Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense dragon battles in soaring live-action remake.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 37 parent reviews
Parents say the movie features impressive visuals and engaging action that delight younger audiences, but many adults feel let down by its formulaic story and messages that downplay intelligence in favor of brute strength. Concerns were raised about the film's suitability for young children due to its violent scenes and negative depiction of adult characters in relationships with children, leading some parents to recommend more age-appropriate viewing options.
- visual effects
- formulaic story
- not child-friendly
- age-appropriate viewing
- negative role models
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 31 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a fantastic remake that stays very true to the original, featuring impressive CGI and a compelling plot. However, some younger viewers may find the increased levels of violence and more realistic dragons frightening, and there are mixed feelings regarding the casting and a few script elements that felt overly familiar.
- remake quality
- strong visuals
- mixed reviews
- age recommendations
- nostalgia factor
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON follows a Viking named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Mason Thames), the wise but overlooked son of chieftain Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his animated role) on the isle of Berk. When Hiccup defies typical Viking behavior and befriends a Night Fury dragon rather than destroy it, the pair's bond challenges Viking society.
Is It Any Good?
A true thrill ride, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake is fire (both figuratively and literally). At first, the idea of remaking DreamWorks' 2010 kidlit-based hit might seem premature: Many fans of the original are of an age where they're trying to prove they're beyond childish things, not reaching back for memories. But this isn't a gritty, grown-up reboot. As the playful humor and costumes make clear, this film is aimed at the next generation of dragon riders. And, ultimately, once Hiccup climbs on Toothless, it doesn't really matter how old you are: You'll be cheering as the film takes exhilarating flight.
The original HTTYD was already an awesome animation experience that made viewers feel what it was like to soar the Nordic skies on dragonback. Now, with visual effects having evolved to even more magical heights, director Dean DeBlois seems to have returned to Berk with a clear mission: Make dragon flight feel real. And he nails it. You can practically feel the wind in your hair as you dive through the clouds with Hiccup. The dragons are so tactile that you can sense what it would be like to run your hand over their scaly hides. And the plumes of dragonfire blowing from their mouths and emanating from their bodies are enough to make you sweat in your seat. DeBlois, who's now lived in this world for many years, proves (again) that he's an expert at crafting family-friendly fantasy, as well as the protector of Hiccup's world. This isn't so much a remake as it is a relaunch that honors the original while giving new riders a chance to take to the skies.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Hiccup is different from most of the other Vikings in his village in How to Train Your Dragon—and how those attributes eventually change the others' lives for the better. Do you consider him a good role model?
Are Hiccup, Astrid, and the other characters typical of the characters you usually see in kids' movies? Why, or why not? Do they uphold or defy gender expectations and stereotypes?
How are characters with disabilities portrayed in the film? Why is representation important in the media?
How does this version of How to Train Your Dragon compare to the 2010 animated film and/or Cressida Cowell's source books? What's the same, and what's different?
How do the characters demonstrate integrity, compassion, and perseverance? What about courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 13, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : July 15, 2025
- Cast : Mason Thames , Nico Parker , Gerard Butler
- Director : Dean DeBlois
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of intense action, and peril
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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