Dragons: The Nine Realms
DreamWorks' "Dragons: The Nine Realms" is an animated adventure-fantasy series that serves as a spin-off from the popular "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise, set 1,300 years after the original films. The show centers on a group of misfit teens who discover a hidden world where dragons reside after a geological anomaly creates a massive fissure in the Earth's surface. Brought together by their scientist parents at a research facility, the children embark on a secret quest to explore this mystical realm and protect its inhabitants. The series primarily targets a younger audience, offering themes of friendship, courage, teamwork, and exploration, while also incorporating elements of comedy and science fantasy. The narrative follows 14-year-old Tom Kullersen, a descendant of Hiccup Haddock, and his friends Jun, D'Angelo, and Alex, as they bond with their own dragons and navigate the challenges of keeping their discovery hidden from the adult world. Each episode, typically around 22-23 minutes long, delves into new dragon species, unexplored territories within the fissure, and various threats to the hidden dragon realms. The show completed eight seasons with 52 episodes between December 2021 and December 2023, and while it aims to capture the spirit of its predecessor, it has received mixed to negative reception from some older fans who note differences in animation quality, writing, and divergence from the original series' themes. Overall, the series provides engaging storylines and positive messages suitable for its target demographic, though certain content aspects may warrant parental discretion. It promotes positive behaviors such as problem-solving and collaboration among diverse characters. The show's visually captivating dragon adventures and emphasis on curiosity make it generally appreciated by parents, with a few concerns regarding intense scenes and some thematic elements.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe series explicitly features LGBTQ+ representation through one of the main characters, Alex Gonzalez, who has two mothers in a lesbian relationship. This aspect is presented as a normal family structure within the show, without overt commentary.
Alex Gonzalez, a main member of the Dragon Riders team, has two mothers, Carla and Hazel Gonzalez, who are explicitly depicted in a lesbian relationship. Carla Gonzalez is identified as a lesbian character and wife of Hazel Gonzalez. A Reddit review also notes the presence of 'same sex parent' family structures, indicating inclusivity without necessarily highlighting it as exceptional within the narrative.
Violence
MediumThe show contains moderate fantasy violence, typical for an action-adventure series aimed at children. This includes dragon battles, perilous situations, and threatening antagonists, though generally without graphic gore.
Scenes feature dragons being injured during conflicts, such as in Season 8, Episode 1, "How to Train Jörmungandr," where dragons are "smacked to the ground" and injured by a dragon's toxic breath. The antagonist Buzzsaw wields a tomahawk and is shown attacking Thunder, even threatening to cut off the dragon's head.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe show includes elements related to fortune-telling and crystal beliefs, mainly associated with the character Jun Wong, who uses tarot cards and believes in the power of crystals.
Jun Wong uses tarot cards, claiming they can show the future and stating that Tom's actions were 'fated' and 'written in the stars.' Additionally, Jun believes in crystals having powers, convincing Tom to use a piece of hematite to 'absorb negative energy' before a battle.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe series features several intense and potentially frightening moments, particularly involving large, dangerous dragons and high-stakes rescue missions. These situations can create suspense and peril.
The dragon riders face dangerous encounters with formidable creatures like the snake-like dragon Jörmungandr, which injures dragons with its toxic breath and pins one down. Another instance involves the antagonist Buzzsaw setting traps and capturing dragons, creating a frightening scenario for the captured creatures and the main characters attempting a rescue.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumA recurring theme involves the main characters, particularly Tom Kullersen, exhibiting rebellious behavior and sometimes acting recklessly, often defying parental instructions. This behavior is sometimes portrayed with negative consequences.
Tom Kullersen often acts "bafflingly dangerously and recklessly" to advance the plot, such as when he decides to steal a large crane and lower himself into a ravine despite the risks, with his friends supporting the plan without significant concerns. Tom is also noted to frequently go against his mother Olivia's instructions, leading him into dangerous situations.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic content is present but kept mild, appropriate for the target audience. It primarily focuses on the developing relationship between two main characters, with gestures of affection rather than explicit sexual themes.
In Season 7, main characters Tom Kullersen and Jun Wong become boyfriend and girlfriend. Their romantic interactions are depicted through gestures such as Tom wrapping an arm around Jun and both exchanging kisses on the cheek, as described in fan communities discussing their relationship.
Profanity
LowThe series is largely free of strong profanity. However, some sources note occasional immature references or mild language.
One review mentions a few immature references, such as Eugene complaining he needs to urinate and other characters telling him to 'hold it,' and a joke about throwing 'bomb loogies.' No instances of strong curse words were identified in family-oriented reviews.
Substance Use
LowThere is no significant depiction or discussion of alcohol, drug use, or smoking by the characters within the series. Mentions of related topics are absent in content reviews.
No specific scenes or dialogue depicting characters consuming alcoholic beverages, using illegal drugs, or smoking were found in detailed content reviews or plot summaries of the series. The show maintains a clean approach regarding substance use. One instance of characters getting 'high off poison gas' is mentioned in a critical review, but this is presented as an accidental effect rather than intentional substance abuse.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowNo explicit anti-Christian themes or direct mockery of Christian beliefs were found within the content analysis of "Dragons: The Nine Realms." The series incorporates fantasy elements and some references to other mythologies, but these are not framed as antagonistic to Christianity.
The series' name, "The Nine Realms," is derived from Norse cosmological concepts involving different worlds and beings, which is presented as a fantasy setting rather than a religious statement. While Jun Wong discusses 'Zodiac signs and ancient Chinese mythology' and the show incorporates a 'humanistic, scientific worldview,' these elements are not presented in opposition to Christian faith.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 7+ due to fantasy violence, some intense peril, and LGBTQ+ representation. While generally lighthearted, certain elements like dragon battles, threats from antagonists, and themes of disrespect may be too intense for very young children. The inclusion of a main character with same-sex parents also makes it more suitable for slightly older children who may be introduced to diverse family structures.
Additional Notes
Parents should be aware that while the series promotes positive themes like teamwork and environmental protection, the portrayal of reckless behavior by protagonists might send mixed messages if not discussed with children. The ongoing conflict between the children and adults, where the children often hide the truth about dragons, also contributes to themes of secrecy. The animation quality and writing have drawn criticism from some long-time fans of the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise, which might affect viewing experience for families familiar with the original films.
Related Reviews
Is Dragons: The Nine Realms right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required