Even though "How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming" may feel unnecessary - it's still a nice addition to the beloved franchise and giving us this time the final goodbye to the characters that we've known for almost ten years. It's even great that they brought back Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera to voice Hiccup and Astrid for one last time, because this short would not work without them. Even with it's flaws - it's a very enjoyable holiday special that everyone, including families will have fun while watching it. I'm giving "How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming" a 6.3/10.
21 Reviews
great Christmas special
SnoopyStyle4 December 2019
It's New Berg at Snoogletog. It's ten years since humans and dragons have agreed to live apart. Hiccup and Astrid are shocked when their daughter Zephyr reveals her anti-dragon sentiments after reading her grandfather's old book. Hiccup decides to hold a dragon friendly festival by re-enacting his first contact with Toothless. This is a Christmas special coming after the third How to Train Your Dragon movie. This is a fun under-the-radar franchise and this continues its good works. It hits on a good theme and continues the story onwards.
Short film
arjun-echilies2 February 2020
Stick with "Gift of the Night Fury"
TVholic5 December 2019
This is the second Christmas special for the franchise. In my opinion, it's quite inferior to its predecessor from eight years ago, "Gift of the Night Fury." Neither was scripted by Dean DeBlois, the man behind the three movies, but this one was unnecessary and brought nothing new to the story. Worst of all is that there's poor continuity between this and the epilogue of the final movie. The children's reactions are completely different, as was Toothless's. This lack of consistency made it difficult to reconcile this in the same universe. Watch this only if you're a completist superfan of the franchise. Despite enjoying all three movies, most of the specials and some of the TV episodes, I won't be watching it again myself.
Prepare your cheeks to hurt from smiling so much!
landonschott5 December 2019
Great but...
sonyatr7 December 2019
"How did it happen?" - Hiccup
Basically that's what you get when people forget about things that were common for you.
On the one hand the Special was great, hilarious in places and homecoming))) but I dunno, I have kinda strange mixed up feelings about it. Seeing Hiccup and Toothless not together is just... it doesn't feel right. Tamed once - tamed forever. And letting dragons go is like throwing your favourite pet cat or dog into the wild. Not only Toothless but also all other dragons that lived on Berk wouldn't be scared of humans and if they meet someone who has never seen dragons....
The story was mainly concentrated on Zephyr and yet again as in Hiccup's case, she changed her mind when she actually saw Toothless and understood that he wasn't a thread. Well, maybe not exactly the same case, but the idea is the same: seeing and understanding that the thing is not quite what you think of it to be.
So I don't think that without dragons Berkians would be able to preserve that love and care that hey had when dragons lived with them. Slowly in a couple of generations everything would return to the beginning when people were terrified of dragons and hunted them.
Basically that's what you get when people forget about things that were common for you.
On the one hand the Special was great, hilarious in places and homecoming))) but I dunno, I have kinda strange mixed up feelings about it. Seeing Hiccup and Toothless not together is just... it doesn't feel right. Tamed once - tamed forever. And letting dragons go is like throwing your favourite pet cat or dog into the wild. Not only Toothless but also all other dragons that lived on Berk wouldn't be scared of humans and if they meet someone who has never seen dragons....
The story was mainly concentrated on Zephyr and yet again as in Hiccup's case, she changed her mind when she actually saw Toothless and understood that he wasn't a thread. Well, maybe not exactly the same case, but the idea is the same: seeing and understanding that the thing is not quite what you think of it to be.
So I don't think that without dragons Berkians would be able to preserve that love and care that hey had when dragons lived with them. Slowly in a couple of generations everything would return to the beginning when people were terrified of dragons and hunted them.
Heartwarming
modernertraumer5 December 2019
My family loves the HTTYD series! We were all so excited to learn that we would get more of Toothless, Hiccup, and Co. We loved how the characters bond remained strong even over long distances and time. There are people that will always leave an impression on our hearts and this was a good reminder of that. We have made a promise to reach out to those who have touched our hearts this holiday season. This is a fun dive back into the characters that will leave you remembering why you love HTTYD so much.
