‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Soars to Number 1 with over $80 Million After Mostly Positive Reviews

DreamWorks released the 2025 live-action version of “How to Train Your Dragon” to movie theatres this weekend. Not only is the film a critical success, but moviegoers have also largely preferred it over the competition. According to Deadline, it grossed an impressive $83.7 million at the U.S. movie box office. 

Regarding its breakdown, the 2025 version of “How to Train Your Dragon” made $35.6 million on Friday, $26.5 million on Saturday, and is predicted to earn $21.7 million on Sunday. This is from 4,256 US theatres. 

The number two movie at this weekend’s box office was Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch.” This is its fourth weekend of release, and it earned $15.5 million. Its total box office is currently $366.3 million. 

Besides “How to Train Your Dragon,” the other new movie released this weekend was A24’s “Materialists.” It grossed $12 million from 2,844 U.S. theaters and came in at number three. The rest of the top five include “Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning” at number four with $10.3 million and “Ballerina” at number five with 9.4 million. 

Here’s What the Critics Are Saying about the 2025 version of “How to Train Your Dragon”

Many people are skeptical about going to the movies, as some films may not live up to their hype. As for “How to Train Your Dragon,” it currently has a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which means it’s certified fresh. 

However, it has a 98% popcornmeter rating on the site, indicating that audiences like it more than critics. The film also has an “A” cinema score from moviegoers. Oftentimes, scores this high signal a movie that will continue to do well at the box office for weeks to come. 

Still, the reception for “How to Train Your Dragon” hasn’t been all positive. As with most live-action remakes, some critics question why the film exists. Many have even called it nothing more than a shot-by-shot remake. 

Summer 2025 Has Several Major Movies

“How to Train Your Dragon” will have some stiff competition as the weeks go by. Disney Pixar is releasing “Elio” on June 20th, targeting the same family audiences. Although a different genre, “28 Years Later” is also set for release on June 20th, and there has been considerable excitement for it. 

Of course, James Gunn’s “Superman” hits screens in less than a month on July 11th and is sure to dominate the movie box office. Additionally, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is scheduled for release on July 25th. Still, “How to Train Your Dragon” seems poised to do well for weeks to come.