⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Rated PG | 116 minutes

I loved the original How to Train Your Dragon animated films. So when the live-action adaptation was announced, I was both excited and a bit nervous. How do you take something so whimsical, heartfelt, and visually stunning… and bring it into the real world without losing its magic?

Well, they did it. They really did.

From the very first scene, the film pulls you into the rugged, windswept world of Berk. And it’s not just the setting that feels real; every scale, wingbeat, and gust of dragon fire feels as though it belongs there. The CGI is stunning. It has a tactile quality to it, almost as if practical effects were used, even if they weren’t. I found myself leaning in wondering if Toothless was a puppet at times. He really looked that real.

What really sets this film apart from the animated version is the cast.

Mason Thames, playing Hiccup, is a standout. He brings just the right balance of awkward charm and inner strength. You can watch Hiccup’s growth from uncertain outsider to brave leader unfold with every scene. Thames gives the character a quiet depth that makes you root for him the entire time.

Nico Parker, as Astrid, brings incredible strength and intelligence to the role. Her portrayal of Astrid is tough and grounded, and she holds her own in every scene. The chemistry between her and Thames feels natural and effortless. Astrid isn’t just a sidekick here. She’s a fully-developed character with her own agency and voice, which is refreshing to see.

The supporting cast is just as solid, and they help build out a world that feels vibrant and real. And of course, Gerard Butler returns as Stoick the Vast. His reprise of the role from the animated films is a nice touch. Butler gives Stoick even more emotional depth in live action. Hearing that familiar voice again brought a real sense of nostalgia and made the character feel even more grounded. It was nice to see Stoick in human form here.

This adaptation doesn’t lean solely on nostalgia. It builds on what made the original so special, while adding a new layer of emotional depth and visual grandeur. Whether you’re a longtime fan or experiencing How to Train Your Dragon for the first time, this film hits the mark with its epic adventure and heartfelt moments.

If you’ve been debating whether to catch it in theaters, don’t hesitate. The visuals deserve a big screen…the biggest possible, as this was filmed for IMAX, after all.

Beautiful visuals, stellar performances, and a huge heart make this live-action How to Train Your Dragon an unforgettable experience. It doesn’t just capture the magic of the original; it brings it to life.