Why httyd 3 was the worst way possible to end the saga

Hello! My name is Fennie and I feel the need to rant about the ending of one of the most beloved movie sagas from my childhood. How to Train Your Dragon played a huge role in shaping me as a person, staying with me through the years and leaving a lasting impact. However, I can't help but feel that the way it ended was the worst possible choice. Let me elaborate.

One of the most common criticisms on the movie how to train your dragon: the hidden world (httyd 3) is that its plot felt forced from the very beginning, and I completely agree. The film’s attempt to answer the question of why dragons had to disappear from Berk felt like a narrative afterthought rather than a natural progression of the story. Instead of allowing the established human–dragon relationship to evolve organically, the film opts for a contrived solution that tears apart the unity celebrated in the earlier films. It's evident that the sudden decision to separate dragons from humans undermines everything the series has built up over the years. At its heart, httyd thrived on the emotional bond between Hiccup and Toothless. In the third film, however, this dynamic is not only diluted—it’s subverted. Toothless, once depicted as an independent and intelligent creature capable of deep loyalty, is reduced to a plot device whose unexpected attraction to the Light Fury comes out of nowhere. This shift not only feels rushed but also betrays the well-established character development from the first two films. Fans have argued that by forcing Toothless into a new, unearned relationship, the film cheapens his long-standing bond with Hiccup, leaving viewers feeling disconnected from a relationship that once carried the emotional weight of the entire series. The introduction of the Light Fury was intended to be a catalyst for change—an embodiment of nature’s call that forces Toothless to choose between his past and a new future. Instead, she comes off as little more than a convenient plot device. Her sudden appearance and immediate impact on Toothless’s behavior feel less like a natural development and more like a narrative shortcut designed to justify the dragons’ departure from Berk. Rather than deepening the story, her role undermines the thematic consistency of the franchise, reducing complex character relationships to a simplistic “if you love them, let them go” moment that lacks the emotional resonance the series was known for.

 Grimmel, the film’s primary antagonist, is another major sticking point. Although his presence is meant to inject a sense of menace into the narrative, his character comes off as underdeveloped and uninspired compared to previous villains. His motivations and actions often feel recycled and poorly thought out, with many fans noting that his dialogue and schemes fail to evoke the same level of threat as earlier conflicts. In many discussions, Grimmel is seen as a pale imitation of the franchise’s previous antagonists—a character whose lack of depth only further highlights the film’s overall narrative shortcomings. 

 Finally, the most damaging aspect of httyd 3 is its ending. The film’s bittersweet finale was supposed to evoke powerful emotions, yet for many it felt disappointingly hollow. Instead of providing a cathartic release or a meaningful closure, the ending seems to undermine the very message of unity and progress that defined the series. Hiccup’s decision to let the dragons go is portrayed as a necessary step toward maturity, but it comes off as both abrupt and unearned. The emotional payoff is diminished by narrative contrivances that force the characters apart, leaving fans with a lingering sense that all the previous growth and struggle have been for nothing. 

To sum up, httyd 3 could have been a great farewell to one of the most beloved animated franchises of our time. Instead, its narrative shortcuts, diminished character relationships, and unsatisfying resolution have left many feeling that the series ended on a sour note. Rather than celebrating the beauty of unity between dragons and humans, the film chooses a path of forced separation—a decision that not only contradicts the spirit of the previous films but also leaves a legacy that feels unworthy of the series’ rich history.

What are your thoughts?