DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon (2025) brings the beloved animated classic to life in a bold, emotional, and visually rich live-action remake. Does it soar as high as the original? Here’s our full review with the BMR rating!
🎬 Title: How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
🎞️ Genre: Fantasy | Adventure | Family
⏱️ Runtime: 125 minutes
📅 Release Date: June 13, 2025
🎟️ Box Office: $263 million (and climbing)
🎥 Director: Dean DeBlois
⭐ Cast: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Peter Serafinowicz, Nick Frost, Gerard Butler
🎵 Music: John Powell
💰 Budget: $150 million
📽️ Production: DreamWorks Animation, Marc Platt Productions
🌍 Language: English
📍 Country: United States
🐲 Introduction
In an era of countless reboots, few live-action remakes feel as necessary or anticipated as How to Train Your Dragon (2025). Based on the cherished 2010 animated film (which itself was inspired by Cressida Cowell’s 2003 novel), this adaptation brings Berk, dragons, and the iconic friendship of Hiccup and Toothless to life with live-action grandeur. But does the remake capture the soul and fire of the original? Let’s find out.
🧭 Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Set in the mythical Viking island of Berk, the story follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Mason Thames), a misfit teenager and the son of the fearsome chief Stoick the Vast (played once again by Gerard Butler). Berk is plagued by dragon attacks, and every young Viking must eventually fight them to prove their worth.
Hiccup, however, has a different approach—when he injures a rare Night Fury dragon, he discovers that dragons may not be the enemy. He secretly befriends the dragon, naming him Toothless, and the two form a bond that challenges everything Berk believes about these creatures.
As tension escalates between humans and dragons, Hiccup must choose between tradition and a new path of peace that could change everything.
🌟 Performances
- Mason Thames brings a fresh yet vulnerable take to Hiccup. He nails the character’s internal conflict—torn between his father’s expectations and his own beliefs.
- Nico Parker, as Astrid, delivers a commanding performance. While the chemistry with Hiccup starts off slow, it grows naturally.
- Gerard Butler, returning as Stoick, feels like a warm callback to the original trilogy. His gruff demeanor and emotional depth are both intact.
- Julian Dennison adds comic relief as Fishlegs, while Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn as Ruffnut and Tuffnut bring high-energy antics.
🎨 Visuals & Direction
Dean DeBlois, the original visionary behind the animated trilogy, once again shows his command over the franchise’s tone. The live-action Berk is beautifully realized, blending rugged landscapes with elaborate Viking architecture.
The dragons, created through a mix of practical effects and CGI, are truly the highlight. Toothless, in particular, is expressive and lovable—he doesn’t lose his animated charm, even in photorealism.
Cinematographer Bill Pope (known for The Matrix, Spider-Man 2) brings an epic scale to flight scenes, with sweeping aerial shots and immersive battle sequences.
🎵 Music & Sound
Composer John Powell returns and delivers another heart-pounding and emotionally stirring score. While the iconic themes from the original are reused, they’re re-orchestrated to match the grandiosity of live action. The “Test Drive” sequence, especially, is spine-tingling.
🧠 Themes & Impact
The film stays true to its core themes: understanding, empathy, coming-of-age, and defying tradition. What sets this adaptation apart is how grounded it feels—this is not just a fantasy film, but a deeply human story told through fantasy.
It subtly reflects real-world issues—fear of the unknown, generational conflict, and the strength of peaceful rebellion.
🪙 What Worked
✔️ Faithful to the original story with fresh layers
✔️ Toothless remains the heart of the franchise
✔️ Epic action scenes and dragon flights
✔️ Powerful performances, especially from Mason Thames and Gerard Butler
✔️ Emotionally resonant, especially in the final act
❌ What Didn’t Work
❌ Some fans may feel déjà vu—there’s not much new in terms of plot
❌ The pacing slightly drags in the second act
❌ Chemistry between Hiccup and Astrid could’ve used more screen time
🏁 Final Verdict
How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a soaring success—a rare live-action remake that respects its source material while enriching it with stunning visuals and grounded performances. While it plays it safe narratively, its emotional core remains powerful. Longtime fans will feel at home, while newcomers will be drawn into a timeless tale of friendship and bravery.
🌟 BMR Rating: 8.6/10
A visually majestic, emotionally satisfying adaptation that breathes new life into the saga of dragons and Vikings. Worth watching on the biggest screen possible! 🐉🔥
📢 Best for:
Fans of the original trilogy, families, fantasy lovers, and anyone who believes in second chances.