4.8 / 5.0

Written by: Mike Laxton (June 9, 2025)

For those who love the original animated film, this live-action retelling of How To Train Your Dragon does not disappoint — it elevates the story with breathtaking realism, emotional depth, and cinematic beauty. From the stunning visuals of Berk to the lifelike dragons (especially Toothless), the film evokes a level of empathy that’s rarely felt, even in animation. In a world full of live-action remakes, this one soars — and for our family, it’s even better than the original.

From the very first sweeping shot of the Isle of Berk, it’s clear we’re in for something special. Filming locations like Northern Ireland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands provide a rugged and awe-inspiring backdrop that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Combine that with the return of John Powell’s masterful score — perfectly placed orchestrations that swell and fade at just the right moments — and the stage is set for an immersive experience unlike any other.

Dean DeBlois, who co-directed the original animated trilogy, returns to helm this live-action version with the unique advantage of having been both writer and visionary from the beginning. That deep connection to the source material is evident in every frame. The heart of the story remains intact — a young Viking named Hiccup (played earnestly by Mason Thames) is expected to slay dragons but instead finds himself befriending the most feared one of all: the elusive Night Fury.

Toothless, brought to life through incredibly expressive CGI, is no longer just an animated creature — he feels real. His relationship with Hiccup, built on mutual trust and understanding, is even more moving in this format. One standout moment is when Hiccup first feeds Toothless, and the dragon responds by offering him a fish head in return — a humorous but deeply meaningful gesture of kinship. Scenes like this embody the film’s central themes of peace over violence, empathy over fear, and seeing past the surface to what lies within.

These themes offer rich opportunities for Christian parallels. Hiccup’s refusal to kill the dragon he was raised to fear speaks volumes about choosing mercy over vengeance. His choice mirrors Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” There’s also the powerful imagery of redemption and transformation — Hiccup’s bond with Toothless changes not just their lives, but the worldview of an entire village. What once was feared becomes embraced. What was once divided becomes unified. That’s Gospel living, whether the filmmakers intended it or not.

Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father, and brings gravitas to the character’s arc — one that journeys from misunderstanding to acceptance. His rescue of Toothless late in the film is a standout moment of sacrificial love, showing how grace and humility can transform even the most hardened hearts. Nico Parker plays Astrid with strength and warmth, and her scene riding Toothless for the first time is reminiscent of Superman taking Lois Lane into the sky — a moment filled with wonder, trust, and pure exhilaration.

Julian Dennison as Fishlegs brings just the right amount of nerdy charm and comic relief, especially with his D&D-style references and “dragon stats” — a delightful nod for fantasy fans. And fans of Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe park will appreciate the perfect timing of this release, as they can now step into Berk themselves after watching the film on the big screen.

While the overall plot remains largely faithful to the original, this version feels fresh — not just because of its visuals, but because of the emotional weight carried by its human cast and the added realism of the dragons. One particularly intense moment comes during the final battle with the Red Death Dragon. It’s visually stunning and could be a bit intense for younger viewers, but it drives home the idea that fear can only be conquered through unity and love — not brute force.

There’s even a small end-credits teaser that hints at what’s to come in the already-announced sequel, slated for June 2027. We’re thrilled to hear Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Dean DeBlois are all set to return.

In the end, this live-action remake doesn’t just retell the story — it redefines it for a new generation. It reminds us that kindness is stronger than fear, that peace is possible even in the fiercest battles, and that sometimes, the most powerful transformation begins with one simple choice to see the world differently.

As Hiccup so memorably says at the close of the film, and as we now feel more than ever:
“This… is Berk.”

Released: June 13, 2025 (Theatrical)

Running Time: 116 Minutes (DreamWorks Animation)

Rated PG (Kids & Family/Fantasy/Adventure/Action/Comedy)

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