The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon has officially landed on IMDb with an impressive audience reception, sparking renewed excitement among fans of the beloved franchise. As of June 17, 2025, the film holds an IMDb rating of 8.1 out of 10, based on over 13,000 user ratings — exactly matching the rating of the original 2010 animated film, which has long been a fan favorite.
A Faithful yet Fresh Adaptation
Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original animated trilogy, the live-action movie stars Mason Thames as the young Viking Hiccup and features Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast. The film’s production took place primarily in Northern Ireland, leveraging the region’s rugged landscapes to bring the mythical world of Berk to life with an authentic, grounded feel. This setting has been widely praised for adding a tangible realism that complements the story’s emotional core.
Critics and audiences alike have lauded the film’s visual achievements, particularly its CGI effects. Toothless, Hiccup’s iconic dragon companion, has been rendered with extraordinary detail, blending lifelike movements and expressions that honor the character’s original charm while elevating it to new heights in a live-action format.
Critical Reception and Fan Response
The live-action remake has generally received positive reviews, with critics appreciating its faithful adaptation of the original story’s themes — including friendship, courage, and the bond between humans and dragons. Many reviewers note that while the film doesn’t dramatically reinvent the narrative, it succeeds in delivering a fresh, immersive experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
Some criticism centers on the lack of major new plot elements or expansions beyond the original film’s storyline. However, many fans see this as a strength rather than a weakness, applauding the filmmakers for preserving the heart and spirit of the franchise without unnecessary alterations.
Comparing to Previous Franchise Entries
The original How to Train Your Dragon animated film set a high bar with its 8.1/10 IMDb rating, followed by strong sequels: How to Train Your Dragon 2 holds a 7.8/10, and The Hidden World (2019) sits at 7.5/10. With the live-action film now matching the original’s IMDb score, it stakes a claim as one of the franchise’s top-rated entries.
The live-action film has also performed well on other platforms, holding a solid 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, further underscoring its positive reception.
What This Means for the Franchise
The success of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon signals a promising future for the franchise, potentially opening doors for further live-action adaptations or spin-offs. Fans have expressed enthusiasm for seeing this beloved story brought to life in new formats, and the strong IMDb rating reflects widespread approval.
As the film continues to reach wider audiences globally, it will be interesting to see how its legacy develops alongside the iconic animated trilogy. For now, the 2025 live-action movie stands proudly alongside its animated predecessor as a highly regarded and cherished installment in the How to Train Your Dragon saga.
