How To Train Your Dragon (2025)
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Directed By: Dean DeBlois
Written By: Dean DeBlois
Starring: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn
Rating: PG for sequences of intense action and peril
Runtime: 125 minutes
Before attending the screening of this new live-action adaptation, I deliberately refrained from rewatching the 2010 original, which I haven’t seen since around the release of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. My goal was to evaluate how much of this new film felt fresh and unique, granting it every opportunity to stand alone as a cinematic experience.
The outcome is a mix of feelings after experiencing Dean DeBlois’ second attempt at How To Train Your Dragon. On one side, the narrative retains its sweetness, fun, and strong themes, offering newcomers—who likely make up a significant portion of the audience—plenty to admire and connect with emotionally. Conversely, despite my searches for distinguishing elements that make this live-action version essential compared to the animated original, I found myself unsatisfied.
If you’re aware of the animated feature, you’ll recognize the storyline as it remains unchanged—adapted from Cressida Cowell’s book series. Set in the Viking village of Berk, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Mason Thames) is a clumsy yet intelligent son of chieftain Stoick The Vast (Gerard Butler), yearning to become a dragon slayer, despite his lack of physical prowess and combat instincts. However, everything shifts one fateful night when Berk is attacked, and Hiccup cleverly uses one of his inventions to bring down a mysterious dragon known as Night Fury… though no one witnesses his feat.
In preparation for an impending mission, Stoic recruits Hiccup for dragon-slaying training, where he finds himself in a class alongside his crush, the bold Astrid (Nico Parker), the nerdy Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), the eager Snotlout (Gabriel Howell), and the twins Ruffnut (Bronwyn James) and Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn). While Hiccup learns dragon-fighting techniques under the guidance of blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost), he also takes the opportunity to observe and understand the Night Fury he injured. Forming a bond with the dragon he names Toothless, Hiccup realizes that these creatures need not be enemies of mankind, yet persuading others of this truth amidst fear and hatred rooted in past destruction is a monumental challenge.
Everything you adore about How To Train Your Dragon’s narrative is undoubtedly still present.
In isolation, there’s much to appreciate about How To Train Your Dragon. I wish I’d penned the CinemaBlend review of the 2015 film, as I could have simply copied my feelings (just a jest). The themes of coming-of-age and Hiccup’s journey of self-discovery remain compelling. Its message about dismantling generational misconceptions about others is heartbreakingly more relevant today than it was fifteen years ago, and the interactions between characters continue to resonate beautifully. While many supporting characters may feel one-dimensional, the contrasts between Hiccup and Stoic mirror the experiences of children and parents alike, and every pet owner can relate to the delightful bond between Hiccup and Toothless.
The film translates the animated style surprisingly well, particularly with the dragons as a highlight.
This visual consistency carries over into the movie, as the transition to live-action does not hinder the translation of its distinctive style, bringing cartoonish aspects vividly to life—from Stoic’s exceptionally burly appearance (a role tailor-made for Gerard Butler) to Gobber’s interchangeable left hand. One might conjecture that creature design would pose greater difficulty, yet a similar approach is employed.
The dragon species familiar to fans are beautifully realized by the visual effects teams behind How To Train Your Dragon—their iconic traits are all effectively translated, enhanced by realistic textures and weight. Furthermore, the blend of live-action characters and CGI dragons appears seamless, a testament to the talent of the VFX team, combined with skillful direction and strong performances. The film’s success hinges on the authenticity of the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless, and the remake commendably achieves this connection.
The live-action format does not enhance the How To Train Your Dragon narrative.
However, does the 2025 version of How To Train Your Dragon deliver anything beyond what the 2015 iteration provided? Perhaps the audience experiences a heightened thrill in scenes showcasing Hiccup soaring through treacherous landscapes on his bold pet, where realistic settings amplify the stakes. Still, this barely addresses the pressing question: “What was the rationale for remaking this film?” While enjoyable and well-crafted, this omission leaves a lasting void.
I envision a near future in which both films are positioned side by side on a streaming platform, provoking viewers’ indecision over which to choose. Both offer the same level of enjoyment, reducing the choice to a mere flip of a coin—raising the question of why either option exists at all. For all that’s commendable, there’s a palpable emptiness.
