehistoric dream. Its comedy is broad and energetic, and the family’s group dynamic keeps the journey lively. Underneath all of that, the film is about learning that the future can be frightening and still be worth facing.

For viewers who enjoyed the way How to Train Your Dragon combines an adventurous setting with a family story, this is a warm and funny companion. The Croods’ journey doesn’t involve dragons, but it does ask a similar question: what if the thing that keeps you safe also keeps you from becoming who you are? In the UK, The Croods is currently listed on Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and ITVX, including an ad-supported ITVX option. Check current UK streaming choices (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-croods).

5. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Kubo and the Two Strings follows a young storyteller whose magical music brings origami figures to life. When he accidentally summons a vengeful spirit, Kubo must set out to learn the truth about his family and find the tools that can help him survive. His companions on the quest are a talking monkey and a beetle warrior, and his own ability to shape stories becomes central to the adventure.

The film is beautifully made, but its emotional centre is what gives it staying power. Kubo’s journey is tied to memory, family and grief, and the story treats those ideas with unusual care for a fantasy adventure. Like Hiccup, he is a young hero whose greatest strength doesn’t look like traditional force. He succeeds through imagination, compassion and a willingness to keep going when the world becomes frightening.

Laika’s stop-motion animation gives the film a tactile quality that sets it apart from the CGI adventures elsewhere on this list. The paper creations feel fragile and wondrous; the landscapes are vast, and the action has a mythic, storybook rhythm. It’s a film that rewards close attention, with visual details and emotional ideas that linger after the credits.

This is one of the more intense picks here. Its villains and peril may be unsettling for very young viewers, so it’s worth considering your household’s comfort level before putting it on. For older children and adults who liked the emotional depth and breathtaking action of How to Train Your Dragon, though, Kubo is an exceptional next watch. It is currently listed on ITVX Premium and ITVX with ads in the UK, with rental and purchase options also available. Check where it’s streaming (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/kubo-and-the-two-strings).

Want more recommendations for movie night? Browse our family movie guide (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/best-family-movies-of-all-time-ranked) or revisit our DreamWorks ranking (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/first-10-dreamworks-movies-ranked). If you enjoy our work, support the podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/donate); it helps us keep publishing entertainment guides and conversations.

4. Moana (2016)

Moana’s story begins on an island she loves and a horizon she cannot stop thinking about. When a creeping blight threatens her people’s future, she sails beyond the reef to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti. The voyage asks her to become a leader, but it also asks her to trust the part of herself that has always been drawn to the ocean.

The connection to How to Train Your Dragon is especially strong in the way both films make adventure a path towards self-understanding. Hiccup’s flights with Toothless help him discover that he can question his village’s traditions. Moana’s voyage similarly opens up a new perspective on the stories and fears she has inherited. In both films, the young hero is not simply rebelling for the sake of it; they are trying to protect the people they love by imagining a different way forward.

Auli‘i Cravalho gives Moana a bright, grounded presence, while Dwayne Johnson makes Maui boastful and funny without losing sight of his vulnerability. Their relationship develops through bickering, setbacks and genuine respect. The ocean itself feels like a character, and the film’s songs—especially “How Far I’ll Go”—make Moana’s longing to explore impossible to miss.

If you love the sweeping flights and emotional courage of How to Train Your Dragon, Moana offers a similarly stirring journey across a vast, beautifully animated world. Its sense of place and its focus on a young hero taking responsibility for her community make it an easy family-night choice. In the UK, the film is currently listed on Disney+. Check current streaming availability (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/moana).

3. Brave (2012)

Merida is a skilled archer who resists the future her family and kingdom have planned for her. Her mother, Queen Elinor, expects her to fulfil royal duties and choose a suitable match; Merida wants to make her own decisions. When an impulsive attempt to change her mother’s mind goes badly wrong, the two have to work together to repair the damage.

Brave is not a dragon-riding adventure, but it shares the family conflict that gives How to Train Your Dragon much of its heart. Hiccup and Stoick struggle to understand each other because they have different ideas about what makes someone strong. Merida and Elinor are similarly close and similarly frustrated, each convinced that she is protecting the other. Their story asks what can happen when love is real but communication breaks down.

