New York — Universal’s live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon dominated the weekend box office, raking in a fiery $83 million in its North American debut, outperforming expectations and proving the enduring power of family-friendly franchises.
Globally, the film reached a massive $197.8 million, thanks to an additional $114 million from international markets.
Directed by Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original DreamWorks animated trilogy, the new adaptation brings back the beloved tale of Hiccup and Toothless with a nostalgic live-action twist.
Despite mixed reviews (77% on Rotten Tomatoes), the film received an “A” CinemaScore, pointing to strong word-of-mouth and a potentially long box office run through summer. Universal has already greenlit a sequel for 2027, banking on the franchise’s multi-generational appeal.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch dropped to second place with $15.5 million in its fourth weekend, but remains a global juggernaut with $858 million in total earnings.
A24’s Materialists opened in third place, earning an impressive $12 million across 2,844 locations. Though the romantic dramedy received a lukewarm “B-” CinemaScore, the film exceeded projections and signals strong interest in adult-skewed counter-programming during blockbuster season.
Paramount’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning landed in fourth with $10.3 million, while Ballerina, the John Wick spinoff, rounded out the top five with $9.4 million, showing a steep 62% drop in its second weekend.
The success of How to Train Your Dragon follows a broader trend of PG-rated live-action films reviving the box office. Alongside Lilo & Stitch and A Minecraft Movie, these films are drawing in nostalgic millennials and families seeking theatrical escapes — a signal that Hollywood’s family-first formula is back in full flight.