'How to Train Your Dragon' Is Even Better in Books — I Was Surprised to Discover What Lies Behind the Pages
The story didn’t actually begin in the minds of the screenwriters.
If you’ve only ever seen How to Train Your Dragon as a film, here’s something you might not know — the story actually started in a book. I was genuinely surprised to learn that this lovable tale of Hiccup and his dragon Toothless first appeared in a children’s book by British author Cressida Cowell back in 2003.
And get this — it’s not just one book, but a whole series of twelve! That’s right, twelve parts to the story that inspired the hit movies.
The Books Go Beyond the Films
The final book, How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury, came out in 2015, and while the films took a different route with their plot, the original books are just as gripping. As a fan, I think it’s definitely worth diving into the books, even if only out of curiosity — I wouldn’t be surprised if your bookshelf ends up full of them like mine.
What Makes the Film So Special
Talking about the film itself, it first hit the big screen in March 2010 and quickly became a classic. Set on the mythical island of Berk, it tells the story of Hiccup, the awkward son of a Viking chief, who breaks tradition by befriending a Night Fury dragon — Toothless.
This friendship completely flips the Viking world upside down. Fun fact: Toothless’s movements and personality were inspired by a mix of animals, including cats, dogs, horses, and even salamanders. That definitely adds a special charm to the character.
Blockbuster Success and Critical Acclaim
Budget-wise, the film was no small production — it cost around $165 million but went on to rake in nearly $495 million worldwide. It was one of the top earners of 2010 and scored amazing reviews everywhere.
Rotten Tomatoes shows a staggering 99% positive rating, IMDb gives it 8.2, and on Kinopoisk it’s 8.5. Plus, it bagged two Oscar nominations and won loads of industry awards, securing its place as a modern animation classic.
Why You Should Check Out the Books
So, if you loved the film, I highly recommend checking out the books to get the full story. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Berk, there’s plenty to enjoy — and maybe even a new favourite series to discover.
