How to Train Your Dragon has soared above the anticipated horror sequel 28 Years Later in a thrilling face-off at the domestic box office. DreamWorks’ live-action reimagining of their beloved animated hit, which debuted on June 13, achieved an impressive $84.6 million opening weekend. This milestone marked the strongest start in the entire four-film franchise, setting a vibrant tone for the summer movie season.
The animated epic faced its most formidable competition yet from 28 Years Later, the long-awaited entry in the iconic rage virus series. Directed by the original visionary, Danny Boyle, and written by the talented Alex Garland, the film builds upon the chilling legacy of 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later.
According to Deadline, How to Train Your Dragon is projected to hold the top spot at the domestic box office for a second consecutive weekend, expected to rake in over $35 million. Although this reflects a 58% drop from its debut, the film has now crossed the $150 million mark domestically, achieving this milestone in just ten days. Meanwhile, 28 Years Later is poised to debut within the $30 to $31 million range, showcasing its strong entry, albeit unable to dethrone the animated favorite.
This horror sequel has not gone down without a fight. Considering its R-rating, the film attracts a more niche audience compared to the family-friendly adventure of How to Train Your Dragon. It is still on track to secure the third-best opening weekend of 2025 for an R-rated film, trailing behind Sinners and Final Destination Bloodlines. Furthermore, it is likely to surpass other 2025 R-rated titles, such as Flight Risk and Warfare.
In contrast, Pixar’s new release, Elio, has unfortunately floundered in the box office race, projected to collect just over $22 million. This performance could mark the studio’s worst debut in its storied history.
A Promising Start for 28 Years Later
While 28 Years Later may not have bested How to Train Your Dragon, it boasts an encouraging start. Even at the lower end of projections, the film is set to achieve the biggest domestic debut in its franchise, outpacing the combined opening weekends of its predecessors, which grossed only $19.8 million together. If it maintains a steady performance, 28 Years Later could potentially gross $220.5 million worldwide by the end of its theatrical run.
This projected total should lead to profitability, despite a hefty reported budget of $60 million, which could push its break-even point up to $150 million. If the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, performs comparably when it releases in January 2026, it may very well pave the way for a third installment in this renewed trilogy, further enriching the cinematic landscape crafted by director Nia DaCosta and screenwriter Garland.
The Summer Season Is Heating Up
The summer movie season is showing signs of invigorating diversity, as both How to Train Your Dragon and 28 Years Later find their footing against various genres. With Elio underperforming, the success of these two films suggests that audiences are ready for a wider palette of cinematic offerings. Upcoming blockbusters such as F1, M3GAN 2.0, Jurassic World Rebirth, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and James Gunn’s Superman promise to keep the momentum alive, offering viewers much-anticipated fresh experiences without the fear of crowding each other out.
As the summer unfolds, the balance between family-friendly hits and edge-of-your-seat thrillers reflects a healthy cinematic climate, leaving fans excited and hopeful for what lies ahead.