‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Flies High With Record-Breaking Opening
Universal’s “How to Train Your Dragon” opened to $83 million domestically — the best in franchise history — and a soaring $197.8 million worldwide. Read on to learn more.
Universal Studios’ live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” soared to the top of the box office this weekend, opening to $83 million domestically — the best launch in franchise history. The film added another $114.8 million internationally, bringing its global debut to $197.8 million. Fueled by family audiences and nostalgia for the 2010 animated original, the film not only exceeded expectations but also landed one of the top 10 openings of all time for a live-action reimagining, including the seventh-largest worldwide, eighth domestically and sixth internationally.
The film, rated PG, earned glowing feedback from audiences, who awarded it an “A” CinemaScore and a 98 percent Rotten Tomatoes audience score. Critical praise has helped drive momentum as well, with several reviews noting the film’s emotional resonance and visual impact. Universal has already announced a live-action sequel set to arrive in 2027.
Written and directed by Dean DeBlois — the creative force behind the original animated trilogy — the film returns viewers to the mythical Viking island of Berk. It tells the story of Hiccup, a misfit teenager who surprises his dragon-hunting village by forming an unlikely bond with a wounded dragon he names Toothless. Together, they challenge long-held traditions and forge a path of mutual understanding between their species. Though rooted in a familiar plot, the new adaptation delivers the story with a fresh cinematic scale that has resonated with both newcomers and longtime fans.
"Every bit as earnest, captivating, and thrilling as its animated twin." Entertainment Weekly
“Our filmmaker Dean DeBlois created an incredible tale with heart, action and emotion. Multiple generations are in love with it,” said Jim Orr, Universal’s domestic distribution chief. “With our audience scores, I can only believe we are going to have a long run throughout the summer.”
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, noted the film’s broad appeal and brand power. “There is an insatiable appetite for PG-rated family fare. And there’s the nostalgia factor with ‘How to Train Your Dragon.’ Those movies have earned collectively, even before this film, over a billion dollars worldwide.”
Critics have lauded the remake for capturing the essence of the original while successfully reinventing the story for a new format. ABC TV called it “pure movie magic” and “the cinematic ride of the summer,” adding, “This is how you reimagine a classic.” IndieWire praised DeBlois’ ability to bring something new to the material, writing, “That [director Dean DeBlois] can still find excitement and joy in this well-tread story is a testament to both his work and source material.” The Hollywood Reporter noted the film “honors the charm of the original,” while USA Today called it “a heartwarming, meaty adventure perfect for a new generation of young film fans but doesn’t forget to entertain the older movie kids, either.”
“How to Train Your Dragon” is now playing in theaters and will be available for licensing from Swank soon.