Universal Pictures’ live-action reboot of How to Train Your Dragon opened to an impressive $83.7 million across the U.S. and Canada, surpassing its competitors in its debut weekend. As part of the DreamWorks Animation franchise, this reimagined version quickly rose to the top of the box office, continuing a strong trend for family-oriented films. It outperformed Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action adaptation, which earned $15 million over the same weekend and now totals $366 million after 24 days in theaters.
Franchise Legacy and Timely Release Fuel Box Office Revival for Family Films
The expectations for How to Train Your Dragon were high, given the franchise’s proven track record. The original animated film released in 2010 raked in nearly $495 million globally, followed by a 2014 sequel grossing over $621 million. The third installment, The Hidden World, released in 2019, added nearly $540 million to the franchise’s earnings. This consistent success made the series a reliable asset for Universal, and the latest live-action adaptation aims to build on that established momentum.
The release of How to Train Your Dragon comes at a pivotal time for the movie industry. After a slow first quarter, family-friendly films have significantly boosted theater attendance. Recent successes like Warner Bros.’ A Minecraft Movie and Disney’s Lilo & Stitch have helped reignite interest in cinema outings, particularly among families with children. The renewed enthusiasm for kid-friendly entertainment is seen as a driving force behind the improved box office performance.
Family Films and Hybrid Storytelling Revitalize Post-Pandemic Moviegoing for All Age Groups
Family audiences, once hesitant to return to theaters following the COVID-19 pandemic, are now proving essential to the industry’s rebound. Last summer’s box office was also buoyed by animated hits like Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4, which pulled in large crowds during a time of concern about moviegoer turnout. These films have reassured studios that family content continues to be a strong revenue generator.
The success of How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch underscores a growing trend in hybrid filmmaking — blending live-action performances with CGI characters. According to industry analyst David A. Gross, this technique is becoming a staple of modern storytelling. Since the landmark 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the hybrid format has gained traction, recently evident in franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog and Paddington. This creative approach offers filmmakers a powerful tool to captivate both children and adults alike.
