How to Train Your Dragon (2025) review

A Soaring Return with Deeper Roots

The 2025 installment of How to Train Your Dragon is not just a continuation — it's a transformation. DreamWorks returns to its beloved franchise with bold ambition, giving audiences a film that respects its origins while daring to evolve. This isn’t a simple trip back to Berk. It’s a thoughtful, layered journey into memory, legacy, and rediscovery, designed for longtime fans and a new generation alike. Whether you're planning to stream, download, or watch it online, this film delivers far more than fantasy—it offers emotional depth that lingers long after the credits roll.

A World Changed by Time

Years have passed since dragons vanished into the Hidden World, and life in Berk has changed. Now an older, more introspective Hiccup serves as a quiet leader in a society where dragons are myth, not memory. His children, raised on bedtime stories about Toothless and skybound adventures, see dragons as legends—beautiful, maybe, but not real.

But change comes in waves—literally. A mysterious force from beneath the sea threatens to disturb the fragile balance between past and present. When ancient dragon energy stirs again, Hiccup, Astrid, and a new generation must embark on a journey that blurs the line between myth and reality. This isn’t just about finding dragons. It’s about facing the echoes of the choices made years ago, and learning what it means to reconnect with a forgotten part of the soul.

Animation that Breathes with Purpose

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is visually extraordinary. DreamWorks delivers animation that’s both technically advanced and emotionally resonant. The sea scenes are among the most stunning ever rendered in a family film. Whether you're streaming it or watching it in theaters, the film’s visuals never lose detail or depth.

The color palette shifts as the story unfolds — sunlit Berk reflects peace, while the ocean’s hidden caverns glow with eerie bioluminescence. Dragons are not just majestic; they’re mysterious and ancient, with new species introduced that bring both wonder and tension. Even downloaded in HD, the textures remain crisp and the cinematic framing remains breathtaking.

Performances that Carry Weight

Jay Baruchel’s return as Hiccup shows a voice that has aged with grace. His performance blends warmth, melancholy, and wisdom, grounding the film in emotional truth. America Ferrera, as Astrid, delivers strength and quiet depth — her character now less warrior, more strategist and protector.

New cast members bring fresh energy. Kit Connor plays Hiccup’s son with a sharp blend of curiosity and doubt. Florence Pugh is a welcome addition as a seafaring historian whose knowledge may hold the key to the dragons’ return. The dialogue between generations provides the film’s emotional spine, and each voice actor plays their part with care and nuance.

John Powell Returns with Musical Poetry

The soundtrack is masterful. John Powell’s music doesn’t just accompany scenes—it defines them. Familiar themes from the earlier films are reprised with subtle changes, mirroring how time has altered the characters and the world around them. Whether you're watching online or listening to the soundtrack separately, Powell’s score is a stand-alone experience.

In quieter moments, the music breathes, giving space to emotion. In action sequences, it soars. There’s a clear respect for silence as well—a reminder that this film values reflection as much as spectacle.

A Story That Honors Growth

This is not a film for the youngest viewers alone. With a PG age rating, it offers enough magic and adventure for kids, but it's truly aimed at those who’ve grown with the series. Themes of aging, memory, and environmental responsibility are woven throughout. While children may enjoy the dragons and flying scenes, older audiences will resonate with the deeper questions the film poses: What do we preserve? What do we let go? And how do we honor the things we've lost?

Despite its mythical setting, the story feels grounded. There’s a realism in how characters process grief, handle conflict, and face the weight of legacy. That emotional honesty makes the fantasy more powerful.

How to watch How to Train Your Dragon (2025) online

The film is available to watch and stream online on multiple platforms. Netflix offers the movie as part of its subscription catalog, with HD and download options available. On Amazon Prime Video, it can be rented or purchased digitally, with the ability to stream or download. Apple TV features the film in 4K, with options for purchase, rental, and offline viewing.

Peacock includes the movie in its Premium subscription tier, where users can stream and download depending on device compatibility. Hulu offers the film in select plans, though downloads may be limited to mobile apps. YouTube (Movies) provides rental and purchase access, including download via the YouTube app.

The film carries a PG age rating, meaning some material may not be suitable for young children. Parental guidance is advised due to mild peril and emotional themes.

Pros

• Mature, emotionally intelligent writing that evolves the story naturally ;
• Visually spectacular, with animation that stands among the studio’s best ;
• A moving, dynamic score by John Powell that enhances every moment ;
• Outstanding voice performances from both returning and new cast ;
• Themes of intergenerational legacy and reconnection add narrative weight ;
• Balanced tone that respects both adult and younger audiences ;

Cons

• Some younger viewers may find the pacing too measured ;
• Not all supporting characters receive adequate development ;
• The antagonist lacks complexity compared to previous films ;