How remarkably swift the live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon” has soared past its animated predecessors. Universal Pictures‘ gamble on revitalizing the beloved franchise has paid off handsomely, with the film amassing a staggering $224 million domestically as of July 6, 2025, easily eclipsing the original 2010 animated feature‘s $218 million lifetime North American haul.
The film’s opening weekend performance silenced naysayers who questioned whether audiences still craved Viking-dragon adventures, raking in $83.7 million—nearly double the original’s $43.7 million debut. Industry analysts, who conservatively projected between $65-80 million, found themselves scrambling to adjust forecasts as moviegoers flocked to theaters, making it the fourth-highest opening weekend of 2025 so far.
The jaw-dropping $83.7M weekend shattered projections, proving Viking-dragon adventures remain box office dynamite.
This box office dominance wasn’t a one-weekend wonder, either. The adaptation maintained its stronghold at the top spot in its sophomore frame, adding another $37 million to its treasure hoard despite the typical second-weekend drop-off that plagues most blockbusters. The film’s success demonstrates how authentic storytelling can resonate deeply with modern audiences seeking genuine experiences.
Meanwhile, fellow live-action remake “Lilo & Stitch” managed a mere $15 million during the same period—essentially dragon food by comparison.
On the global stage, the film has proven equally mighty, accumulating approximately $517 million worldwide, with international markets contributing $293 million to that impressive sum. The remake appears poised to potentially surpass the highest-grossing entry in the original trilogy, 2014’s sequel, which topped out at $615 million globally.
Universal executives are certainly polishing their Viking helmets in celebration, having successfully reignited a franchise that previously generated between $495-621 million worldwide across three animated installments. The hybrid film approach combining live actors with computer-animated dragons continues a successful trend seen in other recent blockbusters. The film’s warm reception is reflected in its impressive CinemaScore grade of A, indicating strong audience satisfaction that’s driving the powerful word-of-mouth.
The studio has already greenlit a live-action remake of the second film, targeting a June 2027 release, betting that audiences’ appetite for high-flying adventure remains unsated.
After a lackluster first quarter at theaters nationwide, this dragon’s fiery performance has rekindled Hollywood’s faith in family-friendly blockbusters, proving nostalgia continues to be box office gold when executed with skillful precision.