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How to Train Your Dragon Homecoming – Where to Watch and More

Arthur Oliver Davies Thompson • 2026-04-30 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

DreamWorks Animation released How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming in 2019 as a holiday short film set within the beloved franchise universe. The story follows Hiccup, Astrid, and their dragon companions on the Isle of New Berk, continuing the heartwarming bond between Vikings and their fire-breathing friends established across the original trilogy.

This animated special serves as a reunion story for characters fans grew to know through three feature films. Jay Baruchel voices Hiccup while America Ferrera portrays Astrid, with supporting cast members including Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse returning to their respective roles. The short carries family-friendly ratings and delivers holiday-themed adventure suitable for all ages.

Where to Watch How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming?

Release Year

2019

Director

Tim Johnson

Format

Animated Short

Rating

TV-G

  • Available for streaming on Hulu with download support for mobile viewing
  • Not currently available on Disney Plus or Netflix based on verified listings
  • Digital purchase options through Fandango At Home
  • Physical copies in DVD and Blu-ray formats from major retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble
  • Available in HD quality on supported streaming platforms
  • No free streaming options identified at this time
Fact Details
Type Animated holiday short film
Primary Streaming Hulu
Digital Purchase Fandango At Home
Physical Media DVD, Blu-ray (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)
Genres Family, Adventure, Holiday, Animation, Kids
Audio Quality Stereo, Surround Sound
Resolution HD available
Downloadable Yes (Hulu subscribers)
Streaming Availability Note

Hulu subscription plans start at $12.99 per month with ads, with an ad-free option at $19.99 per month. Bundle options including Disney Plus access are available. Streaming availability may vary by region.

What Is the Release Date for How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming?

How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming premiered as a 2019 holiday season special, released by DreamWorks Animation as a standalone short film experience. The timing aligned with winter holiday viewing periods, fitting the reunion and celebration themes embedded in its narrative. This release positioned the special as seasonal content families could enjoy together during holiday gatherings.

Timeline of the Franchise

The How to Train Your Dragon franchise spans multiple formats and releases. Understanding the timeline provides context for where Homecoming fits within the broader series.

  1. 2010 — Original theatrical release of the first How to Train Your Dragon feature film
  2. 2014 — How to Train Your Dragon 2 continues the story with expanded world-building
  3. 2019 — How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World concludes the trilogy
  4. 2019 (Holiday) — How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming released as animated short film
  5. 2025 — Live-action adaptation announced separately (distinct from this title)

How Long Is How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming?

How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming functions as a single-episode short film rather than a feature-length production. The runtime fits the traditional format of holiday specials, allowing complete storytelling within a condensed timeframe. This aligns with other franchise shorts released alongside major installments.

Format Clarification

The production is listed as one episode within a single-season series structure on major platforms. This differs from full-length films in the trilogy, which run approximately 90-105 minutes. The short film format enables viewers to complete the experience in one sitting.

Is the Short Film a Feature or Episode?

The distinction matters for viewer expectations. Homecoming presents a brand new adventure that stands apart from the main trilogy narratives. It operates within the established world and character relationships without requiring knowledge of specific plot points from the features. The short format allows focus on emotional reunion moments rather than extensive world exploration.

Where Can I Find the How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming Trailer?

Trailer availability varies across platforms. Official streaming services including Hulu host the full short film in their catalogs, and trailer clips appear across authorized YouTube channels and video platforms. The Disney Plus entity page includes embedded video content for the title.

For the most current trailer access, checking the official Hulu listing or authorized franchise YouTube channels provides reliable options. Retail platforms like SkyStore also display preview content alongside purchase information.

Is There a How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming 2 or 2025 Release?

Confusion exists around this title due to separate franchise developments. The 2019 animated short titled How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming has no confirmed sequel under that specific name. However, DreamWorks and Universal have announced a live-action adaptation scheduled for 2025, which represents a different production entirely.

Sequel Clarification

The 2025 release refers to a live-action feature film, not a continuation of this animated short. These are distinct productions with different formats, storylines, and creative teams. Searches for “Homecoming 2” related to the 2019 short will not yield results, as no direct sequel has been announced.