The Scottish Highlands are rendered with rich atmosphere, from misty forests to the rugged castle where Merida’s family lives. The film’s archery scenes give Merida a clear sense of physical skill, but it’s her ability to recognise the consequences of her choices that marks her growth. She doesn’t have to become a different person to make things right; she has to listen, take responsibility and speak honestly.

This is a strong choice for viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with a strong family bond and a heroine who refuses to be boxed in by tradition. Its magic and bear-related peril can feel intense for younger children, but the story’s humour and heartfelt resolution help balance the adventure. In the UK, Brave is currently listed on Disney+, with rental and purchase options available as well. See the latest UK listings (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/brave).

2. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

Raya has grown up in Kumandra, a land divided into rival regions after a destructive force turned much of its population to stone. When the threat returns, she searches for Sisu, the last dragon, hoping to restore what was lost. The mission becomes more complicated when Raya discovers that saving the world will require her to place trust in people who have given her reasons not to.

The scale and energy will appeal to fans of How to Train Your Dragon. There are unusual creatures, bold action and a sweeping fantasy world, but the most important relationship is built on trust. Raya and Sisu approach the problem differently: Raya is cautious and guarded, while Sisu believes that people can choose to do better. Their disagreements make the journey lively and help the film explore how difficult it can be to trust again after betrayal.

Kelly Marie Tran voices Raya, and Awkwafina voices Sisu. Their contrast gives the story a strong centre, while the different regions of Kumandra offer a vivid succession of landscapes and cultures. The film’s action sequences are fast and colourful, and Raya’s companions gradually turn a solitary mission into something closer to a team effort.

Where How to Train Your Dragon explores how empathy can transform a conflict between humans and dragons, Raya and the Last Dragon focuses on what it takes to mend divisions between people. It’s a natural pick for viewers looking for another adventure about a young warrior, a legendary dragon and the choice to believe in the possibility of change. In the UK, it is currently available on Disney+. Check current UK viewing options (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/raya-and-the-last-dragon).

1. The Sea Beast (2022)

At the top of the list is The Sea Beast, an ocean adventure about a legendary monster hunter and the girl who changes the way he understands his work. Jacob Holland has spent his life hunting enormous sea creatures. When young Maisie Brumble stows away on his ship, she joins him on a voyage that begins as a pursuit and gradually becomes a challenge to everything he has been taught about the monsters.

The premise will sound familiar to How to Train Your Dragon fans: a young character questions a long-standing belief about dangerous creatures and discovers that the truth is more complicated than the stories people tell. But The Sea Beast gives that idea its own identity. Its ocean is vast and unpredictable, its creatures are awe-inspiring, and the ship’s crew bring a lively sense of camaraderie to every expedition.

Maisie is an especially engaging force in the story. She’s curious, brave and unwilling to accept a rule simply because it has been repeated for generations. Jacob, by contrast, has to confront the difference between being good at a job and knowing whether that job is right. Their relationship develops with humour and warmth as they learn to see one another—and the creatures around them—with fresh eyes.

The animation makes the sea feel immense, with stormy voyages and enormous creatures that give the film real scale. Yet its most satisfying moments come from small changes in perspective: a pause before attacking, a willingness to listen and the realisation that fear can be taught. That combination of thrilling action and emotional discovery is exactly why it makes such a fitting choice for this list.

If you love Hiccup and Toothless’s bond, The Sea Beast offers a fresh adventure about an unexpected friendship reshaping a whole world. It’s a spirited family film with enough action for an exciting movie night and a thoughtful story for viewers who like their fantasy to have something to say. In the UK, it is currently listed on Netflix, including Netflix Standard with Ads. Check current UK availability (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-sea-beast-2022).

More Films to Explore

If this countdown has put you in the mood for a longer animation night, That Love Podcast has more recommendations to explore:

• The 30 Best Family Movies of All Time (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/best-family-movies-of-all-time-ranked)

• First 10 DreamWorks Movies, Ranked (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/first-10-dreamworks-movies-ranked)

• 8 Must-Watch Animated Films of 2024 (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/best-animated-movies-of-2024)

• Movie Review: The Wild Robot (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/movie-review-the-wild-robot-chris-sanders-delivers-an-instant-heartwarming-classic)

• The 20 Most Anticipated Family Movies of 2026 (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/the-20-most-anticipated-family-movies-of-2026)

For more film and TV conversations, listen to That Love Podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes). If our recommendations have helped you find something to watch, you can support our independent creators here (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/donate). And if you’re interested in reaching our audience, learn about advertising with That Love Podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/advertise-with-us).

