By: Peggy Sue Wood | @pswediting

I’m not sure what I was expecting here, but I’m sure it was not positive when first entering the theater. I’ve seen enough live action remakes to know that the story being a remake is really the key issue for me. A new version, if it were called that, would be much better received in my opinion. Something that’s in the world, but is a new addition. Sort of like how Golden Compass didn’t have a remake, but did get a new TV show some years ago. Or, for example, Cinderella (1997 film) from Disney was a new iteration of 1950’s Cinderella. Alternatively, how reimaginings like Maleficent have added new and compelling additions to beloved classics without ruining the originals because they are something separate and easily recognised as such.

We want the story, but we need a new version of that story. So, when the live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon went for a trailer that seemed to recapture so much of the animated original, I had some feelings of dread.If you’ve seen the new Stitch (2025) movie, then you probably already understand the kind of cautious dread that often comes with live-action remakes. There really haven’t been many (if any) good ones in recent years and with such spotty (at best) a the track record overall and the same director at the helm, I will be honest and admit that I thought this movie would be a cash grab. A horrible cash grab. In fact, I pre-emptively titled this post when thinking of what was to come with the “I’m disappointed” tagging that I usually have for movies like these. However, I am here to admit, with great and happy surprise, that this movie honored the emotional core of the original movie. I will also admit, that I am happy—relieved, even—to say this is a fantastic remake.

Read more: [Movie Review] How To Train Your Dragon – Live Action (2025): I’m Surprised

Yes, there are changes. Early in the film, for example, they mention dragons called Skrill being spotted within the first ten minutes, even though we never see them and they are very rare in the original series. Moreover, instead of being a single tribe with seven generations of history on the isle of Berk, Berk is now portrayed as the product of several Viking tribes uniting to hunt dragons all the way to the northernmost edge of the known world. These may seem like big shifts, but they work within the setting the film establishes, enhancing the narrative rather than breaking it.

I’ll admit I was initially thrown off when the dragons first appeared too. Their design leans more toward a reptilian, almost Smaug-like aesthetic from The Hobbit, rather than the softer, more playful style from the animated series many of us grew up loving. However, this too works out in the series favor. The dragons still feel like a natural part of the world.

The cast is excellent, the setting is immersive, and the world-building is both respectful to the original and fresh in its own right. The music holds up, too—familiar in tone, but updated enough to suit the live-action format.

As a friend-of-a-friend put it: “If you love the world, you’ll like this movie” and I have to say that I agree. I won’t give away more than that, because this is one you need to experience for yourself.

Maybe it’s not essential to catch it in theaters, but when it hits streaming, give it a shot. Personally, I plan to buy it—and I’d give it a solid 7 to 8 out of 10 for sheer enjoyment. What makes me a little indecisive about the score here is how much I hate Spitelout in this movie. I mean, he’s a very minor character, but that character could fall off a cliff and I’d be happier than I was after any of the scenes where he appeared. I won’t give away exactly what it is he does that burned me up inside so much to add this note—but if you see the movie, you’ll understand. Trust me.