Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thrilling adventure sends brains-over-brawn message.
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How to Train Your Dragon
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 176 parent reviews
Based on 220 kid reviews
Kids say this animated film is a captivating adventure with a strong emphasis on character development, particularly the journey of a young Viking who learns to embrace rather than slay dragons. Despite some critiques mentioning its violence and occasional moments of sadness, many family viewers find it entertaining with positive messages about acceptance, bravery, and the importance of friendship, making it a cherished classic.
- great messages
- family friendly
- character development
- positive role models
- entertaining adventure
- might scare younger kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, on the Viking island of Berk, everyone has scary names and is taught how to kill invading dragons, except for a young teen named Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel). He's a lanky young blacksmith's apprentice with little dragon-slaying potential—a fact that chagrins his father, the clan chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler). When he's stuck with other new recruits for dragon training—the arrogant Snotlout (Jonah Hill), bickering twins Ruffnut (T.J. Miller) and Tuffnut (Kristen Wiig), timid Fishlegs (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), and the brave Astrid (America Ferrera)—it's entirely clear that Hiccup is the "weakest" of the bunch. But during a nighttime dragon attack, Hiccup manages to capture the most mysterious dragon of all, the Night Fury. Still, he can't bring himself to kill it. Instead, Hiccup gets to know his new pet dragon, whom he names Toothless, and uses his knowledge to quietly calm all of the dragons the recruits must face. When Hiccup's secret is revealed, will his father and the other Vikings thank him for discovering that the dragons aren't all cruel killers or brand him a dragon-loving traitor?
Is It Any Good?
Based on author Cressida Cowell's book, this memorable story has both high-flying dragon action and emotional moments. How to Train Your Dragon isn't just about an overlooked kid hoping to show up his peers and win the attentions of a pretty girl—it's about the pressure of living up to your father's expectations, identity, war and peace, growing up, and other serious themes that are seamlessly woven into a funny, gripping adventure. Ferrera is pitch-perfect, with her confident voice making Astrid entirely believable as the young recruits' leader and best fighter. And the film also has a positive message about how characters with limb differences are vital members of their communities, deserving of the spotlight.
On a technical level, How to Train Your Dragon is spectacular, particularly when fire-breathing dragons fly around a colorful island. Viking characters show incredible detail, even though they're inexplicably more Scottish than Scandinavian—perhaps because Butler and co-star Craig Ferguson, as the dragon-training teacher, lean into their rolling accents. And there are so many different kinds of dragons, all with their own quirks and strengths. It's no wonder that the vibrant film has spawned a full franchise, complete with TV spin-offs, movie sequels, and a live-action remake.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes Hiccup a misfit in How to Train Your Dragon. How does having Stoick the Vast for a father make him feel about himself? How is the relationship between Hiccup and his dad portrayed? What changes in their relationship throughout the movie?
Do you consider Astrid role model? Why, or why not? Does she fall into gender stereotypes?
Every hero on a journey has some help. Who helps Hiccup? Does he have any mentors or teachers? What about his friends?
How do the characters in How to Train Your Dragon demonstrate integrity, compassion, and perseverance? What about courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 26, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : October 15, 2010
- Cast : Jay Baruchel , America Ferrera , Gerard Butler , Craig Ferguson
- Directors : Chris Sanders , Dean DeBlois
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of intense action and some scary images, and brief mild language
- Awards : Academy Award - Animated Feature Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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