How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action on Netflix

Hey parents, dragon enthusiasts, and anyone who ever dreamed of flying on the back of a Night Fury—good news! The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon has officially landed on Netflix as of February 10, 2026, giving families everywhere the chance to rediscover this magical story without leaving the couch. After a blockbuster theatrical run in 2025 and a brief Peacock stint, this Universal Pictures hit (via a special early Netflix deal) is now streaming wide, joining the original animated trilogy that dropped earlier in the month for the ultimate franchise binge.

Directed by Dean DeBlois—the same visionary who brought us the beloved animated originals—this version stays remarkably faithful to the 2010 classic while upgrading everything to breathtaking live-action realism. Think jaw-dropping CGI dragons that feel alive and dangerous, sweeping aerial sequences that make your heart race, and that iconic John Powell score swelling in all the right moments. It’s not a reinvention; it’s an elevation—proving that some stories are timeless enough to shine in any format.

The plot will feel instantly familiar to fans: In the rugged Viking village of Berk, where dragons are public enemy number one, young misfit Hiccup (played with wide-eyed charm by Mason Thames) is the son of the formidable chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his gravelly, heartfelt role from the animation). Hiccup doesn’t fit the mold—he’s inventive, thoughtful, and way more interested in gadgets than axes. When he shoots down a mysterious Night Fury and discovers it’s injured (and surprisingly gentle), he names it Toothless and secretly befriends the dragon. What starts as a forbidden friendship challenges everything the Vikings believe about their ancient foes, leading to epic battles, hilarious mishaps, and a profound message about understanding over destruction.

Newcomer Nico Parker brings fierce energy and warmth as Astrid, the dragon-slaying prodigy who evolves from rival to ally (and more). Supporting players like Nick Frost as the boisterous Gobber, Julian Dennison as Fishlegs, and others round out a cast that captures the quirky spirit of the original while adding real-world texture. The dragons themselves steal the show—Toothless’s expressive eyes and playful antics translate beautifully to live-action, thanks to cutting-edge visual effects that make them feel like real, breathing creatures rather than cartoons.

Critics have embraced it as one of the stronger live-action remakes out there, with a solid 77% on Rotten Tomatoes praising its loyalty to the source, emotional depth, and family-friendly thrills. Audiences are even more enthusiastic, hitting a near-perfect 97% audience score—folks are calling it heartfelt, funny, and visually spectacular. Many reviews highlight how it nails the core themes of friendship, courage, and breaking cycles of violence, all while delivering big-screen (or big-TV) excitement. Peter Debruge at Variety noted the “immersive journey” and how DeBlois’s direction keeps the wonder intact, while others compare it favorably to Disney’s hit-or-miss remakes, saying this one actually justifies its existence.

The film grossed an impressive $636 million worldwide (including $263 million domestic) against a $150 million budget, making it 2025’s eighth-highest earner and the franchise’s top-grossing entry ever—proof that good storytelling and stunning visuals still draw crowds. Now on Netflix, it’s primed for family viewing marathons: queue up the animated originals first if you want the full emotional arc, then dive into this live-action take for a fresh perspective.

Whether you’re introducing the story to your kids, reliving childhood nostalgia, or just craving an uplifting adventure with dragons, fire up Netflix this weekend. It’s the kind of movie that leaves you smiling, maybe a little misty-eyed, and definitely rooting for the underdog (or under-dragon). Who’s ready to train some dragons? Let me know your favorite moment in the comments—Toothless’s gummy smile still gets me every time.