Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: the original How To Train Your Dragon is genuinely great—beautiful animation, emotional depth, killer score. This live-action remake arrives 15 years later asking 'but what if it looked more real?' which is... fine? The story is still strong: a misfit kid befriends the enemy, challenges his entire culture's prejudices, and finds a better way forward. That's solid gold for family conversations.

The WISE scores are good but not exceptional because this is fundamentally a retread. Imaginative? Sure, but we've been here before. Safe? Probably, but live-action dragons breathing fire at people will hit different than cartoon ones—wait for that MPAA rating. Enriching? Absolutely, the themes hold up.

The real question: does your family need this when the animated version exists and is arguably better? Maybe, if your kids are at that age where 'cartoons are for babies' or if you want a fresh theatrical experience. The 7.987 TMDB rating suggests audiences are on board. Just know you're getting a prettier, possibly scarier version of a story you already know—which might be exactly what you want, or might feel unnecessary.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-14. Younger kids who loved the animated version might handle it, but realistic dragon battles could be too intense for under-7s. Teens might enjoy it for nostalgia but it's fundamentally a family adventure film.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

The core story celebrates friendship across divides, challenges prejudice, and models courage to stand against tradition when it's wrong. Hiccup's character arc centers on empathy and understanding rather than violence. Viking culture provides some roughness but the emotional core is healthy—a boy who doesn't fit warrior expectations finds his own path. Pacing likely balanced given the 125-minute runtime adapting a well-structured story.

Imaginative

75

The original animated story is deeply imaginative—dragon flight mechanics, Viking-dragon coexistence, creative problem-solving over brute force. However, this is a live-action remake of a 2010 film, not original content. It may inspire dragon fascination and curiosity about flight/animals, but it's fundamentally retreading ground rather than breaking new creative territory. The fantasy world invites wonder but doesn't demand creative participation from viewers.

Safe

78

Without an MPAA rating confirmed, cautious scoring is warranted. The original was PG with action violence (dragon battles, fire, some peril). A live-action version could be more intense—realistic dragons and combat might be scarier than animation. Likely no gore, sex, or nudity given the family fantasy genre, but dragon attacks and Viking warfare mean moderate action violence is expected. Not 'surprise' content since the premise is clear, but younger or sensitive kids might find realistic dragons frightening.

Enriching

80

Strong themes about challenging prejudice, questioning inherited beliefs, and finding peaceful solutions to conflict. Hiccup models empathy, innovation, and moral courage. The story explores disability (Hiccup loses a leg in the original) and difference as strength. Offers meaningful conversations about tradition vs. progress, fear of the unknown, and judging others. Entertainment value high given the beloved source material, though as a remake it's less fresh.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Powerful message about challenging prejudice and finding common ground with 'enemies'—timely and timeless
Celebrates the kid who doesn't fit the mold: Hiccup wins through empathy and innovation, not brute strength
Gorgeous fantasy world that might reignite dragon obsessions and inspire imaginative play
Themes of disability and difference as strength (if they keep Hiccup's prosthetic leg from the original)
Could be a great entry point for conversations about questioning tradition and standing up for what's right

⚠

What to Watch For

Live-action dragons and battle scenes will likely be more intense than the animated version—test the waters with younger or sensitive kids
Viking culture includes some roughness and combat violence (swords, fire, dragon attacks)
It's a remake, so if your kids loved the 2010 animated film, manage expectations—it won't be 'new' story-wise
Without a confirmed rating yet, hard to know exact intensity level—wait for MPAA rating if you're on the fence

Conversation Starters

"Hiccup's dad wanted him to be a certain kind of Viking. Have you ever felt like someone expected you to be different than who you are?"
"The Vikings were afraid of dragons because they didn't understand them. What's something you were scared of until you learned more about it?"
"Hiccup chose friendship over following the rules everyone else believed in. When is it okay to break the rules?"
"If you could train any kind of dragon, what would it be like and what would you name it?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

How To Train Your Dragon Live Action