How to Train Your Dragon (2025) Review

How to Train Your Dragon (2025): A Triumphant Return to the Skies — From a Devoted Premiere Addict

If you’ve ever been that person who gets to the cinema half an hour early just to claim the best seat and soak in every trailer, we’d probably be friends. I’m what you might call an enthusiastic amateur film buff. I live for premieres, especially in genres I’m obsessed with — animation, fantasy, and anything involving mythical creatures. So, when How to Train Your Dragon (2025) was announced, you can bet I circled the release date in red and set five different reminders.

And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

An Epic Continuation Worth the Wait

As someone who’s religiously followed this franchise from the very first teaser back in 2010, I approached this latest chapter with equal parts excitement and nervousness. Could it possibly capture the magic of its predecessors? Would it feel like a cash grab or a genuine expansion of the story? I’m thrilled to report it’s the latter.

This isn’t just a sequel for the sake of it. It’s a heartfelt, gorgeously executed continuation that respects the world it built and the audience that grew up with it.

Animation That Raises the Bar

One of the things I always look for at an animated film premiere is how the visuals stack up against current industry standards — and wow, DreamWorks pulled out all the stops here. The animation is so crisp and detailed it’s almost distracting in the best possible way. The textures on dragon scales, the lighting during aerial battles, the glint of waves beneath a sunset sky… it’s visual poetry.

I sat there grinning like a kid, completely awestruck by the sheer craftsmanship of it all. It’s no exaggeration to say this might be one of the best-looking animated films to hit the big screen in years.

A Story That Matures With Its Audience

Another thing this franchise has done exceptionally well is grow alongside its viewers. This latest installment carries weightier themes — leadership, sacrifice, and the bittersweet nature of growing apart from the things you love most.

Hiccup is no longer the awkward underdog; he’s a leader struggling with tough decisions, and his relationship with Toothless evolves in ways that feel natural and earned. As someone who’s invested over a decade in these characters, I genuinely appreciated how the film handled their arcs with care and depth.

Familiar Faces, Fresh Energy

It was a treat to see familiar faces back in action: Astrid remains a force to be reckoned with, and the supporting crew of Berk never fail to bring humor and heart. While the villain this time around wasn’t particularly groundbreaking, they served their purpose well enough to keep the plot moving and the stakes high.

And the new dragons? Fantastic. The premiere audience collectively gasped at a few reveals, which is always a good sign.