After nearly a decade, Hiccup and Toothless ride again… for the first time.

Directed by Dean DeBlois, How to Train Your Dragon transports (returns?) the viewer to the Isle of Berk, an island inhabited by Vikings. Led by the fierce Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), these Vikings live simple lives with one exception: they are plagued by fire-breathing dragons. However, when Stoick’s son Hiccup (Mason Thames) builds a friendship with a dreaded (but wounded) Nightfury, the young man believes he has discovered a better way to live. Yet change is always difficult and, when the truth is revealed, the ensuing battle could threaten the lives of everyone in the village.

For DeBlois, Dragon is an opportunity to return to the director’s chair as he had previously helmed all three of the animated films. From the outset, it’s apparent that great care has been taken to honour the characters and legacy of the original films. Berk feels tangible and yet true to the original vision. Dragons are allowed to look authentic yet aren’t burdened with a ‘cartoonish’ look.

Even so, the film thankfully wants to chart its own course at times. (For example, Thames is allowed to be himself as opposed to some poor impression of Jay Baruchel.) In doing so, the film gives itself the freedom to spread its wings and leave its own legacy. As a result, despite this being DeBlois’ first time in a ‘live action’ world, this remake does feel like more than a cash grab. Instead, it really appears to be a labour of love from the team who likely care more about the franchise than anyone else.

In terms of the performances, the cast within Dragon are solid, especially young Thames who brings his own brand of enthusiasm to the inexperienced Hiccup. Yet, the strongest work may come from returning Butler as Stoick the Vast. Having portrayed the character within the animated world, Butler’s intimidating frame and Scottish growl translate beautifully onscreen. While usually best at his most brutal, Butler also has the ability to bring compassion to his characters as well and that mix serves him well here.

Even so, the film’s strongest assets remain its visuals. Featuring stunning animation, these dragons have fire in their eyes, especially Toothless. As the film’s central creature, Toothless looks almost tactile onscreen. His eyes are piercing yet never threatening. His scales are heavily shaded and his frame moves smoothly, allowing him to feel grounded in the world that they’ve created.

And those flight scenes.

During moments when the Hiccup and Toothless glide and dive through Berk’s luscious landscapes, DeBlois and his crew have truly outdone themselves. Seamlessly blending strong animation and stunning natural vistas, these are the sorts of visuals that demand to be seen on the big screen (potentially even IMAX).

What’s more, because of this attention to detail, every moment between Hiccup and his best beast feels more meaningful. Once again, the relationship between the two characters serves as the film’s emotional core and, once again, it works. There’s something beautiful about the connection between Hiccup and Toothless that feels genuine. (Credit must be given to young Thames here who manages to make us believe his love for his animated friend.)

Though, if the relationship between a boy and his dragon is the film’s emotional core, it’s the legacy of social commentary that has always made the franchise feel ahead of its time. Released in 2010, the original Dragon may be one of the first animated films to deal with a social issue directly, specifically presenting the challenges of a main character with a disability. And that progressive tradition continues here with some new additions, including a (brief) conversation about privilege surrounding Hiccup and the benefits he receives because of his father. Most importantly though, Dragon’s message of peace still feels current. This has always been a film about finding a ‘better’ way and it goes without saying that that is a message that resonates today.

Stoick (Gerard Butler) in Universal Pictures’ live-action How to Train Your Dragon, written and directed by Dean DeBlois.

However, it’s also worth noting that this Dragon doesn’t quite spread its own wings. Although the film remains an absolute visual treat, there is an element that feels almost too safe. In essence, while the film remains stunning and sweet, there are still moments when it seems obligated to stay to the original piece. This sort of commitment to authenticity can work against a remake of any type, offering less ‘new’ than they could in an effort to please fans.

However, this is admittedly a minor quibble. On the whole, Dragon is a delight that still manages to draw you with its characters and relationships. With an affectionate eye, DeBlois works hard to recreate the magic of the original and, for the most part, he accomplishes his mission. 2025’s How to Train Your Dragon may not soar to the heights of the original, but it still manages to bring the viewer on an enchanting ride.

How to Train Your Dragon is available in theatres on Friday, June 13th, 2025.