How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a live-action adaptation of the beloved 2010 DreamWorks animated film, itself inspired by Cressida Cowell’s bestselling book series. Directed, written, and produced by Dean DeBlois (who helmed the original animated trilogy), this fantasy adventure marks DreamWorks Animation’s first foray into live-action. It blends stunning CGI dragons with practical sets, recreating the vibrant world of Berk while staying faithful to the source material. Released theatrically by Universal Pictures on June 13, 2025, the film has soared to commercial success, grossing $635.7 million worldwide—making it the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2025, the top earner in the franchise, and the second-highest-grossing live-action/animated hybrid ever. With an IMDb rating of 7.8/10 and generally positive reviews praising its emotional depth, nostalgic charm, and breathtaking visuals, it’s hailed as one of the better live-action remakes—though some critics note it doesn’t innovate much beyond the original. As of October 16, 2025, it’s available on digital platforms and physical media, with streaming options rolling out soon.
Full Story
Set on the rugged Viking isle of Berk, where generations of warriors have battled massive dragons raiding their livestock and homes, the story follows young, inventive underdog Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Mason Thames). As the scrawny son of the fierce chieftain Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), Hiccup dreams of proving himself not through brute strength, but clever inventions like his bola-firing catapult. But when a dragon attack forces him to participate in the village’s dragon-training academy, Hiccup stumbles upon a wounded black dragon in the woods—one that’s unlike any other: the rare, elusive Night Fury, which he dubs Toothless.
Instead of slaying the beast as expected, Hiccup befriends Toothless, discovering the dragon’s intelligence, loyalty, and playful spirit. Through trial-and-error (and Hiccup’s saddle designs), they form an unbreakable bond, teaching each other to “fly” in exhilarating aerial sequences. Hiccup keeps his secret while excelling in training under the watchful eye of the tough instructor Gobber (Nick Frost), impressing his crush Astrid (Nico Parker) and outshining his rivals like the boastful Snotlout (Julian Dennison).
As tensions escalate with dragon raids led by the colossal Red Death—a hive-mind behemoth forcing lesser dragons to serve it—Hiccup’s hidden alliance with Toothless becomes Berk’s only hope. He must convince his skeptical father and the village that peace, not war, is the path forward, leading to epic battles, heartfelt revelations about loss and belonging, and a climactic showdown that unites Vikings and dragons.
The 130-minute runtime expands slightly on the animated version with deeper family dynamics and subtle lore nods to the books, but retains the core themes of empathy, courage, and defying expectations. Iconic moments—like Hiccup’s first flight with Toothless or the “test drive” training montage—are recreated shot-for-shot, enhanced by IMAX-friendly visuals. The ending sets up potential sequels, echoing the original’s hopeful close while teasing the Dragon Riders’ future. No post-credits scene, but DeBlois has confirmed a live-action How to Train Your Dragon 2 is in development for June 11, 2027.
John Powell returns to score the film, blending his original whimsical themes with live orchestral swells for added grandeur. The dragons’ CGI, especially Toothless’s expressive eyes and fluid movements, has been lauded as a technical marvel—upgrading the animation to feel “real yet magical.”
Full Cast and Crew
The cast delivers grounded, heartfelt performances that honor the voice originals while adding live-action nuance. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick, bringing booming charisma and paternal warmth.
Main Cast:
- Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III: The awkward teen genius who redefines heroism. (Breakout from The Black Phone.)
- Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson: The fierce, athletic warrior girl who becomes Hiccup’s ally and love interest. (Daughter of Thandiwe Newton and Ol Parker; seen in The Last of Us.)
- Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast: Hiccup’s proud, battle-hardened father and Berk’s chieftain. (Reprising from the animated films.)
- Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch: The one-legged, one-handed blacksmith and dragon trainer with comic timing. (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead.)
- Julian Dennison as Snotlout Jorgenson: The cocky rival Viking teen. (Deadpool 2.)
- Gabriel Howell as Fishlegs Ingerman: The dragon-knowledgeable nerd. (Bodies.)
- Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston: One half of the mischievous twins. (Wicked.)
- Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston: Ruffnut’s bumbling brother. (Smothered.)
- Ruth Codd as Phlegma the Deadly Nadder (a dragon character with some dialogue in lore expansions).
- Peter Serafinowicz as a Viking elder (voice and motion-capture for a dragon antagonist tease).
- Murray McArthur as a supporting Viking warrior. (Game of Thrones.)
Voice Cast for Dragons/Supporting:
- Toothless (grunts and expressions via CGI, with Jay Baruchel consulted for authenticity).
- Additional voices by franchise alums for Easter eggs.
Crew:
- Director/Writer/Producer: Dean DeBlois (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy).
- Producers: Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land), Adam Siegel (Drive).
- Cinematographer: Bill Pope (The Matrix).
- Composer: John Powell (original trilogy score).
- Based on: Cressida Cowell’s book series.
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, Marc Platt Productions.
- Filming Locations: Belfast, Northern Ireland (primary), with Vancouver greenscreens for dragon flights.
Reviews and Reception
Critics and audiences agree this remake soars on nostalgia and spectacle:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 82% Certified Fresh (critics), 89% audience score. Praised for “heartfelt storytelling that pulls at the heartstrings” and “stunning visuals that make dragons feel alive.”
- RogerEbert.com: 2/4 stars—”Doesn’t improve on the original but avoids soullessness.”
- Fan Consensus: “Excellent adaptation with upgraded CGI and emotional beats intact—perfect family viewing.” Some quibble with “minor casting tweaks” (e.g., Astrid’s look) and lack of bold changes, but it’s a crowd-pleaser for introducing new generations to Berk.
Trailers Clips
- First Teaser (Nov 19, 2024): 1:30 min overview of Hiccup’s world, ending with his first Toothless encounter. Watch on YouTube.
- Full Trailer (Feb 12, 2025): 2:45 min with action, bonding scenes, and Stoick’s narration. Highlights dragon flights and the Red Death tease. Watch on YouTube.
- Super Bowl Spot (Feb 2025): 30-sec adrenaline rush focusing on battles. Watch on YouTube.
- IMAX Trailer (May 6, 2025): Extended flight sequence. Available in theaters.
Where to Watch Now (as of October 16, 2025)
- Digital Rental/Purchase: Available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, and Fandango at Home since July 15, 2025 ($19.99 to buy, $5.99 to rent).
- Physical Media: 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD released August 12, 2025—includes behind-the-scenes on dragon VFX and DeBlois commentary.
- Streaming: Premieres on Peacock October 10, 2025 (first 4 months exclusive), then moves to Prime Video for 10 months before returning to Peacock. (Part of Universal’s deal with Amazon.)
- Theaters: Still in select IMAX screenings for immersive flights—check Fandango for showtimes.
If you’re a fan of the animated classics or epic family adventures like The Jungle Book remake, this one’s a must-watch. It captures the magic of unlikely friendships and soaring dreams—now with real-world grit. What did you think of the original, or are you diving in fresh?
