How To Train Your Dragon 2 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

How To Train Your Dragon 2

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2014

78%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Vikings and dragons face war and loss in this visually stunning but emotionally heavier sequel that doesn't pull punches on the grief front.

7.8/10

92%

7.7

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How To Train Your Dragon 2

movie

PG, 2014

78%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Vikings and dragons face war and loss in this visually stunning but emotionally heavier sequel that doesn't pull punches on the grief front.

7.8

92%

7.7

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7.8/10

92%

7.7

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: HTTYD2 is a genuinely excellent film with stunning animation, meaningful themes, and a protagonist who models thoughtful leadership. It's also the sequel that made a lot of parents angry because it killed off a beloved dad character in a way that traumatized their kids.

This isn't a light, fun dragon romp—it's a coming-of-age story about loss, identity, and stepping into leadership when you're not ready. The death scene is handled with dignity but it's ON SCREEN and emotionally brutal. If your kid is sensitive to loss or separation anxiety, proceed with extreme caution.

That said, for families ready to have real conversations about grief, war, and growing up, this is rich material. Hiccup continues to be one of the best animated protagonists—thoughtful, non-violent, creative—and the film doesn't talk down to kids about hard topics.

Watch it with your kids the first time. Have tissues ready. And maybe prep them that this one gets real.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-14 who can handle genuine emotional complexity and loss. The parent death scene makes this too intense for most kids under 7, even if they loved the first film. Teens may still appreciate it for the animation and themes, but it skews younger middle-grade.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong themes of family, acceptance, and peaceful conflict resolution. Models cooperation between humans and dragons, loyalty, and personal growth. Hiccup continues to be a thoughtful, non-violent protagonist who chooses understanding over aggression. However, contains some emotionally intense moments including a parent death scene that, while handled sensitively, is heavy for younger viewers. Pacing is generally balanced with action sequences broken up by character development.

Imaginative

Exceptional world-building that expands the dragon universe with secret caves, unmapped territories, and new dragon species. The concept of a dragon rider society and the mysterious Dragon Sanctuary invites wonder and exploration. Visually stunning animation that pushes creative boundaries. The Viking-dragon partnership continues to spark imaginative play possibilities. Flight sequences are breathtaking and inspire a sense of adventure and discovery.

Safe

This is where HTTYD2 gets complicated. Contains a significant and emotionally devastating parent death scene (Hiccup's father Stoick) that many parents and kids found traumatic and unexpected given the first film's tone. Also features battle violence, dragon attacks, and a villain (Drago) who is genuinely menacing and uses mind control on dragons. The death isn't gory but it's on-screen and emotionally brutal. For families prepared for this content, it's manageable, but it's definitely not a 'throw it on and walk away' movie. PG rating is accurate but this pushes the boundary.

Enriching

Explores complex themes of identity, leadership, pacifism vs. aggression, and generational differences in problem-solving. Hiccup's journey of stepping into leadership while staying true to his values is genuinely meaningful. The film tackles environmentalism (protecting dragons from exploitation), the cost of war, and choosing diplomacy. Strong character arcs show personal growth. The mother-son reunion adds emotional depth about family separation and forgiveness. Entertaining with gorgeous animation and humor balanced with real emotional stakes.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely gorgeous animation with breathtaking flight sequences that showcase what modern animation can do
Hiccup remains a wonderful role model for non-violent problem-solving and thinking before fighting
Explores genuinely complex themes about leadership, identity, and choosing your own path vs. following tradition
The mother-son reunion storyline adds emotional richness and shows that families can be complicated and still loving
Expands the dragon world in creative, imaginative ways that inspire wonder and play

⚠

What to Watch For

A major character death (Hiccup's father) that is on-screen, emotionally devastating, and caught many families off-guard—not graphic but deeply sad
Noticeably darker tone than the first film with real stakes, menacing villain, and battle violence
Younger or sensitive kids may find the intensity and loss overwhelming
Some dragon mind-control scenes that show beloved characters acting against their will, which can be upsetting

Conversation Starters

"Hiccup had to figure out how to be a leader in his own way, not just copy his dad. What makes someone a good leader?"
"The movie shows that sometimes people deal with problems differently—Stoick wanted to fight, Hiccup wanted to talk. When do you think each approach works?"
"How do you think Hiccup felt meeting his mom after thinking she was gone his whole life? What would you ask if you met someone you thought you'd lost?"
"Drago was hurt in the past and it made him want to control everything. Why do you think people who've been hurt sometimes hurt others?"
"What did you think about how the movie handled Stoick's death? Was it too sad, or important to show?"

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