Dean DeBlois’s How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake has taken the box office by storm, edging closer to overtaking the franchise’s second-highest-grossing film. The story follows a Viking boy’s remarkable journey to befriend a dragon, challenging age-old traditions. Released in 2025, the film has already surpassed initial box office expectations.
With a phenomenal opening of $197.8 million worldwide and a strong performance in its second weekend, this fourth installment in the How to Train Your Dragon series has raked in an impressive $530 million globally. This impressive figure places it just $9 million shy of surpassing How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, currently the franchise’s second-highest grosser. The crown for the highest-grossing film remains with How to Train Your Dragon 2, which amassed $621 million worldwide by the end of its run.
Future Implications for the 2025 Live-Action Remake
A Rapid Ascent to Second Place
The live-action adaptation has already outpaced The Hidden World during its initial release, which concluded at $521 million, including three re-releases that pushed it to $539 million total. Given the current growth trajectory, the 2025 remake is likely to claim second place in no time.
|
Title |
Worldwide Box Office |
|
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) |
$621.5 million |
|
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019) |
$539.9 million |
|
How to Train Your Dragon (2025) |
$530 million |
|
How to Train Your Dragon (2010) |
$494.9 million |
The live-action remake is also closing in on becoming the franchise’s highest-grossing film, needing under $100 million to eclipse the 2017 sequel. After a nearly $200 million opening, it crossed the $350 million milestone following its second week and surpassed the $500 million mark by its fourth weekend in theaters.
A Promising Future Ahead
Beyond $530 Million
The 2025 live-action remake came with a production budget of $150 million, and by exceeding $530 million in earnings, it has already turned a profit. However, its success is expected to continue beyond this current status, potentially competing for the top spot.
Aside from a minor dip in critical reception, the How to Train Your Dragon remake remains beloved among audiences. Even before the film’s release, plans for a live-action sequel have been confirmed, slated for a 2027 release. This current film’s box office triumph indicates that the sequel has the potential for even greater commercial success.
Source: The Numbers