‘How to Train Your Dragon' soars in box office debut with $83 million, beating ‘Lilo and Stitch'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — 'How to Train Your Dragon' took flight at the box office this weekend, proving that some remakes still have teeth.
The Universal live-action adaptation of the beloved animated franchise soared to a strong $83 million debut in North American theaters, according to Comscore estimates Sunday. The film, directed by franchise veteran Dean DeBlois, follows the unlikely friendship between a young Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) and a dragon called Toothless.
The reboot easily outpaced 2019's
'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,'
which opened with $55 million. It also claimed the No. 1 spot ahead of Disney's 'Lilo and Stitch,' which slipped to second place after topping the charts for three weekends. That hybrid live-action remake added another $15 million, pushing its domestic total past $386.3 million.
'Materialists,'
a modern-day New York love story starring
Dakota Johnson
,
Pedro Pascal
, and
Chris Evans
, rounded out the top three films of the week with a $12 million debut. The romantic dramedy features Johnson as a savvy matchmaker caught between two suitors: a broke, struggling actor who happens to be her ex, and a wealthy 'unicorn' who seems too good to be true.
'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning'
slid to fourth place, taking in $10.3 million and avoiding a dip into single-digit territory.
The John Wick spinoff
'Ballerina'
fell to fifth place with $9.4 million, despite strong reviews from both critics and audiences. Directed by Len Wiseman, the action film stars
Ana de Armas
and features Keanu Reeves reprising his role in a supporting turn.
In sixth place, 'Karate Kid: Legends' earned $5 million followed by 'Final Destination: Bloodlines' at seventh with $3.9 million. Wes Anderson's latest
'The Phoenician Scheme'
brought in $3 million eighth place. 'The Life of Chuck,' based on a Stephen King story, placed ninth with $2.1 million.
Rounding out the top 10 was 'Sinners.' The Ryan Coogler film starring Michael B. Jordan, drew $1.4 million.
Top 10 movies by domestic box office
With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:
1. 'How to Train Your Dragon,' $83.7 million
2. 'Lilo and Stitch,' $15.5 million.
3. 'Materialists,' $12 million.
4. 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,' $10.3 million.
5. 'From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,' $9.4 million.
6. 'Karate Kid: Legends,' $5 million.
7. 'Final Destination: Bloodlines,' $3.9 million.
8. 'The Phoenician Scheme,' $3 million.
9. 'The Life of Chuck,' $2.1 million.
10. 'Sinners,' $1.4 million.
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‘How to Train Your Dragon' soars in box office debut with $83.7 million, beating ‘Lilo & Stitch'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — 'How to Train Your Dragon' took flight at the box office this weekend, proving that some remakes still have teeth. The Universal live-action adaptation of the beloved animated franchise soared to a strong $83.7 million debut in North American theaters, according to Comscore estimates Sunday. The film, directed by franchise veteran Dean DeBlois, follows the unlikely friendship between a young Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) and a dragon called Toothless. The reboot easily outpaced 2019's 'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,' which opened with $55 million. The latest film earned more than $114.1 million internationally, bringing the global total to $197.8 million. 'This is yet another example of a live-action remake really delivering on the promise of the marketing,' said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. 'I think the longevity and playability of some of these films particularly in the summer has been nothing short of miraculous.' 'How to Train' also claimed the No. 1 spot ahead of Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch,' which slipped to second place after topping the charts for three weekends. That hybrid live-action remake added another $15 million, pushing its domestic total past $386.3 million. 'Materialists,' a modern-day New York love story starring Dakota Johnson , Pedro Pascal , and Chris Evans , rounded out the top three films of the week with a $12 million debut. The romantic dramedy features Johnson as a savvy matchmaker caught between two suitors: a broke, struggling actor who happens to be her ex, and a wealthy 'unicorn' who seems too good to be true. 