The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon has broken records and is the biggest movie in the franchise’s history at the home box office. By its 4th weekend, the film, which opened on June 13, 2025, had made $222.7 million in North America, surpassing the $217.8 million the 2010 original made. With a global total of $463.5 million, it’s getting close to the $495.1 million the first movie made worldwide. The love for Hiccup and Toothless even in a live-action version is proven by this box office.
An Unprecedented Start
Dean DeBlois, who also directed the animated trilogy, directed the film which had the biggest opening weekend in the franchise’s history with $84.6 million in the US. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, the 3rd film in the 2019 series, opened at $55 million. Although the reboot had a $150 million budget, DreamWorks and Universal are already seeing the money roll in. In its 3rd week it surpassed $460 million worldwide with a $19.4 million take in the US, the 5th film of 2025 to do so.
Why it’s so Popular
The movie is popular because of its loyal fanbase and broad appeal. With Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick, the movie keeps the spirit of the 2010 original while introducing new visuals. It’s a movie for families and kids who grew up with the animated show, as seen by its 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The story of a little Viking who befriends a dragon named Toothless is still relevant especially during summer when there’s no school to keep the kids occupied.
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Beating the OriginalBy July 6, 2025 How to Train Your Dragon had made $222.7 million domestic and had passed the 2010 original. It’s $31.6 million away from surpassing the original’s $495.1 million worldwide. It didn’t reach the 2014 sequel’s $621.5 million but it’s still a good showing. The $9.7 million 4th weekend shows it’s losing steam but DreamWorks has already won since they greenlit a sequel before the movie was even released in theaters.
What’s next?
Live-action remakes can still work as seen by How to Train Your Dragon’s box office. DreamWorks is already working on a 2nd movie based on the 2014 animated sequel which will be released in June 2027. The movie also opens the door for more remakes like Kung Fu Panda or Shrek. The movie’s box office is being fueled by new attractions like the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe in Orlando and fans coming to see Toothless fly again.
Source: ScreenRant
Mark Phury is a dynamic sports enthusiast with a knack for capturing the thrill of the game. With 3 years at Hindustan Times, he delivers sharp, engaging stories that resonate with fans. Reach him at markphury@gmail.com for insights that score every time.