Not great but it's an obligation to see it to get satisfied about the ending of The Hidden World!
El-Ak8 December 2019
Didn't like most of it with the childish story and very obvious silly mistakes but it all left my heart pounding and whelming just hearing Hiccub screaming Toothless and leading to the end of the third movie💔 It still is an honour to have witnessed this saga.
The HTTYD feels we all love.
malikwali20166 December 2019
After The Hidden World, I always wondered how would Hiccup's children reaction to Dragons. A charming yet rushed short, Homecoming answered that question and gives us the HTTYD feels we all love. Highly recommend.
+ Not ten seconds into the short and you get the feeling and nostalgia of the franchise.
+ Animation quality and direction are fantastic, unlike other Dragons shorts. Scenes and shifting are captured very well.
+ Outstanding Music reminiscent to the HTTYD theme, with new tweaks.
+ Hiccup and Astrid are yet again a remarkable duo. Strong writing for both of them.
+ Zephyr and Nightlights' characters are unique well-developed. Definitely the star of the short.
+ Remarkable voice acting for the children. Nuffing's accent!
+ The satisfying amount of content out of 20 minutes we all needed.
🚨 SPOILERS follow 🚨
+ Not ten seconds into the short and you get the feeling and nostalgia of the franchise.
+ Animation quality and direction are fantastic, unlike other Dragons shorts. Scenes and shifting are captured very well.
+ Outstanding Music reminiscent to the HTTYD theme, with new tweaks.
+ Hiccup and Astrid are yet again a remarkable duo. Strong writing for both of them.
+ Zephyr and Nightlights' characters are unique well-developed. Definitely the star of the short.
+ Remarkable voice acting for the children. Nuffing's accent!
+ The satisfying amount of content out of 20 minutes we all needed.
- Hiccup's voice acting hasn't been modified to suit his older self. Feels like same young Hiccup.
- Rushed. Could've used more time to develop scenes. We barely saw New Berk or it's traditions, and "three days" seemed like a couple of minutes.
- Missing characters.
🚨 SPOILERS follow 🚨
- Hiccup not emphasizing Gobber's memories for Stoick makes absolutely no sense given Hiccup known love for his father.
- Major characters missing. Most are supposedly 31 years old, why do they look young? Didn't they start families? With Vikings' life span, it makes no sense they're still young, even when Hiccup already has TWO children. Focus was definitely not given to the background.
Not feature length, just a 22 minute short.
TxMike21 August 2020
I didn't pay attention when I got this movie to view, we had enjoyed the various "HTTYD" movies and expected this one to be another one. Nope! It is a 22 minute short, I suppose a holiday special. While it has its own charm I can't really compare it to a feature length movie. Even the animation detail seems inferior, although that just might be an impression. Overall I'd say watch it if it comes on free TV but don't pay to see it, not good enough.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. So it was free.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. So it was free.
Just a cute Christmas special
Aleta_Nook4 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It's a sweet Christmas special about the value of loved ones, though I don't think it was really necessary. When I first heard about this, I was like "Wow, that came out of nowhere. More How to Train Your Dragons" and don't get me wrong, I like this franchise but I feel that it ended perfectly so I felt this special was unnecessary.
Another thing I don't like about this special's place in the timeline is because apparently, this takes place before the very last scene of the film. Which is confusing because as you can see in the epilogue, the kids were taking their time trying to warm up to the dragons so why are they all of a sudden afraid of dragons again? Even if this did take place before they met Toothless in the epilogue, it still wouldn't make sense if they started like dragons here but then are afraid of dragons again in the epilogue.
