Netflix to Stream Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon in 2026
The live-action adaptation of the iconic How to Train Your Dragon series, first released on Peacock, is set to arrive on Netflix in the U.S. on February 10, 2026. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the film brings the animated classic to life in a new way.
The much-anticipated live-action version of the classic fantasy adventure How to Train Your Dragon is making its way to Netflix in the United States. After its exclusive debut on Peacock last year, the reimagined tale is set to land on the streaming giant on February 10, 2026, giving fans another chance to experience the magic in a whole new format. The original animated trilogy wrapped up in 2019 with The Hidden World, but director Dean DeBlois, who earned an Academy Award nomination for his work on the franchise, has brought the story back to life with a fresh, visually stunning approach.
Premiering on Peacock in October, the live-action film quickly captured the attention of audiences. Now, with its upcoming release on Netflix, viewers across the U.S. can look forward to revisiting the world of Vikings and dragons. Unfortunately, fans outside the country will have to wait a bit longer for the film to become available in their regions.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Dean DeBlois not only directed but also wrote the screenplay for this new adaptation. Gerard Butler returns to the franchise, reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, this time in a live-action setting. The cast also features Nick Frost, Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, and Peter Serafinowicz, each bringing their own flair to the beloved characters.
The story centers on Hiccup, played by Mason Thames, the inventive son of Chief Stoick. Hiccup stands out in his Viking community, challenging long-held beliefs when he befriends Toothless, a Night Fury dragon feared by all. Their unlikely friendship sets off a chain of events that forces the entire village to reconsider everything they thought they knew about dragons.
Plot and Character Dynamics
On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village's quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding. As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup's friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.
Reception and What’s Next
While the live-action adaptation didn’t quite match the critical acclaim of its animated predecessor—scoring 77% compared to the original’s 99% on Rotten Tomatoes—it resonated strongly with viewers, earning a “Verified Hot” 97% on the Popcornmeter. The film’s success with audiences has already sparked development on a sequel, promising more adventures in the world of Berk.