How to Train Your Dragon (2025) Review: A Dazzling Return That Balances Legacy and Innovation
After a trilogy that set a gold standard for modern animated adventure, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) arrives with both high expectations and considerable risk. Continuing the story after the emotionally satisfying conclusion of The Hidden World could have easily felt redundant. However, DreamWorks has managed to expand its beloved universe without betraying the essence of what made it special.
This new chapter succeeds by embracing its legacy while confidently charting a course into new territory, led by a compelling protagonist and bolstered by some of the studio’s most visually stunning work to date.
A Story Rooted in Legacy
The film introduces Freya, the spirited daughter of Hiccup and Astrid, who carries the weight of her family’s legacy as she steps into a world where dragons are now largely a myth to her generation. What begins as a personal quest soon escalates into a larger conflict that threatens the fragile peace between dragons and humans.
Screenwriters deftly avoid leaning too heavily on nostalgia. While Hiccup and Toothless feature in meaningful but restrained roles, the story belongs to Freya, whose journey mirrors her father’s in ways that feel organic rather than forced. The script finds a delicate balance between honoring familiar themes and exploring new ideas about leadership, trust, and generational responsibility.
Visual and Technical Excellence
One of the film’s standout achievements is its breathtaking animation. From mist-covered fjords to storm-lashed coastlines and glittering caverns, the world of Berk has never looked more immersive. The flight sequences — a hallmark of the franchise — are faster, more dynamic, and choreographed with a grace that evokes both exhilaration and danger.
The animators introduce several new dragon species, with the bioluminescent Lumen being a particular highlight. Its fluid movements and ethereal glow create some of the film’s most memorable visuals. Even in quieter scenes, subtle environmental details and nuanced character expressions elevate the viewing experience.
A Score That Soars
Composer John Powell once again delivers an exceptional score, blending iconic themes with new compositions that reflect the evolving tone of the story. His music enhances emotional beats without ever overwhelming them. A storm sequence accompanied by a swelling orchestral piece stands out as one of the film’s most impactful moments, combining visual spectacle with musical mastery.
Character Development and Pacing
Freya emerges as a strong, layered protagonist. She’s impetuous and brave, but also vulnerable in ways that make her arc believable and engaging. The supporting cast of new characters, however, is less memorable. While their designs and personalities are distinct, limited screen time and underdeveloped subplots prevent them from leaving a lasting impression.
The film’s pacing is generally effective, balancing high-stakes action with reflective character moments. However, the final act feels somewhat rushed, with certain conflicts resolving more conveniently than dramatically earned.
A Thoughtful Evolution of Themes
Where the original trilogy focused on friendship, prejudice, and coexistence, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) leans into themes of generational change and the challenge of carrying forward a hard-won legacy. It asks what happens when legends fade into memory and whether peace can endure in the absence of constant vigilance. These mature ideas are handled with restraint, making the film resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences.
Final Verdict
How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a testament to what can be achieved when a sequel respects its predecessors while daring to evolve. It may stumble occasionally with secondary characters and an overly tidy ending, but it soars where it matters — in heart, spectacle, and storytelling.
Fans of the original trilogy will find much to admire here, while newcomers will be welcomed by a story accessible enough to stand on its own. It’s a bold, beautiful return to Berk’s skies.