How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and Paramount Plus, and it uses the format for more than just a visual hook. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 7,183 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. The visual style is immediately recognisable, but the writing is what keeps you watching. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Amazon Prime Video.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The look of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World gets people in the door, but the writing is what keeps them there. As Hiccup fulfills his dream of creating a peaceful dragon utopia, Toothless’ discovery of an untamed, elusive mate draws the Night Fury away. When danger mounts at home and Hiccup’s reign as village chief is tested, both dragon and rider must make impossible decisions to save their kind. Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera bring more to it than the format typically demands. It was released in 2019. The animation style is distinctive enough to be immediately recognisable, but it is the writing underneath that keeps viewers coming back for more. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World belongs on any best-of list regardless of format. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Jay Baruchel's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. If you have been sleeping on it because of the format, the format is not the thing here.