On the rugged island of Berk, Vikings and dragons have been locked in a fierce conflict for generations. Hiccup, the inventive but often overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, struggles to fit in with his Viking peers. When Hiccup defies tradition by befriends Toothless, a powerful and feared Night Fury dragon, he begins to question everything he’s ever known. His unlikely bond with Toothless could potentially unite the warring factions, but challenging centuries of animosity won’t be easy.
Does How to Train Your Dragon have end credit scenes?
Yes!
How to Train Your Dragon does have end credit scenes. Stay until the very end!
Explore the complete cast of How to Train Your Dragon, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Gerard Butler
Stoick
Julian Dennison
Fishlegs
Peter Serafinowicz
Spitelout
Nick Frost
Gobber
Anna Leong Brophy
Retcha
Mason Thames
Hiccup
Murray McArthur
Hoark
Nico Parker
Astrid
Gabriel Howell
Snotlout
Naomi Wirthner
Gothi
Bronwyn James
Ruffnut
Harry Trevaldwyn
Tuffnut
Ruth Codd
Phlegma
Andrea Ware
Burnheart
Marcus Onilude
Snorti
Pete Selwood
Drül
Daniel-John Williams
Fungi
Kate Kennedy
Flatula
Selina Jones
Loogi
Nick Cornwall
Hürl
Discover where to watch How to Train Your Dragon online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb or Media Stinger.
See how How to Train Your Dragon is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where How to Train Your Dragon stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
How to Train Your Dragon’s live-action adaptation delivers a well-crafted retelling that retains emotional resonance but offers limited originality. The direction and technical execution are polished and occasionally engaging, though they seldom surpass the animated benchmark. Character moments preserve the central friendship’s warmth but rely heavily on familiarity. Plot and pacing remain serviceable yet predictable, and sensory elements provide a solid spectacle without breaking new ground. Overall, the film feels satisfying but overly safe.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for How to Train Your Dragon
Art & Craft
In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates polished production values with solid direction, editing, and design elements. Visual compositions are sleek and occasionally striking, and production design feels thoughtfully rendered. However, the live-action sequences often lack the dynamic flair and imagination that defined the animated original. Overall, the technical execution is competent but rarely ventures beyond safe, familiar territory.
Character & Emotion
When it comes to character and emotion, the central relationship retains its warmth through measured performances and credible chemistry. Moments of genuine emotional resonance echo the original’s spirit, and the cast conveys basic depth in key scenes. Yet the dependence on familiar beats and predictable arcs limits deeper character exploration. Ultimately, while the friendship feels sincere, the emotional framework remains comfortably within expected boundaries.
Story & Flow
In terms of story and flow, the narrative unfolds with clear structure and reliable pacing that deliver steady engagement. Plot coherence is maintained, and major story beats play out in a familiar yet satisfying progression. However, the remake’s strict adherence to the animated template curtails originality and suspense, resulting in predictable developments. As a result, the storyline feels serviceable but lacks the freshness to elevate it beyond routine retelling.
Sensory Experience
When it comes to sensory experience, the film offers a polished audiovisual package anchored by a respectful score and cohesive visual style. Sound design supports key action sequences effectively, and the soundtrack retains familiar thematic motifs. Nevertheless, the experience rarely surprises, as the visual effects and audio cues generally mimic the original without innovative reinterpretation. Overall, the sensory presentation is solid but seldom ventures into new creative territory.
Rewatch Factor
When it comes to rewatch value, the film provides a generally enjoyable experience on subsequent viewings, thanks to its dependable narrative and recognizable emotional highlights. Familiarity with the plot and reliance on well-trodden beats offer comfort but diminish the sense of discovery over time. While the core friendship remains engaging, the lack of fresh surprises can undercut lasting appeal. Therefore, the film’s replay value is moderate and best suited for existing fans.
61
Metascore
tbd
User Score
82%
TOMATOMETER
0%
User Score
8.2 /10
IMDb Rating
4.0
From 241 fan ratings
Challenge your knowledge of How to Train Your Dragon with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
Who is the narrator at the beginning of the movie?
Read the complete plot summary of How to Train Your Dragon, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
The film begins on the island of Berk, where the narrative is delivered by Hiccup. He describes the island as nearly inhospitable, with the main threat coming from dragons. The Vikings, led by Hiccup’s father, Chief Stoick The Vast, unite to defend their village from an onslaught of dragons stealing their livestock.
Despite wanting to be accepted among the other Vikings, Hiccup is perceived more as a liability than an asset. His peers, including Snotlout, twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, Fishlegs, and the ambitious Astrid, all train under the guidance of Gobber.
In an attempt to prove himself, Hiccup creates a bolas shooter, but during the ensuing chaos when a Night Fury attacks, he inadvertently attracts the attention of a pursuing dragon. Stoick rescues him and expresses his frustration over Hiccup’s reckless behavior. Hiccup, yearning for validation, shares his frustrations with Gobber about wanting to be just like the other Vikings.
The community gathers for a council meeting led by Stoick, who is concerned about their inability to locate the dragons’ nest. His conversation with Elder Gothi leads him to consider having Hiccup undergo dragon training to harness his potential. Driven by the desire to fit in, Hiccup ventures into the forest in hopes of finding the Night Fury.
To his surprise, he discovers the dragon ensnared in a trap. When faced with the decision to kill him, Hiccup finds compassion in the dragon’s eyes and chooses to free him instead. The dragon, named “Toothless” by Hiccup, shares a bond with him that begins as a friendship, but soon deepens into something more meaningful when Hiccup constructs a prosthetic tail fin to help Toothless fly.
As Hiccup trains with the other teens under Gobber’s supervision, his innovative ideas about dragons begin to shine through, while Astrid grows increasingly skeptical of his methods. During a showdown with various dragons, Hiccup impresses his peers with his unique approach to taming dragons, thus gaining their respect but inciting Astrid’s suspicions further.
Meanwhile, Stoick is dedicated to training Vikings for a final test involving dragon hunting. In his quest for understanding, Hiccup reveals the existence of the dragons’ nest to Astrid. After some initial tension, she joins Hiccup as they uncover the truth about the dragons and the dangers that lurk within their nest, which they later discover to be home to the immense and powerful Red Death.
In a battle against the Monstrous Nightmare, Hiccup attempts to show the Vikings that dragons aren’t enemies. However, tensions rise when Stoick takes action against Toothless, leading to a rift between father and son. Realizing the impending danger, Hiccup takes matters into his own hands, enlisting his peers to rescue Toothless and lead the Vikings to the dragons’ nest.
The confrontation culminates in a fierce battle against the Red Death, where Hiccup and Toothless showcase a daring plan to defeat the dragon. In a remarkable display of teamwork, they maneuver through the skies, leading to a victorious yet perilous moment as they manage to subdue the Red Death.
With the dust settling after the battle, the Vikings find hope in the dragons, realizing they may coexist peacefully. Hiccup awakens days later to discover he has lost his foot in the fight and now sports a prosthetic. Yet, the bond with Toothless strengthens, symbolizing a new beginning for Berk where dragons are allies rather than adversaries.
As the film concludes, the youth of Berk soar through the skies on their dragons, while Hiccup’s voiceover reflects on the island’s transformation and the newfound friendship between Vikings and dragons, marking a significant shift in their way of life. It’s a journey of growth, acceptance, and the realization that the love for dragons has made Berk a better place to be.
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