How to Train Your Dragon
How to Train Your Dragon
As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless – much to the chagrin of his warrior father.
Michael Heimgartner reviewedJuly 6, 2025
Epic, Heartfelt, and Timeless – A Modern Animated Classic
I remember loving How to Train Your Dragon when it first came out - and after revisiting it recently, back-to-back with the 2025 remake, I’m happy to say I still do. This film is one of those rare animated adventures that remains endlessly rewatchable, offering both kids and adults a beautifully crafted story with real emotional depth.
It’s an exhilarating, funny, and genuinely touching experience from start to finish. What truly elevates it is the exceptional writing and character development. Every character feels authentic and layered. Hiccup stands out as one of the strongest protagonists in animation - immediately sympathetic, relatable, and emotionally complex. He’s not the strongest Viking, but his determination and empathy make him a true hero. You feel every setback, every small victory, and every moment of growth right along with him.
Toothless (tragically renamed “Ohnezahn” in the German dub) is easily one of the most memorable dragons in film history. What’s remarkable is how the filmmakers let him remain a dragon - he’s fierce, expressive, and wonderfully designed, but still feels untamed. The bond between Hiccup and Toothless is the film’s beating heart, and every scene they share is perfectly executed, filled with subtle emotion and genuine wonder.
The supporting cast is equally excellent. Astrid is tough and smart, a perfect foil for Hiccup, while Stoick the Vast has surprising emotional layers as a father torn between tradition and love for his son. Even the secondary Vikings feel alive and distinctive, adding humor without ever undercutting the story’s stakes.
Visually, the film is breathtaking. The animation is top-tier, with soaring, cinematic flight sequences that remain thrilling even today. The design of Berk is rich with detail and atmosphere, while the dragons themselves are varied and imaginative. John Powell’s score is simply spectacular, delivering one of the most rousing and memorable themes in modern animation.
Yes, the story is accessible and family-friendly - but it’s never simplistic. The themes of understanding, empathy, and challenging tradition resonate strongly, making this more than just an adventure tale. It’s a film that respects its audience, no matter their age.
A stunningly animated, perfectly written, and deeply emotional adventure that never loses its charm. How to Train Your Dragon is easily one of DreamWorks’ finest achievements, and arguably one of the best animated films of its era. Epic, heartfelt, and simply unforgettable.