A Nostalgic Soar Back to Berk
The 2025 live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, directed by Dean DeBlois himself, takes a bold swing at reimagining one of DreamWorks’ most beloved animated tales. Fifteen years after the original swept audiences off their feet, this new version is less about reinventing the wheel and more about polishing it for a new generation—albeit one that may already know every beat by heart.
With sweeping visuals, detailed CGI, and a darker, more grounded tone, the film invites both longtime fans and curious newcomers to revisit the Viking village of Berk—where humans and dragons clash, until a boy and his dragon change everything.
Familiar Tale, Realistic Texture
Live Action Adds Grit, Not Depth
If you’ve seen the 2010 original, you know this story: Hiccup, the oddball Viking teen (played here with earnest charm by Mason Thames), downs a fearsome Night Fury and ends up befriending it instead of finishing it off. He names the dragon Toothless and builds a secret friendship that changes his worldview—and eventually his entire village’s.
The plot sticks closely to the animated version with a few added character beats and slightly extended moments. Hiccup’s relationship with his father Stoick (Gerard Butler, now in full Viking form) is explored with a touch more nuance, and there are subtle nods to modern themes like empathy, war ethics, and generational conflict. However, don’t expect any major deviations or surprises.
A Visual Feast with Some Uneven Notes
The film undeniably looks gorgeous. The VFX—alongside stunning on-location cinematography from Iceland and Northern Ireland—gives this fantasy epic an earthy, lived-in feel. The dragons, particularly Toothless, are more textured and tangible, sometimes bordering on intimidating, especially in their early interactions. These visuals are arguably the strongest reason this remake exists.
However, that sense of realism also shifts the tone. Gone is the vibrant charm and colorful whimsy of the animated trilogy. In its place is a more grounded, slightly grittier aesthetic. This may appeal to grown-up fans revisiting the world, but it makes the film feel a little less accessible for its youngest audience.
Cast & Characters — A Mixed Bag
Mason Thames carries Hiccup’s awkward courage well, though some of his emotional beats feel slightly overplayed. Nico Parker’s Astrid starts strong but unfortunately gets sidelined as the story progresses—something that could’ve been avoided in a more thoughtful rewrite. Gerard Butler slips back into the Stoick role with ease, his physical performance complementing his past vocal work. Nick Frost adds welcome levity as Gobber, providing a bridge between the dramatic and comedic tones.
The Highs and Lows of Staying Faithful
For all its scale and sheen, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon plays it too safe. Dean DeBlois’s affection for the source material is obvious, and in some ways, that’s the problem—it feels more like a respectful museum exhibit than a bold cinematic evolution.
While certain moments—like Hiccup’s first flight on Toothless or their silent bonding scene in the forest—still manage to spark joy, the remake doesn’t always justify its existence. It often feels like it’s running on the memory of its animated predecessor rather than offering a new emotional take.
Final Verdict ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a visually impressive, emotionally sincere adaptation that does little wrong—but also little new. It’s a competent retelling with just enough magic to soar occasionally, but never quite enough to break free from the long shadow of its animated roots.
Fans of the franchise will appreciate the nostalgia. Younger viewers might be enchanted by the dragons. But the film’s cautious approach and slightly uneven pacing keep it from becoming a classic in its own right.
