‘How To Train Your Dragon’ Ends Gerard Butler’s Rotten Tomatoes Trend

When Gerard Butler reunited with the world of Berk in the live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon, released on June 13, 2025, fans were over the moon. With Dean DeBlois at the helm once again, the adaptation soared to a massive 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, despite its overwhelming popularity, the film’s 78% critic rating marks a break from the animated originals, each of which scored north of 90% with critics. This unexpected dip places Butler’s live-action venture outside the precedent set by How To Train Your Dragon, which scored an impressive 99% critic rating, How To Train Your Dragon 2, scoring 92%, and How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, which was afforded 90%.

This drop raises eyebrows and leads one to question if this is a rare misstep or simply the beginning of a journey. While the legacy trilogy enjoyed near-universal acclaim, the new film, though Certified Fresh, has left critics more measured in their praise. However, as box office numbers and audience love continue to climb, there is still time for critics to revisit and potentially elevate their views. It does not necessarily mean ‘game over’ for the How To Train Your Dragon live-action just yet.

Why Does Butler’s Live-Action Fall Short of Trilogy Heights?

Gerard Butler’s return as Stoick in the live-action film is undeniably powerful. His paternal presence remains as rugged and warm as ever. Yet, unlike the animated originals, which boasted critic scores of 90% or above, this rendition lands at 78%, ending the franchise’s unbroken 90%-or-higher streak. The sharp drop is significant and is a telling difference of at least 12 points from the lowest-rated animated sequel.

Critics have been quick to applaud the live-action version’s stunning visuals and faithful storytelling. However, many also point out that the film seems to tread a tad too cautiously, leaning hard on nostalgia rather than reinventing its source. Indeed, the tale that 2025’s How to Train Your Dragon weaves is nearly identical to the 2010 original, complete with emotional highs and sweeping cinematography. While this faithfulness has also been regarded as the film’s biggest win, there are some who argue that the almost shot-for-shot remake means that the live-action lacks a fresh sense of wonder.

Breaking the animated trilogy’s critics streak is not necessarily catastrophic. It simply sits as a new reality check for the franchise’s first live-action chapter. Yet, the disparity sparks debate. Was the film too faithful, or simply not bold enough to climb back into that rarefied 90s territory? Butler’s performance anchors the film, but even his charismatic turn fails to fully bridge the gap between expectation and execution.

Critics Are Hesitant in Their Praise of the Live-Action Remake

Having landed a Certified Fresh badge at 78%, Butler’s live-action dragon epic is far from a flop. However, it has not evoked the same critical fervor that propelled its animated predecessors. Reviews uniformly laud the film, praising its visuals, CGI, and respectful adaptation, but the hint that the movie plays it very safe hangs like a dark cloud. As per Helen O’Hara of Empire, the live-action is:

“…clearly made with real love and care, but shows far too much deference to its progenitor. Even in a remake, we need more originality and less playing the hits.”

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Still, the nuanced consensus suggests that the film’s strength lies in its fidelity rather than innovation. Enough critics have hailed the live-action’s international appeal, and appreciate the craft that has gone into the movie. According to USA Today’s Brett Truitt:

“Fortunately, the new “How to Train Your Dragon” does no harm. Instead, it lets loose a heartwarming, meaty adventure perfect for a new generation of young film fan but doesn’t forget to entertain the older movie kids, either.”

In light of the diverse opinions expressed regarding the film, the middle-of-the-road score that How to Train Your Dragon has been afforded makes sense. The film is enough to satisfy fans and ensure box office success, but not enough to spark awards buzz or critical worship. Yet, being Certified Fresh at all, as a live-action reboot of an animated classic, is still no small feat. Compared to a plethora of other live-action remakes, Butler and DeBlois have still landed in impressive territory.

The ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ Live-Action Remake Still Has Room To Soar

Released just days ago on June 13, How to Train Your Dragon is still in its theatrical prime. This means that critic scores could climb as more reviews roll in. Although the Rotten Tomatoes site already notes the live-action as Fresh, the film only has 188 reviews at the time of writing. Given this, there is still room for upward revision. Historically, animated originals tend to hit their peaks only after weeks, or sometimes even months, of steady acclaim.

Moreover, the current critical consensus floats in the area of warm and cautious, and has not been purely dismissive. As other review aggregates continue to fill out, the film may see a more rounded appreciation, especially as general viewers keep raving with an incredible 98% verified audience score. The emotional resonance of Butler’s Stoick and the awe-inspiring visuals could grow on critics, especially if box office numbers sustain their momentum.

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The bottom line is that although Butler’s live-action dragon has broken the streak and not conquered the critics’ summit yet, it is still airborne and gaining altitude fast. With audience devotion and box office fire beneath its wings, there is every reason to believe that the How To Train Your Dragon live-action could still scale the heights set by its legendary animated predecessors. The already greenlit sequel film, set for June 2027, may also work to further sharpen both fans’ and critics’ eyes, allowing the film to join ranks with the original trilogy.

The How to Train Your Dragon live-action is now in theaters.