Our list continues as we dive into the top 20, with some films that received multiple votes from our panelists but didn’t quite have the juice to make it higher in the rankings. Tomorrow: #16.
17) How to Train Your Dragon (4 votes, 112 points)
Chris: Like Michaela, I saw previews for this movie and walked away thinking it would be okay at best. Sometimes trailers just have that effect on me, I guess. The main character was named Hiccup and that seemed patently ridiculous. What I discovered instead when I actually got around to watching the film was a smart, tightly edited experience from start to finish.
There aren’t any huge names among the voice cast, but everybody sounds great. The soundtrack is fantastic. The story is entertaining. Everything just works.
Considering how successful How to Train Your Dragon was, both commercially and critically, I’m surprised that the sequel flew under the radar — at least comparatively. It grossed less money in the States and just didn’t seem to have the same buzz, even though it did quite well. Likewise, it’s a little weird that it didn’t receive a single vote from our panel. You could argue that it’s better than the original.
Nitpicking aside, though, this is a deserving choice in our top 25.
Michaela: The previews for this movie weren’t exactly flattering, but the movie exceeded all of my expectations. Hiccup is a great protagonist both for his beliefs and flaws. He’s a believable character that is easy to relate to, and coupled with his differences from the rest of his fellow Vikings, and he’s a very memorable and noble hero. Toothless is adorable, and their friendship makes for one of the cutest and strongest aspects of the film. His relationship with Astrid is cute as well. But what’s especially great about How To Train Your Dragon is how quickly the plot moves. It doesn’t waste any time, and each scene contributes to a greater theme. The final battle is exciting and memorable, and the distinct parallel he shares with Toothless at the conclusion of the film is both ironic and bittersweet as well.
Cary: Finally saw this movie earlier this year. Sweet, funny, and a fine story. And Craig Ferguson. That’s all I got. Sorry.
RELATED LINKS
PREVIOUS TOP 25s:
Gray Areas 
As far as I am concerned, the second best DreamWorks movie ever. The best one is its sequel.