How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

7 Reasons Why How to Train Your Dragon (2025) Is the Fantasy Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’re anything like me, you probably figured How to Train Your Dragon had wrapped up its story back in 2019. We said our goodbyes, wiped away a tear or two, and thought it was the perfect ending. Well, surprise — DreamWorks wasn’t quite done with Berk yet. And I’m glad they weren’t, because How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is an absolute blast.

I walked into this movie with low expectations and walked out grinning like a kid again. Here’s why you should definitely give it a watch — whether you’re a longtime fan or just in the mood for an epic animated adventure.

1. A New Hero Worth Rooting For

Meet Freya — Hiccup and Astrid’s teenage daughter who’s got just as much stubbornness and sky-high ambition as her old man. She’s not your typical “chosen one” hero either. Freya’s sarcastic, fiercely independent, and determined to prove she’s more than just her parents’ kid. Watching her stumble, grow, and eventually lead was one of the film’s biggest highlights.

She brings a fresh energy to Berk’s world while still honoring the spirit of the original trilogy. And let’s be real — it’s about time we saw a new dragon rider take the spotlight.

2. The Animation Has Never Looked Better

We knew DreamWorks could deliver stunning animation, but this level? It’s unreal. The flying sequences are so smooth and detailed you’ll want to reach out and grab the clouds. Water effects, dragon designs, and those sweeping sunset skies feel almost too gorgeous for words.

One particular scene — a nighttime flight over glowing ocean waters — might be one of the most beautiful animated sequences I’ve seen in years. If you love eye candy, this movie’s a feast.

3. Lumen Is the Coolest New Dragon in the Series

Every How to Train Your Dragon film introduces fresh creatures, but Lumen steals the show this time around. He’s sleek, deep blue, and covered in markings that light up in the dark like a living galaxy. His abilities aren’t just flashy — they play a major role in the story’s most intense moments.

The bond between Lumen and Freya feels authentic, filled with the kind of wordless, instinctive trust that made us fall in love with Toothless years ago.

4. Nostalgia Hits Done Right

Sure, there are callbacks and appearances from familiar faces — but they’re handled with care. The movie doesn’t rely on old characters to carry the story, but when they show up, it matters. It feels earned, not forced.

Hiccup and Astrid’s scenes are some of the most heartfelt in the film. And seeing Toothless again, older but no less majestic, is worth the ticket price alone. Trust me, you’ll get a little choked up.

5. The Story Actually Has Something to Say

While the action and fantasy elements are front and center, this movie isn’t just fluff. It tackles themes of responsibility, identity, and the struggle to live up to a legacy. Freya’s journey isn’t about being the best dragon rider or saving the village — it’s about finding her own way in a world built by others.

It hits different, especially if you’re someone who’s ever felt the pressure of expectation. The film makes space for those quieter, more reflective moments amidst the chaos, and they land beautifully.

6. The Score Is Absolutely Epic

John Powell returns to do what he does best — craft soaring, emotionally charged music that makes every flight sequence and battle scene hit twice as hard. The new musical motifs for Freya and Lumen are fantastic, and when those familiar notes from the original trilogy creep back in, they’ll tug at your heart in all the right ways.

If you’re a film score nerd like me, you’ll want this soundtrack on repeat.

7. It Sets Up a Future Without Feeling Like a Cash Grab

You can always tell when a movie exists purely to set up sequels, and this isn’t one of them. How to Train Your Dragon (2025) tells a complete story, one that could stand alone if it needed to. But it also leaves the door open — not with an obvious cliffhanger, but with the sense that Berk’s world is bigger than we thought.

If DreamWorks decides to build on this new generation, I’m all in.

Final Thoughts

Look — it’s rare for a sequel (or technically, a sequel to a sequel’s sequel) to deliver this well. How to Train Your Dragon (2025) manages to recapture the heart, humor, and high-flying thrills of the original trilogy while giving us a new hero and new dragons to fall in love with.

Is it flawless? No. A couple of side characters don’t get much to do, and the big conflict wraps up a little quickly for my taste. But when a movie makes you feel this good, those are easy things to forgive.

If you loved the original films or just need a beautifully animated fantasy to lift your spirits — go see this. You won’t regret it.

Rating: 9/10