How to Train Your Dragon (2025) – Box Office Collections, Storyline, and Everything You Need to Know

The dragons have officially taken flight again—this time in live action. How to Train Your Dragon (2025), the long-awaited live-action remake of DreamWorks’ beloved 2010 animated classic, has soared at the global box office, winning the hearts of both nostalgic fans and new audiences. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original trilogy, the film has become one of 2025’s most successful releases, cementing itself as a major milestone for Universal and DreamWorks.

With $624.4 million worldwide as of August 15, 2025, the film has become the highest-grossing entry in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise and the fifth-highest-grossing film of the year. Let’s dive deep into its box office numbers, plot details, cast, production journey, and critical reception.

The Return of a Beloved Franchise

The original How to Train Your Dragon trilogy (2010–2019) is widely regarded as one of DreamWorks Animation’s finest achievements. Known for its heartfelt storytelling, soaring visuals, and John Powell’s unforgettable score, the trilogy has a passionate fan base. When Universal announced in 2023 that Dean DeBlois would return to adapt the story into a live-action feature, fans were both excited and cautious.

This remake marks DreamWorks Animation’s first live-action project, a bold step for a studio historically known for animated hits like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar.

Plot Summary – A Familiar Yet Fresh Adventure

The story of How to Train Your Dragon (2025) closely follows the 2010 animated film while offering a more grounded, realistic take.

The Viking island of Berk is plagued by constant dragon raids. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Mason Thames), the awkward son of the chieftain Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his role from the animated films), longs to prove himself. During one raid, Hiccup manages to shoot down a legendary dragon—the elusive Night Fury.

When he discovers the creature—whom he names Toothless—injured and trapped, Hiccup makes a surprising choice: instead of killing it, he frees it. This compassionate act sparks a bond between boy and dragon that will change Berk forever.

As Hiccup secretly trains Toothless, he learns that dragons are not the mindless beasts his people believe them to be. With Astrid Hofferson (Nico Parker) and a group of Viking teens by his side, Hiccup must ultimately face the terrifying Red Death, a monstrous dragon that threatens both humans and dragons alike.

The story balances adventure, heart, and themes of friendship, courage, and empathy, ensuring that the magic of the original is still intact.

Cast – A Blend of New Faces and Familiar Voices

The live-action remake introduces a fresh cast while bringing back one familiar voice fans know well:

• Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

• Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson

• Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast (reprising his iconic role)

• Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch

• Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson

• Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman

• Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston

• Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston

• Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout Jorgenson

The casting of Thames and Parker as Hiccup and Astrid was widely praised, while Butler’s return gave the project a nostalgic emotional anchor.

Box Office Performance

The film has been nothing short of a global success.

Opening Weekend

Released in the U.S. on June 13, 2025, How to Train Your Dragon exceeded expectations.

• Opening Day: $35.6 million (including $11.1 million from previews)

• Opening Weekend: $84.6 million – topping the box office and marking the best opening in franchise history

• Ranking as the fourth-highest opening weekend of 2025, behind A Minecraft Movie, Lilo & Stitch, and Captain America: Brave New World

Domestic Box Office

As of August 15, 2025, the film has earned $261.9 million in the United States and Canada.

• Second Weekend: $37 million (a drop of 56.8%), holding the #1 spot ahead of 28 Years Later and Elio

• Third Weekend: $19.6 million, where it slipped behind F1

International Box Office

The film has collected $362.5 million overseas, bringing its worldwide total to $624.4 million. Strong markets include the UK, Mexico, and several European territories, with Asia also contributing significantly.

Budget vs Earnings

With a production budget of $150 million, the film has been highly profitable, easily surpassing its costs and paving the way for sequels.

Why the Film Worked

Several factors contributed to the success of How to Train Your Dragon (2025):

1. Nostalgia + Fresh Appeal – Fans of the original trilogy were eager to see a live-action version, while new audiences discovered the story for the first time.

2. Dean DeBlois’ Return – Having the original writer-director ensured authenticity and continuity.

3. Gerard Butler’s Comeback – Reprising Stoick added weight and a sense of legacy.

4. John Powell’s Score – The composer returned with reimagined versions of the franchise’s iconic music, which was a major emotional driver.

5. Visual Effects – Toothless in live action captured hearts all over again, blending realism with charm.

Critical Reception

The film received generally positive reviews from critics. Many praised its visual spectacle, emotional core, and loyalty to the original story. Critics highlighted:

• Performances: Mason Thames and Nico Parker were commended for their chemistry and heartfelt portrayals.

• Direction: Dean DeBlois brought cinematic scale without losing the intimacy of the story.

• Visuals: The dragons, particularly Toothless, were praised for their lifelike yet expressive designs.

Some reviews noted that while the remake doesn’t offer major surprises for fans of the animated classic, it succeeds in reintroducing the franchise to a new generation.

Sequel Plans

Universal and DreamWorks have already announced that the sequel to the live-action remake—based on How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)—is scheduled for release on June 11, 2027. Given the financial and critical success of the first installment, anticipation for the next chapter is sky-high.

Final Verdict

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) proves that some stories are timeless. By staying true to the heart of the original while adding new visual depth through live action, the film managed to balance nostalgia with innovation. Its $624.4 million box office haul and overwhelmingly positive audience response prove that the bond between Hiccup and Toothless still resonates deeply.

With a sequel already in the works, this new live-action era of the franchise has only just begun. The skies of Berk are wide open, and fans around the world are ready to soar again.