‘How to Train Your Dragon’ tops US box office with $83.7M
Share this @internewscast.com

Comscore’s Sunday estimates indicate that the Universal live-action version of the cherished animated series had an impressive North American opening, generating $83 million.

LOS ANGELES — “How to Train Your Dragon” took flight at the box office this weekend, proving that some remakes still have teeth.

As per Sunday’s Comscore estimates, the Universal live-action adaptation of the popular animated series achieved an outstanding $83.7 million opening weekend across theaters in North America. Helmed by franchise regular Dean DeBlois, the movie centers on the unexpected bond between Hiccup, a young Viking played by Mason Thames, and a dragon named Toothless.

This new installment easily surpassed the 2019 release, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” which started with a $55 million opening. Internationally, the latest film accumulated over $114.1 million, elevating its worldwide tally to $197.8 million total.

“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.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Photo of Julian Ryan.

Heroic Father Dies Protecting Family During Texas Floods After Severe Arm Injury

A courageous father of two lost his life after his arm was…
North Korean avoids land mines to cross DMZ into South Korea as Seoul softens stance on Pyongyang

North Korean Defector Dodges Land Mines to Enter South Korea Amid Warming Relations

A North Korean man walked across one of the most dangerous borders…
Couple in swimwear posing on a boat.

Gulf Coast Stapletons Influencer Stands by Husband After He Pleads Guilty to 20 Charges Related to Child Abuse Images

AN INFLUENCER has defended her husband online after he was sentenced to…
Netanyahu and Trump to meet in DC as Gaza’s fate without Hamas is debated

Netanyahu and Trump’s DC Meeting to Discuss Gaza’s Future in a Post-Hamas Context

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to…
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at an Ashura ceremony.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah, 86, Makes Public Appearance After Trump Advises Israel Against Targeting Him

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has made his first public appearance…
Michael Douglas says he has no intentions of returning to acting

Michael Douglas announces he doesn’t plan on acting again

Michael Douglas is enjoying his time away from Hollywood. The Oscar winner,…
Lolita, a killer whale, performing at the Miami Seaquarium.

What Led to Lolita’s Death? The World’s Loneliest Whale Dies Weeks After Millionaire Promised to Aid Orca’s Release After 50 Years

BELOVED orca Lolita, who was known for her mind-blowing tricks and decades…
Zelenskyy touts 'fruitful' Trump call after US president was 'disappointed' by Putin talk

Zelenskyy Praises Productive Trump Call Following US President’s Displeasure with Putin Conversation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that he had a “very important…
Muddy interior of a flood-damaged cabin with overturned furniture.

Texas Flood Tragedy: 50 Dead Including 15 Children, 27 Girls Missing from Camp Mystic

AT least 50 people including children have been killed in the Texas…
Yankees' Jazz Chisholm out of Subway Series lineup with shoulder issue

Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Misses Subway Series Game Due to Shoulder Problem

The Yankees, struggling with a six-game losing streak and several player absences,…
Birmingham Police searching for 2 suspects involved in armed robbery

Police in Birmingham seek two suspects connected to armed robbery.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Birmingham Police Department is seeking assistance from…
Celebrities, corporations open wallets after deadly flood in Texas Hill Country

Stars and businesses donate generously after Texas Hill Country flood disaster

As the search and relief efforts continue for victims affected by a…