How to Train Your Dragon (2025) Movie Review

The Review Geek

2 days ago

The perfect adaptation
Live-action films of animations have never been a sure-fire success; in fact, it's easier to remember more bad adaptations than good ones. Unfortunately, things haven't changed much nowadays, as the general reaction to Disney's remakes will show you. But How to Train Your Dragon comes as a beacon of hope. Fans will be glad to know it's the best adaptation of any animated film until now.
How to Train Your Dragon is a beautiful coming-of-age story following Hiccup as he tries to find his place in his village and connect with his father, Stoick, the village chief. Unlike the other Vikings, he's meek, skinny, and only seems to bring trouble wherever he goes. That is, until the day that'll change his whole life: when he catches a Night Fury, the scariest beast of all. The only problem is that no one believes him, and he actually wrecks the place while doing that.
The live-action is an almost perfect adaptation, bringing the incredible scenery, John Powell's breathtaking soundtrack, and charismatic characters to life. You can feel the amount of respect the entire team has for the original in every corner. Even the dialogues are close to a one-to-one recreation. Many people wish they could watch their favourite movies for the first time again. The fans got exactly that here.
As with the animation, Hiccup's friendship with Toothless, the Night Fury, is the highlight of the film. Every time they meet and get closer, you can feel in your bones how much they care for one another. When Hiccup finally earns the dragon's trust and pats its head — the movie's most iconic scene — it's hard not to shed some tears. Both of them are each other's first real friends, and it shows. They can only be their true and best selves together until they grow and show the whole village who they are.
Hiccup's relationship with his father is another key aspect of the film. How could he, the chief's son, not be the best and baddest Viking there? But instead of building legends like his father, he was overlooked by everyone. That's why his friendship with Toothless is even more beautiful; killing him would solve all his problems, but he saw something else in the creature. So, the dragon did the same and was the first to see something unique in the boy.
Stoick isn't a bad person, and he tries to connect with his son. But it's as if the bond they need for that connection is missing. Even if it's hard in the beginning, Toothless is also the one who makes that happen.
Although it follows those story beats perfectly, the remake has a few changes. And, happily, all of them add something new to the plot. Snotlout receives more screen time, focusing on his damaged relationship with his father. Much like Hiccup, he can't fill his shoes and only disappoints the man. That gives a new layer to the character and even makes him more likable.
But the best addition is Astrid's rant to Hiccup. In the animation, she's great, but also the stereotypical tough girl who ends up helping the boy. Here, we learn a bit more about her life and her ambitions. And also why the boy annoys her so much. When he answers, we see how his emotions start to sway her, even if a little. Instead of a sudden change of heart, her help here feels more believable and emotional.
Of course, the scene would be as great as it is if it weren't for Nico Parker's amazing skills. She delivers her lines and feelings flawlessly. Not every member of the cast gets a similar chance to shine, but they are still near perfect. All of them seem like they were born to play their characters, mainly Parker, Mason Thames (Hiccup), and Gerard Butler (Stoick).
The CGI also doesn't disappoint, as the dragons look amazing. They're all just like you imagine them when watching the cartoon; it's fantastical. If there's one small disadvantage, it's that Toothless sometimes feels less expressive than in the original. Still, it's hardly a problem, and he's the most beautiful of all the creatures.
Although it's the best live-action remake we have, it's still a pity it doesn't try to do more. As it's nearly the same as the first one, it can feel like it doesn't justify its existence. Seeing how much the production team loves the original and how successful their small changes are, it would have been great to see them being riskier. Their additions could still be respectful and make the movie feel even fresher. But, if How to Train Your Dragon's sin is living up to the original, maybe that's a small price to pay.
Read More: How To Train Your Dragon (2025) Ending Explained