The live-action How to Train Your Dragon hit theaters on June 13, 2025, and let me tell you, it’s like reuniting with an old friend who got a fancy makeover. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who gave us the 2010 animated gem, this remake brings Hiccup, Toothless, and the Viking world of Berk to life with real actors and jaw-dropping CGI. It’s got heart, stunning visuals, and that iconic John Powell score, but does it add enough new spark to justify dusting off the original? Let’s break it down.
Same Story, New Skin
If you’ve seen the animated version, you know the drill: Hiccup (Mason Thames), a scrawny teen who’s more brains than brawn, lives on Berk, where Vikings and dragons are sworn enemies. When he befriends a wounded Night Fury he names Toothless, Hiccup flips the script on his village’s traditions. With his tough dad, Stoick (Gerard Butler), and the fierce Astrid (Nico Parker) in the mix, he sets out to prove peace is possible, even when a bigger threat looms.
This remake sticks super close to the original—sometimes too close. DeBlois, who also wrote the script, recreates scenes so faithfully it’s almost like watching a cover band nail your favorite song. It’s comforting, sure, but it can feel like a retread. The story’s still a winner, with themes of empathy and standing up to prejudice that hit even harder today. But at 125 minutes, it drags a bit compared to the animated film’s snappy 98, with extra chit-chat and training scenes that don’t always add much.
Dragons That Steal the Show
Let’s talk about the real stars: the dragons. Toothless is an absolute showstopper, with every scale and puppy-dog glance rendered so realistically you’ll want to pet him. The CGI team nailed blending these creatures with the live-action world, making Hiccup and Toothless’ bond feel as real as it gets. The flying scenes—especially that “Test Drive” sequence where they zip through cliffs—are pure magic, giving you that stomach-dropping thrill of soaring on dragonback.
John Powell’s score is back, and it’s like a warm hug from the past. That “Test Drive” theme still gives goosebumps. But not every visual lands perfectly. Some early scenes, like a dragon raid at night, look murky, missing the bright, bold vibe of the animated original (which had Roger Deakins’ touch, after all).
A Cast That’s Mostly Fire
The actors bring their A-game, though some shine brighter than others. Mason Thames is a solid Hiccup—awkward and likable—but he doesn’t quite capture the quirky charm Jay Baruchel gave the role. Nico Parker, though, is a standout as Astrid, mixing toughness with just enough heart to make her feel fresh. Gerard Butler, playing Stoick again, clearly had a blast, bringing gruff warmth to every scene.
The supporting crew—Nick Frost as Gobber, Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn as the nutty twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, and Gabriel Howell as Snotlout—keep things lively. A few new bits, like a bigger role for Gothi (Naomi Wirthner) or a side story for Snotlout’s dad (Peter Serafinowicz), add some flavor, but a few performances feel stiff, like they’re trying too hard to mimic the cartoons.
Heart’s There, But Where’s the Wow?
This movie’s got soul. Hiccup and Toothless’ friendship is as heart-tugging as ever—Toothless’ goofy grin and flappy ears are impossible to resist. The message about understanding “the enemy” and finding your place feels timeless, maybe even more relevant now. Kids and parents will eat it up, though the live-action battles (think fiery dragon fights and a scary fall) might be a bit intense for the under-9 crowd, earning its PG rating.
Still, the film plays it way too safe. Unlike some remakes that reinvent the wheel (looking at you, Pete’s Dragon), this one feels like a love letter that didn’t need to be mailed. The animated version is still out there, streaming away, and it’s hard to shake the feeling this is more about cashing in than breaking new ground. Fans on X are split—some call it “a tearjerker for longtime fans,” while others grumble it’s “a copy-paste job with better graphics.”
Worth the Ride?
How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a gorgeous, heartfelt trip back to Berk that nails the big moments—like those epic flights—and keeps the spirit of the original alive. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for families or diehard fans who want to see Toothless in hyper-real detail. But if you’re hoping for something bold or new, you might leave wishing it took a few more risks.
With a sequel already set for June 2027, DreamWorks is clearly hoping to kick off a new trilogy. For now, this is a fun, familiar flight that doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original but still makes you smile. Grab some popcorn, enjoy the ride, and maybe rewatch the animated one after to compare.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars