How to Train Your Dragon (2025) Parent Guide

Life is hard on the bleak island of Berk. The resident Vikings scratch out a living, but their primary occupation is killing the dragons that prey on their flocks and fellow islanders. Stoick (Gerard Butler), their hardy warrior chief, is determined to take the fight to the dragons by finding their nest and exterminating them.

Desperate to win his father’s approval, Stoick’s son, Hiccup (Mason Thames), dreams of becoming a great dragon hunter. But when his attempts to shoot down a dangerous night fury fail, he faces the scorn of his community and the disappointment of his father.

There’s just one catch: Hiccup really did shoot down the legendary dragon. Once he finds the injured creature, Hiccup makes choices that change his life and force the Vikings of Berk to reassess everything they thought they believed.

I have to lead out with my biggest complaint: this movie has no reason to exist. The book, written by Cressida Cowell, is better (and far funnier) than any movie adaptation. The 2010 animated film is also funnier and less scary for young viewers. But it looks like Hollywood studios are determined to wring every possible penny out of their intellectual property, so my complaints about unnecessary live action adaptations aren’t going to change their filmmaking plans.

That said, if you have to watch a live action reboot, How to Train Your Dragon is pretty good. It’s long – a full half hour longer than the animated original – but it doesn’t usually drag. The cast are capable, the digital effects usually competent (and occasionally breathtaking), and the story emotionally compelling. Parents will be pleased to know that the movie is replete with positive messages about friendship, loyalty, teamwork, and the importance of family relationships. It even digs into the meatier issues of rejecting stereotypes, abandoning prejudice, and making peace by trying to understand the perspectives of others.

Best of all, the abundant positive themes are not overwhelmed by negative content issues. The only thing to worry about here is fantasy violence, almost entirely consisting of dragon battles. Dragons breathe fire at humans and other dragons and humans try to kill or capture dragons. There’s plenty of flame and peril but no blood, burns, or corpses. If your child can tolerate other dragon flicks, they should be just fine with this one. Sensitive youngsters or those easily alarmed by jump scares should probably give this one a miss. However, if you’re looking for two hours of kid-friendly action, imaginary creatures, and a few laughs, How to Train Your Dragon should fit the bill.