How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
Kernel Score: 88% · 2,647 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Fantasy, Family, Action, Adventure
Released: 2025-06-06
Runtime: 125 minutes
Is How to Train Your Dragon worth watching?
Worth watching. A live-action remake of the animated hit about a Viking boy who befriends a dragon. It looks great and the flying scenes are fun, but it follows the original so closely that there's little reason to pick it over the cartoon.
Watch it if you
- love the original and want a big-screen retelling
- enjoy dragon flying sequences
- are introducing younger kids to the story
Skip it if you
- already know the animated film by heart
- want something new
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch How to Train Your Dragon
- Stream: Netflix
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart, defying centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
How to Train Your Dragon parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a PG fantasy adventure with battle action but wholesome messages about empathy, friendship and courage.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Fantasy action with dragon battles and Viking combat that can be intense but is not graphic or gory.
- Language: A little — Minimal language.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like How to Train Your Dragon
If you liked How to Train Your Dragon, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010) — 87%: The animated original, still the stronger telling.
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) — 87%: The animated sequel, deeper and more emotional.
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019) — 85%: The animated trilogy ender, a heartfelt goodbye.
- Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) — 86%: Dragon-centred animated adventure with heart.
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) — 97%: Epic fantasy journey that older kids may love.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) — 87%: Fun swashbuckling fantasy adventure.
Director
Cast
- Mason Thames as Hiccup
- Nico Parker as Astrid
- Gerard Butler as Stoick
- Nick Frost as Gobber
- Gabriel Howell as Snotlout
- Julian Dennison as Fishlegs
- Bronwyn James as Ruffnut
- Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut
- Murray McArthur as Hoark
- Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout
How to Train Your Dragon FAQ
Is How to Train Your Dragon worth watching?
Worth watching. A live-action remake of the animated hit about a Viking boy who befriends a dragon. It looks great and the flying scenes are fun, but it follows the original so closely that there's little reason to pick it over the cartoon.
Where can I watch How to Train Your Dragon?
In the US you can stream How to Train Your Dragon on Netflix and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is How to Train Your Dragon OK for kids?
How to Train Your Dragon is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a PG fantasy adventure with battle action but wholesome messages about empathy, friendship and courage.
What movies are like How to Train Your Dragon?
If you liked How to Train Your Dragon, try How to Train Your Dragon, How to Train Your Dragon 2, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and Raya and the Last Dragon.