The live-action How to Train Your Dragon lands in theaters this week, and the first reviews are in. Critics weigh in on Rotten Tomatoes, with the film trailing behind the original 2010 animated classic. Below, we break down what reviewers are saying about the remake, both good and bad.
What is the How To Train Your Dragon score?
With 46 reviews currently accounted for, the How To Train Your Dragon Rotten Tomatoes Score stands at 83%.
The 2010 animated film of the same name the live-action version is based on has higher scores, with 99% and 91%. The sequel released in 2014 also has higher scores with, 91% and 90%.
The fan score for the live-action version won’t be made available until this weekend when the movies gets released. First screenings hit Thursday.
What the reviews say
The negative
Negative reviews for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon criticize it as a safe, unnecessary remake that fails to recapture the magic of the original. Critics argue it adds little in terms of new ideas or emotional depth, often feeling like a longer, slower, and less charming version of the animated film. Several reviews describe it as overly reverent to its source, lacking creative risk, and weighed down by a sense of redundancy. While the visuals are acknowledged, some find the heart and energy missing, with Toothless in particular said to have lost some of his appeal. Overall, detractors view it as watchable but hollow—more corporate product than inspired storytelling.
“It’s loud and diverting and very young children are sure to be entertained. But it’s also utterly dead, right down to its hollow, greedy, cash-grabbing core.” – Times UK
“The filmmakers made a choice to adapt the book as an animated film the first time, and that was the correct decision. The remake literally removes everything that was special about the original.” -United Press International
“This version just doesn’t pop, doesn’t flow like the originals, almost playing like an extended cut of a film that was originally tightened in the editing bay.” – RobertEbert.com
The positive
Positive reviews for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon praise its stunning visuals, faithful adaptation, and emotional impact. Critics highlight the breathtaking aerial cinematography and seamless blend of CGI with live action, calling it a visual standout. Many commend the film for capturing the heart and charm of the original while adding deeper character moments and dramatic weight. While some note it doesn’t bring much new to the table, most agree it’s one of the better live-action remakes, offering a nostalgic and satisfying experience for both new audiences and longtime fans.
“Has all the charm of the original enhanced into something I never thought it could accomplish. The cast is incredible and the dragons adorable. Stunning CG. I lost count of how many times I cried.” – The Direct
“How to Train Your Dragon’s live-action adaptation soars to fire-breathing success by never straying too far from the superb source material. Director Dean DeBlois recreates beloved characters, settings and themes while adding an inclusive sensibility.” – MovieWeb
“[…] the filmmaker takes the opportunity to revamp some of his visuals in a satisfying way, and some of the sequences in the new movie will leave viewers just as breathless as the first did.” – CBR
Release info
How to Train Your Dragon hits theaters June 13 in a new live-action adaptation from director Dean DeBlois, the filmmaker behind the original animated trilogy. Starring Mason Thames as Hiccup and Gerard Butler returning as Chief Stoick, the film retells the story of a young Viking who forms an unlikely bond with a feared dragon, Toothless, challenging generations of fear and tradition on the island of Berk.
Backed by a cast including Nico Parker, Nick Frost, and Julian Dennison, the film blends emotional storytelling with large-scale action, enhanced by IMAX presentation. Adapted from Cressida Cowell’s bestselling books, the movie reimagines the beloved franchise with cutting-edge effects, aiming to recapture the heart and spectacle that made the original series a global hit.