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' slid to fourth place, taking in $10.3 million and avoiding a dip into single-digit territory. The John Wick spinoff 'Ballerina' fell to fifth place with $9.4 million, despite strong reviews from both critics and audiences. Directed by Len Wiseman, the action film stars Ana de Armas and features Keanu Reeves reprising his role in a supporting turn. Dergarabedian said 'Ballerina' could have a surge later down the line similar to 2014's 'John Wick.' 'It took a while for that franchise to really catch on,' he said. 'You saw a huge outpouring of interest for the first 'John Wick' when it hit home video or streaming, I should say, and I think the same will happen here.' In sixth place, 'Karate Kid: Legends' earned $5 million followed by 'Final Destination: Bloodlines' at seventh with $3.9 million. Wes Anderson's latest 'The Phoenician Scheme' brought in $3 million eighth place. 'The Life of Chuck,' based on a Stephen King story, placed ninth with $2.1 million. Rounding out the top 10 was 'Sinners.' The Ryan Coogler film starring Michael B. Jordan, drew $1.4 million - which is impressive since the movie is available to watch at home through online and digital platforms after being released two months ago. Overall, the box office is up 23% from this point in 2024. Dergarabedian said he's looking forward to films in the coming weeks that could have a positive presence at the box office, such as 'Eilo,' 'F1,' 'Superman' and '28 Days Later.' Top 10 movies by domestic box office With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: 1. 'How to Train Your Dragon,' $83.7 million 2. 'Lilo and Stitch,' $15.5 million. 3. 'Materialists,' $12 million. 4. 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,' $10.3 million. 5. 'From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,' $9.4 million. 6. 'Karate Kid: Legends,' $5 million. 7. 'Final Destination: Bloodlines,' $3.9 million. 8. 'The Phoenician Scheme,' $3 million. 9. 'The Life of Chuck,' $2.1 million. 10. 'Sinners,' $1.4 million.
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'Toothless Is Perfect': Early Reviews Soar For ‘How To Train Your Dragon' Remake
Critics praise the remake's visual scale, emotional weight, and loyalty to the beloved animated original DreamWorks' bold leap from animation to live-action appears to be paying off. The highly anticipated remake of How to Train Your Dragon, directed by franchise veteran Dean DeBlois, is earning early praise from critics as a faithful, emotionally resonant reimagining of the 2010 animated classic. The film once again follows Hiccup (played in this version by Mason Thames), the awkward Viking teenager who befriends a rare and dangerous dragon, Toothless. While the plot mirrors the original nearly beat for beat, reviewers agree that the remake adds enough cinematic weight and visual flair to breathe new life into a story many already know by heart. Critics widely agree that DeBlois plays it safe — but with reverence. 'How to Train Your Dragon stands out as a faithful and respectful rendition of the beloved animated film,' wrote Britany Murphy of Muses of Media. Tara McNamara of Common Sense Media called it a 'relaunch that honors the original while giving new riders a chance to take to the skies.' For longtime fans, that familiarity may be part of the appeal. 'I have never seen such a perfect adaptation before,' declared Tessa Smith of Mama's Geeky. Still, some critics noted that the remake's slavish devotion to the original may leave it feeling unnecessary to those looking for something new. 'It's not an essential remake, but at least it's not an offensive one,' noted Lovia Gyarkye of The Hollywood Reporter. Visually, the film is being hailed as a technical triumph. Critics praised both the sweeping cinematography by Matrix alum Bill Pope and the impressive VFX used to render the dragons. 'Toothless is perfect,' said McNamara, who praised the creature's photorealistic design and expressive face. Mike Manalo of Geeks of Color echoed that sentiment, calling the VFX 'astonishing' and singling out the dragons as what 'truly makes the film a triumph.' Still, not everyone agreed on every design choice. Murphy noted that 'some of the dragons' redesigns were a bit of a miss,' with colors more muted than in the animated original. The third-act aerial showdown against the massive Red Death dragon drew repeated praise. Casey Chong of Casey's Movie Mania called it 'one of the most thrilling live-action dragon battles ever put on the big screen.' Manalo added that the film 'raises the stakes brilliantly' in its climactic action sequences. But it's not just spectacle. Critics pointed to the deepened emotional resonance between Hiccup and Toothless, enhanced by the tactile realism of live-action. 'Bring your tissues,' warned Tori Brazier of Metro, noting that the film amplifies both the emotional highs and lows. Mason Thames's portrayal of Hiccup is earning strong reviews. 