How to Train Your Dragon expected to cross $200 million mark at the box office

The How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake is set to earn over $200 million worldwide, marking the franchise’s biggest debut yet.

Updated on: Jun 15, 2025, 00:36:48 IST

By HT US Desk

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The live-action revival of How to Train Your Dragon has turned out to be a lucky charm for Universal. With audiences flocking to theaters and critics offering rare praise, the $150 million summer release has breathed new life into the franchise, and it's still the opening weekend. The live-action adaptation is flying high with an estimated domestic opening of $82.7 million. How to Train Your Dragon could earn as much as $200.8 million globally in its opening weekend.

Universal's live-action How to Train Your Dragon is projected to reach $200.8 million globally. (@HTTYDragon/X)

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A dragon-sized comeback

How to Train Your Dragon collected $117.7 million from 53 international markets, the Hollywood Reporter stated. Packed houses and enthusiastic viewers gave the film an A CinemaScore, while Rotten Tomatoes logged an astounding 98 per cent audience rating.

Friday alone pulled in $35.6 million across North America, including $11.1 million in previews. The turnout was powered partially by Gen Z, as nearly half of Friday’s audience fell between the ages of 13 and 24.

In this soaring live-action, director Dean DeBlois, who helmed the 2010 original, returns to the saga with familiar faces in new forms. Mason Thames takes up the role of Hiccup, a Viking teen who befriends a misunderstood Night Fury dragon named Toothless, against the will of his father, played by Gerard Butler.

Also read: Movie Review: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ might have just redeemed the live-action adaptation

Lilo slides to second

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, which had topped the box office for three weekends straight, is now pushed to the second spot. The film is on course for a $13–14 million weekend, bringing its North American earnings to $365 million. Globally, it has surpassed the $800 million milestone.

Meanwhile, Celine Song’s Materialists, a romantic drama with Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, is shaping up to be A24’s third-best wide release. Projected to earn $11–12 million, the film explores the complications of wealth, matchmaking, and love.

Big screens gave the Dragon film a significant edge. With Imax and other premium formats contributing to 40 per cent of the weekend’s take, Universal capitalised on every inch of viewing real estate. Previously held by Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, those screens helped push the film to the top.

The Tom Cruise action vehicle is holding steady in fourth place with a 37 per cent drop in its fourth week. It added $9.3 million to its domestic tally, which now stands at approximately $165 million. The movie has set its sights on the $500 million benchmark globally.

FAQs

1 How much money has How to Train Your Dragon made?

The live-action version is set to earn an estimated $200.8 million globally in its opening weekend.

2 Was How to Train Your Dragon a success?

Yes, critically and commercially. The 2010 original animated film earned high praise from audiences.

3 What was the budget for How to Train Your Dragon?

The production budget was approximately $150 million.

4 Which of the How to Train Your Dragon movies made the most money?

The new live-action remake is set to become the highest-grossing installment in the franchise if its momentum continues.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT US Desk
The Hindustan Times US Desk brings you the latest news and developments from across the United States. The team covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports, business, entertainment and stories that are trending across the country. Our coverage includes the White House, Congress, US elections, immigration and visa updates, H-1B, green cards, Social Security, education, jobs, layoffs, the economy, technology and major policy changes. We also closely follow stories that matter to Indian and South Asian communities in the US. The desk covers major US sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, along with player news, injuries, schedules, results and major events. Entertainment coverage includes Hollywood, celebrities, television, streaming, music and pop culture. We also report on breaking developments, major incidents, weather, public safety, court cases and other stories making headlines across the country. When a major policy or news development affects people's everyday lives, the team works to explain what happened, what it means and what readers need to know. Alongside breaking news, the US Desk produces explainers and practical stories on topics such as immigration, Social Security, taxes, education, employment and government programmes. The team also works on science, tech, business and AI stories analyzing the impact they may have on people. The team follows developments throughout the day, keeping an eye on official announcements, public records, reliable news sources and what people are talking about across the US.Read More

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