Understanding the Different Releases

The animated short Homecoming (2019) and the upcoming live-action adaptation (2025) serve different purposes within the franchise. The short provides additional content for existing fans, exploring a holiday gathering scenario with familiar characters. The live-action film represents a separate creative direction for the series, reimagining the world in a different visual style.

For viewers specifically seeking the animated holiday special, focusing on the 2019 release date ensures accurate results. Cross-referencing against Hulu listings, DVD packaging, and verified retail sources confirms the correct title.

Confirmed Facts vs. Unresolved Questions

Clear communication about what information is established versus uncertain helps readers find accurate content.

What We Know What Remains Unclear
2019 animated holiday short film Exact runtime duration (not publicly stated)
Streamable on Hulu Future availability changes on any platform
Cast includes Baruchel, Ferrera, Butler Potential future short film releases in franchise
Part of How to Train Your Dragon franchise Details of 2025 live-action project specifics
Available on physical media Exact bonus features on DVD/Blu-ray editions
TV-G rating Language availability for international markets

Context and Franchise Background

The How to Train Your Dragon franchise originated with the 2010 animated feature film directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders. The series grew to encompass three theatrical films, multiple television series, and various short film releases. Homecoming fits within this expanded content strategy, providing additional narrative for engaged fans.

The short film captures a holiday gathering scenario featuring Hiccup and Astrid as leaders of New Berk alongside their dragon companions including Toothless and Light Fury. The narrative emphasizes themes of community, celebration, and the ongoing partnership between humans and dragons that defines the franchise.

Franchise Connections

Homecoming functions as an epilogue-style story that extends the world established in the original trilogy. While viewable independently, it resonates most with audiences familiar with the characters and their journeys across the three feature films.

Sources and Official Descriptions

“How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming is a brand new adventure short film featuring Hiccup, Astrid, Toothless, Light Fury, and friends as they celebrate the holiday season on the Isle of New Berk.”

— Disney Plus official description

The official Hulu listing describes the production as a single-season series entry, confirming its status as an animated short rather than a feature film. Disney Plus categorizes it alongside their family and holiday content, emphasizing its seasonal positioning.

IMDb records list the production with standard cast information matching the theatrical trilogy, indicating consistent creative involvement across franchise releases. Retail sources consistently describe it as a holiday special format.

Summary and Key Takeaways

How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming is a 2019 animated holiday short film available for streaming on Hulu, with additional availability through digital purchase and physical media. The production features the franchise’s core cast returning to their roles in a celebration-themed story set on New Berk. No direct sequel to this specific title has been announced, though the broader franchise continues with separate projects including an upcoming live-action feature. For those seeking this particular animated short, Hulu represents the primary streaming option currently listed.

Explore more streaming guides and franchise content in our Best Films on Disney Plus collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy the How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming DVD?

Physical DVD and Blu-ray copies are available from major retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Both formats are listed in current retail catalogs.

Is How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming on Netflix?

No. Verified streaming listings do not show availability on Netflix. The short is currently streamable on Hulu and available for digital or physical purchase.

Is How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming on Disney Plus?

No. Disney Plus does not list this specific title in its current catalog despite hosting other DreamWorks content. Hulu serves as the primary streaming source.

What is the runtime of How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming?

The exact runtime is not publicly stated in major listings. The production is formatted as a single episode short film rather than a feature-length movie.

Who directed How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming?

Tim Johnson directed the animated short film. He has worked extensively with DreamWorks Animation on various projects within their catalog.

Is there a sequel to How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming?

No sequel to this specific 2019 animated short has been announced. A separate live-action feature film is planned for 2025, representing a different production entirely.

What year was How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming released?

The animated short premiered during the 2019 holiday season as a standalone release within the franchise.

Can I watch How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming for free?

No free streaming options are currently listed for this title. Subscription services like Hulu or purchase through digital/physical retailers are required.

Arthur Oliver Davies Thompson

About the author

Arthur Oliver Davies Thompson

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.