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I watch first if I love How to Train Your Dragon?

Start with The Sea Beast. It combines a young hero, a misunderstood creature and an adventure that challenges what its characters believe. Raya and the Last Dragon is another strong choice if you want a warrior, a dragon and a sweeping fantasy world.

Which film on this list has the closest connection to How to Train Your Dragon?

The Sea Beast is the closest match in its focus on humans and dangerous creatures learning to understand one another. Dragon Rider also centres on a dragon and a journey, while Raya and the Last Dragon shares the epic fantasy setting and action.

Are these films suitable for young children?

Several films on the list are rated U in the UK, while others carry a PG rating. The PG titles include peril, frightening creatures or intense action that may be unsettling for very young viewers. Check the film’s current UK classification and consider your child’s sensitivity to suspense.

Which film has the best dragon story?

For a dragon-focused adventure, try Dragon Rider, Raya and the Last Dragon or The Sea Beast. Each takes a different approach: Dragon Rider is a classic quest, Raya is a fantasy epic, and The Sea Beast centres on a world of feared ocean creatures.

What should I watch if I like Hiccup and Stoick’s relationship?

Brave and The Croods both explore the bond between a parent and child who love each other but disagree about how to face the world. Each story makes that relationship central to the adventure.

Which film on the list is the most emotional?

Kubo and the Two Strings is the most reflective choice, with a story about family, memory and grief. Moana also has an emotional journey, centred on identity, responsibility and a young woman finding the confidence to lead.

Which movie has the funniest hero?

Po in Kung Fu Panda is a strong contender. His comic timing and love of food make him an entertaining underdog, and his journey to become a kung fu hero gives the jokes a satisfying emotional foundation.

Are these all animated films?

Yes. The list includes computer-animated films, stop-motion animation and fantasy adventures made for family audiences. Kubo and the Two Strings is the stop-motion entry; the others use computer animation.

Where can I stream these films in the UK?

At the time of writing, listings show The Sea Beast on Netflix; Raya and the Last Dragon, Moana and Brave on Disney+; The Croods on Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and ITVX; and Kung Fu Panda on Disney+, Sky Go, NOW Cinema and ITVX. Dragon Rider, Rise of the Guardians, Epic and Kubo and the Two Strings also have UK streaming or rental options. Services change their catalogues, so check the linked JustWatch pages for the latest listings.

Which film should I choose for family movie night?

For a big, exciting adventure, choose The Sea Beast. For a musical journey, try Moana. For laughs and martial-arts action, pick Kung Fu Panda. If you want a more thoughtful story for older children, Kubo and the Two Strings is an excellent option.

Use JustWatch UK (https://www.justwatch.com/uk) to check where films are streaming, renting or available to buy. For further film details and reviews, visit IMDb (https://www.imdb.com/) and Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/).

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1. 10 Movies to Watch If You Love How to Train Your Dragon, Ranked

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More Places to Find Great Movies and TV Shows

If you're on the hunt for your next favorite TV show or movie, there's no shortage of resources to help you discover something worth watching. Whether you're looking for a new release, an underrated gem, or a timeless classic, these websites are useful places to continue your search:

1. ScreenRant – Your go-to source for the latest news, reviews, and insights on movies, TV shows, and entertainment trends.

2. CBR (Comic Book Resources) – A top destination for comic, movie, and TV news, with engaging updates for pop-culture fans.

3. Collider – Find movie news, trailers, and reviews covering the latest Hollywood releases.

4. IMDb – Explore cast details, trivia, ratings, and reviews for films and television.

5. Rotten Tomatoes – Browse movie and TV reviews, critic scores, audience ratings, and recommendations.

6. MovieWeb – Keep up with movie news, trailers, and reviews.

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8. Comic Book Movie – Follow comic-book, superhero movie, and related television news.