How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

From Popcorn Spills to Life Lessons: A Mom’s Take on How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

As a mother of three — ages 5, 8, and 11 — I’ve seen my fair share of animated movies. I’ve sat through singing trolls, talking animals, and enough slapstick humor to last a lifetime. So when my kids pleaded to see How to Train Your Dragon (2025) on its opening weekend, I mentally prepared myself for another couple of hours of keeping the peace, wiping popcorn butter off tiny fingers, and making sure no one argued over who got the bigger soda.

What I wasn’t prepared for was a movie that would tug at my heartstrings in ways I didn’t expect.

A Beautiful World Built for Everyone

From the moment the film opened, I could see the kids were hooked. The animation is nothing short of breathtaking. Vast skies, shimmering oceans, and, of course, dragons soaring above — every frame felt like a painting. But what surprised me was how much it drew me in too.

The attention to detail in the world-building was incredible. Each dragon had its own personality, and the village of Berk felt lived-in and real. It wasn’t just a backdrop for action — it was a place with heart.

A Story About Growing Up — for Kids and Parents Alike

The heart of the film, though, isn’t in its visuals or action sequences (though those are fantastic). It’s in its story. Hiccup, the once awkward dragon-riding boy, is now a man learning how to lead, let go, and face change. As a mom, watching him struggle with those big decisions about what’s best for those he loves hit closer to home than any animated film has a right to.

It reminded me of those small but emotional moments in parenting — when you realize your little ones aren’t so little anymore, and you have to start letting them make their own choices, even if it’s hard. There’s a scene between Hiccup and Toothless that had me quietly dabbing at my eyes while pretending to help my youngest with his spilled Skittles.

Kid-Approved, Mom-Recommended

Now, from a practical mom perspective: this movie works for all ages. My 5-year-old was mesmerized by the dragons. My 8-year-old laughed out loud at the goofy side characters. And my 11-year-old, who usually claims he’s “too cool” for cartoons, admitted afterward it was “actually really good.”

And for me? I didn’t just endure it — I enjoyed every minute. The humor was smart enough not to be condescending, and the emotional beats landed without feeling forced.

The Music and Magic

I have to give a shoutout to the film’s soundtrack. It’s sweeping, epic, and perfectly placed. I found myself humming the theme on the car ride home while the kids argued over who their favorite dragon was.