How To Train Your Dragon Live Action Box Office Soars to $206M Worldwide!

The How To Train Your Dragon Live Action Box Office numbers are in, and Universal’s remake has ignited the global box office with a fiery $206.2 million debut.

Directed by Dean DeBlois, the live-action adaptation of the beloved 2010 animated classic opened on June 13, 2025, earning $93.2 million domestically (45.2%) and $113 million internationally (54.8%), according to Box Office Mojo.

Starring Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, the film has outpaced its animated predecessors, setting a new franchise record. Here’s a deep dive into its box office performance and what’s driving its success.

What Are the Final Box Office Numbers for How To Train Your Dragon?

The live-action How To Train Your Dragon grossed $206,180,890 worldwide in its opening weekend, per Box Office Mojo. Domestically, it earned $93,168,890 across 4,356 theaters, securing a per-theater average of approximately $19,215.

Internationally, it collected $113,012,000 from 81 markets, with standout performances in Mexico ($14M), the UK ($4.8M), and China ($2.3M). This global haul marks the fourth-best worldwide opening of 2025, trailing A Minecraft Movie ($951M), Lilo & Stitch ($858M), and China’s Ne Zha 2.

It also ranks as the seventh-biggest opening for a live-action remake, behind Disney’s The Lion King and Aladdin.

How Does the Live-Action Opening Compare to the Animated Franchise?

The How To Train Your Dragon Live Action Box Office debut of $83.7 million domestically surpasses the animated trilogy’s openings: $43.7M for the 2010 original, $49.5M for How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), and $55.8M for The Hidden World (2019).

Worldwide, the live-action film’s $197.8M opening (adjusted to $206.2M with Monday earnings) nearly matches the entire theatrical run of the first film ($494M). The animated trilogy grossed $1.6 billion globally, with international markets historically driving 70% of earnings.

The live-action version’s 54.8% international share suggests strong overseas appeal, fueled by nostalgia and Universal’s robust marketing.

Why Did How To Train Your Dragon Perform So Strongly?

Several factors propelled the How To Train Your Dragon Live Action Box Office success. The film earned an “A” CinemaScore and a 98% Rotten Tomatoes audience score, reflecting enthusiastic word-of-mouth.

Its appeal spans families and Gen Z audiences, with 34% of ticket buyers under 12 and 31% aged 18–34. Universal’s marketing blitz included spots during NBA Finals, a WWE co-promo, and a primetime NBC special, Soaring to Life.

The film’s release coincided with the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe theme park, featuring an Isle of Berk attraction. Premium formats like IMAX and 4DX accounted for 40% of its gross, boosting ticket sales.

Which Markets Drove the International Box Office?

The international How To Train Your Dragon Live Action Box Office haul of $113 million came from 61,500 screens across 81 territories. Mexico led with $14 million, followed by the UK & Ireland ($4.8M, including $3.3M in previews).

China, despite no previews, grossed $2.3M on opening day, marking the biggest launch for a live-action adaptation in five years. Other key markets included Brazil ($2.7M), Korea ($4.3M), and France ($1.4M in previews).

The film’s 99% CVG Egg score in Korea and 41% market share in the UK underscore its global resonance.

What Challenges Does the Film Face Moving Forward?

Despite its strong start, How To Train Your Dragon faces competition from Pixar’s Elio and Sony’s 28 Years Later, both releasing June 20, 2025. With a reported $150 million production budget and $100 million in marketing, the film needs approximately $375–400 million to break even theatrically.

Its -62.4% drop from Sunday to Monday ($8.5M) suggests front-loaded demand, but family-friendly PG films often enjoy strong legs. Lilo & Stitch, for example, held well against Dragon, earning $15.5M in its fourth weekend. Universal’s confidence is evident, with a sequel already slated for 2027.

Highlights of How To Train Your Dragon Box Office  

• Worldwide Gross: $206,180,890.

• Domestic Gross: $93,168,890 (45.2%).

• International Gross: $113,012,000 (54.8%).

• Opening Weekend: $83.7M domestic, $197.8M global.

• Top Markets: Mexico ($14M), UK ($4.8M), China ($2.3M).

• Theater Count: 4,356 domestic, 61,500 international.

• Audience Scores: 98% Rotten Tomatoes, “A” CinemaScore.

• Release Date: June 13, 2025.

Some Closing Thoughts: A Fiery Start for Hiccup and Toothless

The How To Train Your Dragon Live Action Box Office performance cements its place as a 2025 summer hit, with $206.2 million in global ticket sales and a record-breaking franchise debut.

Universal’s gamble on a live-action remake has paid off, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge visuals to captivate audiences.

As Hiccup and Toothless soar into their second weekend, all eyes are on whether they can fend off new releases and chase the animated trilogy’s $1.6 billion legacy.

Join the conversation on X and catch this dragon-flying spectacle in theaters!