But enough of that, let's get to the special. This short tells the story of how Hiccup misses Toothless but his daughter, Zephyr is not believing in the town's fondness for dragons due to never have seen a dragon before, only seeing them as vicious creatures in books. So, Hiccup decides to set up a play that tells the story of how he met dragons when he was younger and to show that they really are friendly.
Now that we know what the kids are like, I like Nuffink the best. Zephyr is okay, though occasionally a bit too sassy and cynical for me but like I said, she hasn't seen a dragon so it makes sense. Nuffink is a fun guy and always happy and excited.
The night lights, unfortunately like the light fury are flat. They just do a lot of banter and are curious about Berk but we don't really know them beyond that and their personalities aren't distinctive from each other. Which is really disappointing because there seems to be some symbolism between the dragon family and the viking family of Hiccup, Astrid and their two kids and only the human kids had personalities but the dragons didn't so there's no dynamic here.
Again, the story is sweet. The special is decent as a whole but nothing to write home about and won't go down as being one of the best of the franchise.
Another thing I don't like about this special's place in the timeline is because apparently, this takes place before the very last scene of the film. Which is confusing because as you can see in the epilogue, the kids were taking their time trying to warm up to the dragons so why are they all of a sudden afraid of dragons again? Even if this did take place before they met Toothless in the epilogue, it still wouldn't make sense if they started like dragons here but then are afraid of dragons again in the epilogue.
But enough of that, let's get to the special. This short tells the story of how Hiccup misses Toothless but his daughter, Zephyr is not believing in the town's fondness for dragons due to never have seen a dragon before, only seeing them as vicious creatures in books. So, Hiccup decides to set up a play that tells the story of how he met dragons when he was younger and to show that they really are friendly.
Now that we know what the kids are like, I like Nuffink the best. Zephyr is okay, though occasionally a bit too sassy and cynical for me but like I said, she hasn't seen a dragon so it makes sense. Nuffink is a fun guy and always happy and excited.
The night lights, unfortunately like the light fury are flat. They just do a lot of banter and are curious about Berk but we don't really know them beyond that and their personalities aren't distinctive from each other. Which is really disappointing because there seems to be some symbolism between the dragon family and the viking family of Hiccup, Astrid and their two kids and only the human kids had personalities but the dragons didn't so there's no dynamic here.
Again, the story is sweet. The special is decent as a whole but nothing to write home about and won't go down as being one of the best of the franchise.
Back on track again
Horst_In_Translation16 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is "How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming", an animated short film by Dreamworks that premiered less than two weeks ago, in early December 2019 and this one is nominated for three Annie Awards (the animation Oscars). The title makes it very obvious that once again you are back into the world of the successful How to Train Your Dragon franchise, which I found initially pretty surprising because therd installment seemed like such massive closeure to it all. Guess you never know and they made short films before this one, so here is another. The director is Tim Johnson and while he may not have much of a connection to said franchise, he has been pretty prolific and successful in terms of animated films for quite a while. This is one of two HTTYD short films he was in charge of, definitely the one with the much better reception. And I also think it was a success. As for the basics, I liked the first film, loved the sequel, but was really disappointed by the third film. With this one here, it is a return to quality and there is never really a weak moment. Maybe real greatness is also not really achieved, but unless you really dislike the franchise, you will probably have a fun time too watching these slightly over 20 minutes.
