"How to Train Your Dragon" — The Worst Remake of 2025: Pros and Cons of the Film

Contents:
The live-action reimagining of the cult animated film "How to Train Your Dragon" (2010) has sparked widespread discussion among audiences and critics alike. The reactions have been incredibly mixed - ranging from pure delight to bitter disappointment.

I watched the film that recently dropped online, read the reviews, and now I'm here to break down what's actually worth your time in this new version.

A Story That Never Gets Old

The plot stays faithful to the original like it was run through a copy machine: young Hiccup, the weak and clumsy son of a Viking chief, meets a Night Fury — a rare and dangerous dragon. Instead of killing the beast as tradition demands, he tames it. A touching friendship develops between the boy and the dragon he names Toothless, forever changing how humans view these mythical creatures.

Yes, we've seen all this in the original animated film. But the live-action treatment adds visual density, atmospheric landscapes, and impressive flight sequences, especially if you're watching on the big screen.

Where the Remake Shines

The film's strongest asset is its special effects. The dragons look realistic, especially Toothless, who you'll want to reach out and touch. Costumes, sets, cinematography — everything's at blockbuster level.
A young man in gray clothing flies on a black dragon through beige clouds
Poster for the animated film "How to Train Your Dragon" and its adaptation
Source:
The finale will nearly bring you to tears, even if you know the story by heart. The film works for the whole family, especially for those wanting to introduce a new generation to this beloved story.

The creators didn't radically rewrite the plot — instead, they treated the original with respect. And while the cast might not win everyone over, Gerard Butler as Stoick is back in action — and that's a plus (he previously voiced his character in the animated version).

What Didn't Work

Now for the downside. On one hand, the faithful retelling of the animated film will be a plus for some. But that's also the adaptation's main weakness: it copies the cartoon too precisely without offering anything new. The motivation to watch this project evaporates quickly. It's better suited for those who've never seen the original.

Some scenes feel like they're retold frame by frame, and the actors don't always have enough expressiveness to convey the characters' inner dynamics.
Actor Gerard Butler in a horned helmet stands on a ship with a sword in his hands while a black dragon stands on a mountain nearby
Posters for the film "How to Train Your Dragon"
Source:
The film's pace feels slightly dragged out compared to the animated version. And attempts to incorporate modern trends (including the inclusivity of the Viking village) come across as not entirely organic.

What Audiences Are Saying

On IMDb the film scored 8.1, while Rotten Tomatoes shows a solid 77% fresh rating from critics.

Most viewers, however, are pleased with the adaptation. Film critic Richard Bardon from Mad About Movies Podcast, while criticizing the film and noting it was made for profit, ultimately concludes:
It turned out to be a fun, quite accessible family film with convincing acting from Butler.
Film critic Richard Bardon from Mad About Movies Podcast
There are viewers calling the remake "forgettable" and "the worst of 2025."

Should You Watch It?

Yes, if you want to relive a familiar story — but with next-level visuals. No, if you're hoping for a fresh perspective or unexpected twists. This is a remake that carefully reproduces the original. Earlier on zoomboola.com we covered what critics and audiences were saying about the remake when it first hit theaters.