Parents' Guide to

Dragons: Race to the Edge

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Superb, slightly darker addition to series still great fun.

TV Netflix Kids' Animation 2015
Dragons: Race to the Edge Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 7+

Based on 12 parent reviews

Joozter
Joozter Adult
March 24, 2021
age 7+

Great for slightly older kids- Slightly more mature romance

Even though the stuff is harmless for most ages, I wouldn’t recommend it to younger children as there are some dark and slightly scary scenes. Violence is mild and no blood is shown but people do shout is pain when they get hit so it may frighten sensitive viewers. It gets quite dark as the seasons go on and one of the villains impales someone with a axe when they criticise the villains style of work. No gore is shown. Romance- mild flirting that will go over most kids heads but older viewers will likely notice. One of the characters tries multiple times to flirt with a girl but ultimately fails. Two characters share longer kisses and are in a dating status. Characters are good role models and the dragons aren’t scary but in one episode, the dragons are possessed by creatures and take on a scarier form- I advise looking at this episode before letting kids watch it (called Grim retreat)

This title has:

Great role models
2 people found this helpful.
JShipps
JShipps Adult
July 9, 2020
age 6+

Loved until I heard bad language

Season 6 episode 12 the guy says “I am bored as hell”. Whhhhyyyyyy?!???? So sad because my kids LOVE this show and now it’s not on the “safe” list.

This title has:

Too much swearing
2 people found this helpful.
See all 12 parent reviews

What's the Story?

DRAGONS: RACE TO THE EDGE is set between the stories of How to Train Your Dragon and How to Train Your Dragon 2, with the Riders crew edging toward adulthood and beginning to pursue their individual interests. With Astrid (voiced by America Ferrera) headed off to the Berk Guard, Fishlegs (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) instructing the island's youngsters, Snotlout (Zack Pearlman) keeping busy in weapons manufacturing, and Teffnut (T.J. Miller) and Ruffnut (Andree Vermeulen) up to their usual antics, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is left to wonder where his destiny lies. But when Dagur the Deranged (David Faustino) escapes from Outcast Island and vows revenge on Hiccup, his friends and their dragons join his far-flung quest to capture his archenemy and make sense of the mysterious Dragon Eye they discover in the process.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12):
Kids say (30):

This is another exceptionally crafted and beautifully animated installment in the saga of Hiccup, Toothless, and their human and dragon friends. Faithful fans will find the time line somewhat disjointed, given that its story occurs prior to that of the 2014 movie sequel, but overall it's a welcome retrospective that offers further insight into Hiccup's transition to adulthood and his state of mind prior to his life-altering experiences in How to Train Your Dragon 2.

Even so, Dragons: Race to the Edge has a dark, slightly ominous tone that's a concern for younger viewers more accustomed to happy endings with their cartoons. Not only is there a complex mystery that's unraveled slowly, leaving many cliffhangers and tense moments, there's also a villain who's quite cruel and vindictive. The story isn't without its levity and comical mishaps, but it's geared more toward tweens who can handle its caliber of suspense.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why creators told this story out of order. If you've seen How to Train Your Dragon 2, is Dragons: Race to the Edge's impact lessened by knowing what comes later in Hiccup's life?

  • What makes Hiccup's relationship with Toothless so special? In what ways does it inspire the characters around them? Does a hero have to be someone famous, or can everyday actions make someone a hero?

  • Did the violent sequences surprise you in any way? Were any of them too scary for your liking?

  • What is this story's message about change? How do different characters react differently to growing up and accepting change? Can you relate to any of their experiences?

  • How do the characters in Dragons: Race to the Edge demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

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