Live action film remakes have been a relentless trend over the last decade. Few have had soaring reviews while others got no air time. Now DreamWorks is having a go at it. Don’t let live action remake film fatigue guide your decision in seeing this one. This How to Train Your Dragon movie puts life back into the animated to actor genre. This film is an exciting addition to the summer 2025 movie line up. The sweeping scenery and puffy cloud skies kindly ask to be seen in IMAX. It’s also the perfect synergy move as the world’s only theme park land dedicated to this series just opened in Orlando, Florida.
Disclosure: I was invited to a screening | How to Train Your Dragon Live Action Review
Night Fury dragon Toothless and Hiccup, played by Mason Thames, in Universal Pictures’ live action How to Train Your Dragon film. Written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Image: Universal Pictures
How to Train Your Dragon Live Action Review: An Action Packed Family Movie
It’s refreshing to have Viking and dragon stories that are suitable for all ages to enjoy together. While there are some intense scenes and more mature themes, How to Train Your Dragon (HTTYD) still feels like an adventure that the masses can enjoy. I wasn’t sure how the fight scenes of these Scandinavian seafarers would translate from a forgiving animated world to a palpable live action one. I can report it’s tastefully done and even the squeamish will only have to focus on their popcorn minimally.
How to Train Your Dragon 2025 is not only good, it’s worth seeing in theaters this summer. You do not have to see the How to Train Your Dragon 2010 animated DreamWorks film before you do either.
For those who are friendly with the original How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, you’ll find the 2025 rendition a faithful adaptation and enjoy seeing favorite scenes play out beat for beat in a realistic way.
If you’re new to these movies, be warned that you may leave feeling like you would do anything for one specific dragon. Toothless quickly finds a place in the heart of any dog or cat lover. His mannerisms make him one of the most lovable film characters of all time.
HTTYD Live Action Film Critique
I think most will find this a near perfect film for what it is. The only things I wish were different are personal. I would have liked a little more relaxed time to settle into Berk. This HTTYD is 27 minutes longer than the animated predecessor. Still, some pivotal story and character building moments felt too fast paced. A little space between lines to let them land would have been more impactful. This pacing could have been intentional to keep the tone suitable for the younger intended audience.
Image: Universal Pictures
Memorable Performances in HTTYD 2025
- Mason Thames, who plays main character Hiccup, gives a performance that evolves mid film.
- Nico Parker brings strength to brave warrior Astrid. It’s very energizing to root for a strong and heroic female lead written to adapt and rise.
- The actor who voiced Hiccup’s father in the animated series, Gerard Butler, returns to play him in the live action film. This kind of continuity in casting gives weight to the franchise. Those of us who remember his performance in P.S. I Love You get a little gift seeing him in this film setting in Northern Ireland.
- The standout performance for me was from Gabriel Howell who plays Snotlout. His comedic timing was spot on. Snotlout also felt like a character who took his time and had nuances perfect for film in often chaotic scenes and sometimes rushed reactions.
Clever hiding Hiccup, Mason Thames, and fierce warrior Astrid, Nico Parker, in the live action Universal Pictures How to Train Your Dragon film. Image: Universal Pictures
How to Train Your Dragon Review: Live Action FAQs
When does How to Train Your Dragon come out in theaters?
The live action How to Train Your Dragon film is in theaters on June 13, 2025.
How long is the live action How to Train Your Dragon film?
It has a run time of 2 hours and 5 minutes.
What is How to Train Your Dragon about?
In short, the world of How to Train Your Dragon takes us to a Viking village where dragons have been the enemy as far back as they can remember. I’m new to the original animated trilogy and find it a well done, heart warming story. The world they built is interesting to look at and it has great themes of bravery and leadership.
How to Train Your Dragon is a coming of age, fantasy adventure tale with a special Viking and dragon friendship and impressive character development.
I joke around and say: How to Train Your Dragon is an animated film series based on healing generational trauma. In this essay I will…
I kid but it is kind of true. The latent theme of the How to Train Your Dragon films is a new generation rebuilds the world to fit their more peaceful vision. Do we need to be at war with these beasts or can we peacefully cohabitate?
Who did the music for How to Train Your Dragon?
For me, the most enjoyable part of How to Train Your Dragon is the music.
This film will likely be an entry point into these stories for many people. Get ready to be swept away by the incredible score John Powell paints with musical notes.
At times, the How to Train Your Dragon music feels like Aaron Copland’s west finds itself in a Celtic, Norse crossover band with an orchestra.
The same themes are used in the live action and animated movies. The How to Train Your Dragon songs create perfect backdrops of youthful curiosity, Viking strength and reverence, vulnerability, loyalty and more. The song Test Drive will stick with you.
Will How to Train Your Dragon 2 and 3 also be made into live action movies?
While the How to Train Your Dragon film is in theaters this summer, the sequel is in pre-production.
Is How to Train Your Dragon based on a book?
Yes, the world of How to Train Your Dragon is based on the series by British writer Cressida Cowell.
How to Train Your Dragon Land at Universal Epic Universe
With Universal Orlando Resort’s new Epic Universe theme park open, visitors can head to the Isle of Berk in real life. You’ll love this imaginative viking village with Berk and dragon lore, detailed design, a high flying show and several fun attractions. It’s one of the most impressive theme park lands you’ll find. It also has some of the best snacks at Epic Universe. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a themed, family coaster and became one of the top rides in Orlando upon opening. Also, you can meet Toothless.
Your Comments on the 2025 HTTYD Movie
I would love to know your thoughts! Tell me in a comment below.
- Do you have plans to test drive this film in theaters?
- Do you love the original DreamWorks animated films?
- Does the score also play in your head at random?
- Are your kids way into How to Train Your Dragon?
- Something else related to HTTYD?