'He showcases both a sympathetic vulnerability and an endearing quiet strength,' wrote Nikki Baughan of Screen International. Dessi Gomez of Deadline said Thames makes the role his own while still honoring Jay Baruchel's original performance. Nico Parker, playing Astrid, was also impressed, with Smith declaring their on-screen chemistry 'out-of-this-world.' Gerard Butler, the only returning cast member from the animated trilogy, reprises his role as Stoick and is said to bring a commanding physical presence that elevates the film's Viking world. Still, some criticism was directed at the film's tone and pacing. Kevin Maher of The Times (UK) described the acting as 'uneven,' suggesting the film lacks a clear vision beyond nostalgic mimicry. That's still up for debate. G. Allen Johnson of the San Francisco Chronicle went so far as to call it 'the first [live-action remake] that actually might be better than the original,' while others felt it didn't quite reach those heights. 'The jump between one already very contemporary format to another doesn't feel all that impactful,' noted one early review. Still, even skeptics admitted that the film successfully reintroduces a beloved world to a new generation. Critics agree that while the remake may not reinvent the story, it sets the stage for a potentially stronger live-action trilogy. 'With this do-over, DeBlois has the chance to reinforce the foundation,' wrote Peter Debruge of Variety. And according to Manalo, the film delivers 'an astonishing, heartfelt, and epic cinematic experience' sure to leave audiences eager to return to Berk. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a first-time dragon rider, How to Train Your Dragon offers a soaring return to a world where friendship, courage, and flight still rule the skies.
Yahoo
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‘How to Train Your Dragon' Flies to $198 Million Globally, ‘Lilo & Stitch' Surpasses $850 Million
It's a PG box office boon as two live-action remakes are notching impressive theatrical milestones. Universal and DreamWorks Animation's 'How to Train Your Dragon' is flying to $200 million globally in its debut, while Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' has surpassed $850 million worldwide after four weekends of release. Both of the family films are successfully selling tickets and drawing crowds despite catering to similar moviegoing demographics. More from Variety Box Office: 'How to Train Your Dragon' Soars to $83 Million Debut, A24's 'Materialists' Impresses With $12 Million Start 'How to Train Your Dragon' Used Bagpipes, Sheep Fur and the Faroe Islands to Bring the Remake to Life Box Office: 'How to Train Your Dragon' Lifts Off With Fourth-Biggest Opening Day of 2025, 'Materialists' Serving Third Place Debut 'How to Train Your Dragon' collected $114 million while landing in 81 overseas markets, ranking as the No. 1 movie at the international box office. The film also topped the charts in North America with $83 million for a global start of $197.8 million. Top territories include Mexico with $14 million, the United Kingdom and Ireland with $11.2 million and China with $11.2 million. Dean DeBlois wrote and direct the $150 million-budgeted 'How to Train Your Dragon' remake, having previously steered the animated trilogy, which includes the 2010 original, 2014's 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' and 2019's 'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,' to $1.6 billion globally. Set on the mythical viking village of Berk, the first story follows the adventures of a scrawny misfit teen named Hiccup, who befriends an injured dragon he calls Toothless. A live-action sequel, 'How to Train Your Dragon 2,' is already set for 2027. Parents with young kids also continued to fill seats for 'Lilo & Stitch,' which collected $31.1 million from 52 markets in its fourth frame. The comedic adventure about a misfit alien creature has generated $491 million overseas and $858 million worldwide since the Memorial Day holiday frame. As long as momentum sustains, 'Lilo & Stitch' is readying to become the year's first billion-dollar release. In another box office milestone, Paramount's 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' has crossed $500 million worldwide. The eighth entry in Tom Cruise's action franchise brought in $21 million from 66 territories over the weekend, boosting its haul to $340.5 million overseas and $506 million worldwide. However, Paramount spent roughly $400 million on production — and since movie theater owners get to keep about half of ticket sales, 'The Final Reckoning' won't come close to breaking even in its box office run.
