The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon soared to a fiery debut at the box office, opening to a franchise-best \$83.7 million domestically and an impressive \$197.8 million globally, according to Sunday estimates. The film’s success marks a major win for Universal and DreamWorks Animation, delivering one of the year’s biggest openings and the highest ever for the series.
Internationally, the film pulled in \$114.1 million across 81 markets, with standout openings in Mexico (\$14 million), the U.K. (\$11.4 million), and China (\$11.2 million), where it set a five-year record for live-action adaptations. It now holds the sixth-biggest international launch and the eighth-largest domestic opening ever for a live-action reimagining.
Directed by franchise veteran Dean DeBlois, the film reintroduces audiences to the beloved story of Hiccup (Mason Thames) and his bond with the dragon Toothless. The movie’s wide appeal has drawn in both families and nostalgic Gen Z viewers, nearly half of whom made up the audience on Friday. Fueled by glowing audience reviews — including an A CinemaScore and a 98% Rotten Tomatoes rating — the film has quickly become a must-see summer event.
How to Train Your Dragon dominated the Father’s Day weekend box office, dethroning Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, which had held the top spot for three weeks. Lilo added another \$15.5 million domestically and has now crossed \$850 million globally, solidifying its status as one of the year’s top earners.
Meanwhile, Celine Song’s romantic drama Materialists opened in third with a solid \$12 million, A24’s third-best wide debut ever. Though the film received mixed audience reactions, critics have praised its depth and performances.
With a sequel already set for 2027, How to Train Your Dragon is poised for a long and lucrative flight at the box office.
Source: Hollywood Reporter