How to Train Your Dragon opens to $198 million

The latest installment in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise opened strongly at the global box office.

How to Train Your Dragon Records $198 Million Opening Weekend

How to Train Your Dragon launched with $197.8 million worldwide, marking a significant opening for Universal Pictures. This includes $114.1 million from international markets, which is slightly below earlier estimates but above pre-weekend projections. The film, directed by Dean DeBlois, is now the fourth biggest global opening of the year, right after major titles like A Minecraft Movie and Lilo & Stitch. It also stands as the seventh highest for live-action remakes. Notably, the film received strong word-of-mouth, which may help it sustain its box office success in the coming weeks. It was particularly successful in key markets such as Mexico, the UK, and China, where it scored the highest opening for a live-action adaptation this year, according to early projections.

The strong opening of How to Train Your Dragon reflects the enduring popularity of this franchise. Interestingly, the film performed exceptionally well across diverse international markets, suggesting a broad appeal that could translate into solid long-term earnings. The capacity to draw audiences despite competition from other titles hints at a robust fanbase and supports the idea that quality marketing and nostalgic affection can yield significant box office results. Additionally, as box office trends become more competitive, the film's success provides valuable insights into audience preferences and the potential for future adaptations.

Highlights

The performance may set the stage for future developments in animated adaptations.