As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.
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- rg9400July 7, 2026I can describe this movie in a single word: perfunctory. It is almost a shot-for-shot remake of the animated movie, and the director is even on record indicating that the motive to turn it live-action was due to studio pressure. The movie is rated significantly higher than I am rating it because to me this lack of creative motivation is reflected throughout the movie. Simply put, it is soulless. The beautiful animation from the original is converted into dull CGI with flat colors. The one exception is Toothless who has a more cartoony look even compared to the other dragons which is required to really allow the emotive non-verbal expressions to come across. In essence, that's what this movie does not get. It just works so much better animated. Ironically, the animation will look timeless whereas some of the CGI already looks dated, especially with the backgrounds. Even the acting is okay at best. I think the movie's strength is a solid score that really shines when it is focused on Toothless and Hiccup's interactions, specifically their flying scenes. Overall, the movie is fine. It isn't horrendous by any means. If you throw it on for kids, they'll be entertained. My point though, is that there is no single reason to put this version of the movie on instead of the animated one. It offers no benefits or changes, and the original is just significantly better, especially for a first viewing. Couple that with the corporate greed at the heart of the movie, and I don't think this movie has much artistic merit.
- JoelJune 11, 2025Listen, we all know live action remakes are completely useless and as a whole are very creatively bankrupt productions. But if you’re going to do it, this is how. You give people the same very good story they like and add in some very minor changes. I think bringing back DeBlois to direct was 100% the right move. I think this captures most of the charm and wonder of the original, the music is obviously just as amazing. I really like the new cast and their takes on the characters. CGI on the dragons was great, and a very solid looking film overall. I still think if you’re gonna do this, just re animate the films with a new art style or type of animation. But there’s really nothing bad about this remake.
- Typical NerdJune 17, 2025Outstanding Adaptation from the Animated film, no unnecessary filler or garbage added like what Disney does, it's just a 1:1 from the animated film, and it's been done really well and clearly with passion from the director and the rest of the production team behind it. This is one of the few films I think definitely deserves to have it's animated sequels given the same live action treatment as this is just amazing work. The transitions in IMAX are somewhat smoothed (slowly opening/closing) in and out for the aspect ratio, but some parts I would've thought would be in the IMAX aspect ratio weren't, but the shots that were in the IMAX aspect ratio definitely needed that to avoid cropping out toothless and huge chunks of the films detail. I really hope this gets a IMAX Home Release as that would put the cherry on top of what I think is just one of the best films I've seen in years. Review Update: The Home 4K Blu-Ray Release got the IMAX version and a bunch of extra special features, it was definitely worth the purchase and I'd highly recommend getting the IMAX version if you can.
- Lucy PaulinaMarch 26, 2026I gave it one star for sticking to the original story almost word for word. Thames, Butler, and Frost were all amazing and well cast. The rest, not so much. If you are going to literally copy an existing and already amazing movie, at least fit the cast to the original characters (like you did with the three mentioned).
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How to Train Your Dragon was released on June 13, 2025.
How to Train Your Dragon was directed by Dean DeBlois.
How to Train Your Dragon has a runtime of 2h 5m.
How to Train Your Dragon was produced by Dean DeBlois, Marc Platt, Adam Siegel.
As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.
The key characters in How to Train Your Dragon are Hiccup (Mason Thames), Astrid (Nico Parker), Stoick (Gerard Butler).
How to Train Your Dragon is rated PG.
How to Train Your Dragon is a Family, Action, Adventure film.
How to Train Your Dragon has an audience rating of 9.7 out of 10.
How to Train Your Dragon had a budget of $150M.
How to Train Your Dragon has made $636.4M at the box office.