How to Train Your Dragon (2025) review

A Majestic Return to a Beloved World

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) marks the long-anticipated return of one of DreamWorks’ most beloved animated universes. More than a continuation, this film is a reimagining — a mature, emotionally driven chapter that dares to ask what happens when the world moves on from magic. Crafted with care, reverence, and cinematic finesse, it’s a film that doesn’t just entertain, but invites viewers to reflect, remember, and reconnect. Whether you're planning to stream it at home, download for a trip, or watch it online for the first time, this new installment justifies every frame of its legacy.

From Legend to Legacy

The story unfolds years after dragons vanished into the Hidden World. Hiccup is no longer the spirited Viking boy from the original trilogy. He’s grown into a quieter, more reflective leader, raising a family in a Berk that no longer believes in dragons. The world has changed, and with it, so has its memory of the past.

But when mysterious natural events begin to affect the oceans — tremors, sightings, strange calls from the depths — Hiccup is forced to confront what he thought was safely sealed away. Accompanied by Astrid, now his wife and co-leader, and their two children, he embarks on a new journey. This isn’t about finding dragons. It’s about answering the question: Can the old world and the new one exist together again?

Animation That Soars Higher Than Ever

The visuals are breathtaking. Whether viewed in 4K on Apple TV, streamed on Netflix, or watched on any platform unblocked and uninterrupted, the film’s design holds up across all formats. Berk’s landscape is more grounded and mature now, with towering cliffs, complex architecture, and dense coastal mists. The sea becomes a character of its own, rendered with detailed fluid physics that give depth to every underwater scene.

The dragons — both familiar and new — are stunning. A new class of deep-sea dragons introduces fresh designs that lean into ancient mythology, blending elegance with danger. These creatures move like natural forces, their animation capturing both intelligence and unpredictability.

Voice Work that Matures with the Characters

Jay Baruchel returns as Hiccup, but his voice is tempered by age and experience. His performance feels lived-in, shaped by regret, hope, and a deep longing for reconnection. America Ferrera as Astrid adds steel and warmth to their partnership, with their dynamic offering emotional stability to the story.

Their children bring a new energy: bold, skeptical, and shaped by a world without dragons. Florence Pugh joins the voice cast as a marine cartographer who believes in the ancient power of dragons and helps the family uncover truths long buried. The vocal performances are understated but powerful — every word carries weight, especially in quieter scenes that depend on character emotion rather than spectacle.

Sound and Silence: The Return of John Powell

Few film scores can rival the emotional pull of John Powell’s work on this franchise, and his return does not disappoint. Familiar themes return — evolved, reframed, and made bittersweet with the passage of time. Powell masterfully uses silence, tension, and musical callbacks to bring us emotionally closer to the characters. Whether streaming in stereo or downloaded in full quality, the music enriches the entire film experience.

Not Just a Kids’ Film

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) carries a PG age rating, but it speaks more to the grown-up spirit of the franchise’s fans than to a typical family audience. Children will certainly enjoy the fantasy elements, but the story is deeply rooted in emotional complexity — legacy, grief, memory, and the burden of leadership. These themes resonate far beyond its surface narrative.

The pacing is deliberate, trading fast plot turns for introspective moments. Characters are allowed to reflect, to make mistakes, to grow quietly. The script never underestimates its viewers — this is a film made for audiences who remember what it felt like to believe in dragons and are now learning how to believe in stories again as adults.

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

You can watch How to Train Your Dragon (2025) online across several major platforms. On Netflix, the film is available to stream with an active subscription, with the option to download for offline viewing. Amazon Prime Video offers it for rent or purchase, with full HD and download features. Apple TV supports 4K streaming and purchase/rental access, with reliable offline downloads.

Peacock Premium also streams the movie; downloads are permitted through the mobile app. Hulu offers the film on select subscription plans, though download features may be limited. YouTube (Movies) lists it for rent or purchase, with download availability via the YouTube app.

The movie is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for most children, though parental guidance is suggested due to emotional themes and mild peril.