The live-action How to Train Your Dragon is off to a flying start at the box office. Experts believe the movie might earn about $75 million during its opening weekend in the U.S. If this holds true, it would be the strongest opening ever for the entire Dragon franchise.
The film is being released by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks, and it is expected to bring in between $70 and $80 million during its debut weekend.
This would beat the 2019 animated film How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, which made $55 million in its opening.
‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON’ is the first theatrical live-action remake of an animated film that actually cost less than its original film.
— HTTYD Live Action News (@HttydLANews) June 11, 2025
Live action - $150M
Animated - $165M pic.twitter.com/KvQxXaCbN8
Preview showings on Thursday have already brought in an impressive $8 to $9 million, which is a good sign. This shows that fans are eager to return to the world of Hiccup and Toothless, now in live action.
These strong early numbers also put it in the same league as other big family films, like Frozen 2, when it first released.
The film is arriving just in time for Father’s Day weekend, a strategic choice that should help boost family attendance even more. Parents and kids alike are expected to fill theaters, especially since the original animated trilogy is still loved by audiences of all ages.
Reviews for the movie are mostly positive. Reviewers are impressed with how real the dragons look and how well the actors show emotion in their roles.
The film is currently holding a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the better-reviewed live-action remakes.
With strong reviews, high demand, and a well-loved story, How to Train Your Dragon is expected to be one of the biggest movies of the summer.
A sequel has already been announced for June 2027, which suggests the studio has big plans for this franchise going forward.
Image Source: Filmyfenil.com
