Some may be feeling live-action remake fatigue, but How to Train Your Dragon brings the heart and soul from the original. Is How to Train Your Dragon kid friendly? Parents may be surprised by some of the violence in a PG-rated movie. Here’s what parents need to know in this How to Train Your Dragon (2025) Parents Guide.
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures
How to Train Your Dragon Parents Guide
How to Train Your Dragon is rated PG for sequences of intense action and peril which means some content may not be suitable for kids of all ages. Parental guidance is suggested.
When we first enter the isle of Berk, we meet Hiccup (Mason Thames), the son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler). In Berk, Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations and even took Hiccup’s mother. Hiccup does not exactly fit in with the other vikings and warriors and feels like he’s a disappointment to his father. He happens upon Toothless, a Night Fury, the most feared dragon, and they are unable to kill each other. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
With new friend Astrid (Nico Parker) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost) by his side, Hiccup tries to change his father’s mind about dragons. As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future.
Language
There is little language in How to Train Your Dragon including one use of hell and a few uses of oh g-d.
Violence
Parents should know there is quite a bit of violence that could be too intense for younger kids in How to Train Your Dragon. There are several fight scenes between dragons and vikings including characters in danger and peril on both sides. Weapons such as swords and axes are used to fight.
Dragons are seen throwing around humans and breathing fire onto villages causing destruction. Humans are seen trying to kill dragons and fighting them for sport. Some of the dragons can be scary with close up shots. The live-action increases some of the intensity from the same scenes in the animated film. A beloved character is seen tied up and in danger.
Mature Content
There are a couple of kisses between characters but no nudity or graphic sexual content.
Mature themes such as death, grief, loyalty, strained parental relationships, and hatred are explored in the film.
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures
Is How to Train Your Dragon Appropriate for Kids Under 10?
In this PG-rated film, you can expect some moderate violence including characters in peril and mature themes. To sum it up, How to Train Your Dragon is kid friendly for ages 8 years and older. This age suggestion depends on your child and their sensitivity to violence and seeing favorite characters in danger as well as animals being abused.
This is a live-action film worth seeing. It is a pure retelling of the original, which will either delight fans or annoy them. With remakes, you’re darned if you do and darned if you don’t. Add in some more creative license to change the story, and the fans will come for you. However, if you don’t change it enough, then why remake it?
The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless is what truly brings the heart and soul to the film. The power of friendship and love can change minds and hearts. Hiccup just wants to make his father proud, and he achieves that by being himself.
Some of the other friendships weren’t developed enough, but the supporting characters did provide comic relief. The visuals and CGI were incredible as I fully felt transported to Berk. How to Train Your Dragon is magic and will captivate a new generation of fans.