It delivers in terms of both comedy and heart. Comedy has some running gags about the main character getting hit by applications his kids installed and one character maybe still appreciating Stoick a tad too much. As for the heart, it was challenging to get vikings and dragons together again with what the third film told us and how the franchise ended. But I think they found a nice way. Basically the key probleme here is that the way humans think of dragons is not entirely positive anymore because they never really met them and still read old books about how they were scary and evil. So it is up to Hiccup to show his kids, especially his daughter, that dragons are kind and caring and close friends. It only partially works out with a stage play they initiate, but eventually Toothless show up and does the rest and Hiccup's daughter is really fond of dragons from this moment on having seen one live. And everybody else too, even if they did not get the same experience. The reason toothless was there is because the tables are somewhat turned as well and his children also want to see what humans are like. I mean if they mannage to fly there this easily and quickly, then perhaps it will be a really difficult challenge to keep them apart in the long run. But let us not nit-pick here. I must say the mix of colors these little dragons had, the dark from Toothless and the white from their mother was really very nicely done. In general, visually there is absolutely nothing wrong with this movie and it looks as good as the theatrical releases. I think I personally like it a lot that they made this film because like I said I did not like the third film and so this is better closure for me really. If it is the final chapter, that is. We will see. Anyway, all in all I give this one a thumbs-up and recommend checking it out, but yeah like I said if you consider watching, it is almost essential that you have seen the three films before that (not the other short films) because that way you are simply in the story right away and also understand references like when Hiccup talks about how he touched Toothless for the first time. And also to see what a nice tribute to Stoick it actually is. Hiccup's mother does not show up here, it is really much more about the events from film 1, maybe film 3 too, but film 2 not really. That's all. Go see it and even if this may be a release for the holidays and it is also set during times of snow, this is not a major factor here and you can also watch it in summer if you want. It's fun during every season.
It delivers in terms of both comedy and heart. Comedy has some running gags about the main character getting hit by applications his kids installed and one character maybe still appreciating Stoick a tad too much. As for the heart, it was challenging to get vikings and dragons together again with what the third film told us and how the franchise ended. But I think they found a nice way. Basically the key probleme here is that the way humans think of dragons is not entirely positive anymore because they never really met them and still read old books about how they were scary and evil. So it is up to Hiccup to show his kids, especially his daughter, that dragons are kind and caring and close friends. It only partially works out with a stage play they initiate, but eventually Toothless show up and does the rest and Hiccup's daughter is really fond of dragons from this moment on having seen one live. And everybody else too, even if they did not get the same experience. The reason toothless was there is because the tables are somewhat turned as well and his children also want to see what humans are like. I mean if they mannage to fly there this easily and quickly, then perhaps it will be a really difficult challenge to keep them apart in the long run. But let us not nit-pick here. I must say the mix of colors these little dragons had, the dark from Toothless and the white from their mother was really very nicely done. In general, visually there is absolutely nothing wrong with this movie and it looks as good as the theatrical releases. I think I personally like it a lot that they made this film because like I said I did not like the third film and so this is better closure for me really. If it is the final chapter, that is. We will see. Anyway, all in all I give this one a thumbs-up and recommend checking it out, but yeah like I said if you consider watching, it is almost essential that you have seen the three films before that (not the other short films) because that way you are simply in the story right away and also understand references like when Hiccup talks about how he touched Toothless for the first time. And also to see what a nice tribute to Stoick it actually is. Hiccup's mother does not show up here, it is really much more about the events from film 1, maybe film 3 too, but film 2 not really. That's all. Go see it and even if this may be a release for the holidays and it is also set during times of snow, this is not a major factor here and you can also watch it in summer if you want. It's fun during every season.
5min story streched to 22min
tuulipatrick5 December 2019
How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming
Prismark1025 December 2023
On the Isle of Berk, Vikings and dragons have been living apart for ten years. Hiccup and Astrid have grown up without seeing dragons and they fear them as monsters.
So Hiccup plans a holiday pageant. To remind villagers both new and old of the bond between humans and dragons.
The pageant does not go without a hiccup but Toothless shows up, bringing his two offsprings. Hiccup's kids are enchanted by the dragonlings.
This animated short was released after the third How to Train Your Dragon feature movie.
It is a breezy enough short that younger kids will like. The animation style is good as well as the voice acting.
So Hiccup plans a holiday pageant. To remind villagers both new and old of the bond between humans and dragons.
The pageant does not go without a hiccup but Toothless shows up, bringing his two offsprings. Hiccup's kids are enchanted by the dragonlings.
