How to Train Your Dragon
October 20, 2025
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How to Train Your Dragon (2025) – Movie Review
Introduction
The 2025 version of How to Train Your Dragon is a live-action remake of the famous 2010 animated film. Directed and written by Dean DeBlois, the movie brings the magical world of Berk and its dragons into reality through new actors, stunning visual effects, and emotional storytelling. The film opens with familiar moments from the original but adds new layers of realism and drama.
Plot Overview
The story follows sixteen-year-old Viking trainee Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, who lives in the dragon-raided village of Berk. His father, Stoick the Vast, leads the Viking warriors in their endless fight against dragons. Hiccup, small and inventive, dreams of proving himself as a real Viking.
One day, he shoots down a mysterious Night Fury dragon — the rarest of all species. When he finally finds it, he cannot bring himself to kill it. Instead, he names it Toothless and forms an unlikely friendship that will change his village forever. Together, they show that dragons are not monsters, but intelligent creatures capable of friendship and loyalty.
Cast and Production
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Mason Thames stars as Hiccup.
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Nico Parker plays Astrid.
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Gerard Butler returns as Stoick the Vast, connecting this film to the animated trilogy.
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The music is composed by John Powell, whose iconic themes return in orchestral glory.
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Filming took place in Northern Ireland and the Faroe Islands, combining practical effects with powerful CGI visuals.
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The runtime is approximately 125 minutes.
What Works
The movie’s strongest point is its emotional heart. It stays true to the themes of courage, empathy, and growing up, showing Hiccup’s journey from a weak boy into a brave leader. The friendship between Hiccup and Toothless feels genuine and deeply moving.
The visuals are breathtaking — the dragon flight scenes are full of energy, and the combination of real landscapes and digital dragons creates a believable fantasy world. The returning score enhances the film’s epic tone.
What Doesn’t Work
Although beautifully made, the remake follows the same storyline as the original film, offering little that feels new. Some critics argue that it doesn’t take enough creative risks. The pacing can also feel slower compared to the fast rhythm of animation, especially during training and battle scenes. Still, it captures the same emotional power that made the original unforgettable.
Box Office and Reception
The film has been a major box office success, earning more than 600 million dollars worldwide. Audiences and critics alike praised its emotional depth, realistic dragon effects, and the return of the beloved score. Fans of the original trilogy found comfort in its faithful adaptation, while new viewers were amazed by its cinematic world.
Conclusion
How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a heartfelt, visually stunning journey that revives one of animation’s greatest stories in live action. It may not surprise longtime fans with new twists, but it delivers powerful emotion, incredible visuals, and a reminder of why the bond between a boy and his dragon captured hearts around the world.
It’s not just a remake — it’s a flight back into a world of wonder, courage, and friendship.