This animated short was released after the third How to Train Your Dragon feature movie.
It is a breezy enough short that younger kids will like. The animation style is good as well as the voice acting.
I love the film
erikm-508526 December 2019
Fine Festive Film For Everyone
RECB325 September 2023
This is a great festive film for everyone to watch and enjoy the holidays. It is also a nice addition to the franchise. It fits in nicely. The storyline was a fine way of revealing to viewers the importance and significance of what festivities are all about. The cast selection is always great in this franchise. The festive and holiday season is always a bad time for me. One bad experience can ruin something for anyone. That is what happened to me. The festive season is a dark reminder of that. That adds more difficulties to my already chaotic life. It never ends for me. This is a good and fine festive short film for all viewers to watch and enjoy.
I was expecting so much more
indyshafa6 December 2019
As a huge fan of HTTYD I was actually disappointed with this release... the spoilers had made me expect way more than what was actually in store.. also how this was only around 20 mins and spoilers are at 7 mins max... like what's the point of building up that much expectation only to disappoint us like this 😭💔
Kind of retconned the ending of Hidden World and basically almost rebooted Berk with Vikings hating dragons again.
opalpika132816 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Back on the first How to Train Your Dragon, before Hiccup met Toothless and brought friendship between Vikings and dragons, the Vikings didn't think much of dragons and considered them a threat. Hiccup and Toothless' friendship changed that, and the real threats were dragon hunters and poachers, which is why Toothless left with his new Light Fury girlfriend and the other dragons to the Hidden World. The ending of Hidden World was perfect, Hiccup showing his kids Toothless and the Light Fury and flying together.
It didn't need the extension Homecoming brought that made it go backwards. And by backwards, it was by resetting Berk into them all forgetting dragons and hating dragons again, including Hiccup and Astrid's kids, Zephyr and Nufflink. And Toothless never actually sees Hiccup until the end, he never knew Toothless was the one that actually saved him from an accident on the play he made for the Vikings to let them know that dragons aren't a threat anymore. Zephyr ended up meeting Toothless and it only took that for her to realize that dragons weren't scary. Hiccup thought she was crazy and didn't know what she was talking about. They all see Toothless and his family take off, then it strangely shows the Hidden World ending at the end.
This definitely wasn't needed. Zephyr and Nufflink didn't need to find Hiccup's father's book and end up having a fear and hatred for dragons, nor did the rest of Berk had to go back to that way. Like I said, the ending of Hidden World was enough to show Zephyr and Nufflink that dragons weren't scary or a threat.
It didn't need the extension Homecoming brought that made it go backwards. And by backwards, it was by resetting Berk into them all forgetting dragons and hating dragons again, including Hiccup and Astrid's kids, Zephyr and Nufflink. And Toothless never actually sees Hiccup until the end, he never knew Toothless was the one that actually saved him from an accident on the play he made for the Vikings to let them know that dragons aren't a threat anymore. Zephyr ended up meeting Toothless and it only took that for her to realize that dragons weren't scary. Hiccup thought she was crazy and didn't know what she was talking about. They all see Toothless and his family take off, then it strangely shows the Hidden World ending at the end.
This definitely wasn't needed. Zephyr and Nufflink didn't need to find Hiccup's father's book and end up having a fear and hatred for dragons, nor did the rest of Berk had to go back to that way. Like I said, the ending of Hidden World was enough to show Zephyr and Nufflink that dragons weren't scary or a threat.
Really bad with accents that are odd
EmDee-427-46934422 January 2020
I couldn't get into this story with the accents all over the place. Most of the people sound American, even the daughter, then there's the son with the accent that sounds American with the odd Irish/Scottish combo thrown in at the end of sentences for supposed Norse people? American movie producers must feel like they need to "Americanise" everything because we're too stupid to understand English spoken with other accents for authenticity. They're making our kids unaware of other cultures too.
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