The excitement around Universal’s latest release, How to Train Your Dragon, is palpable as it debuts successfully in theaters. With an impressive opening of $197.8 million worldwide, this beloved franchise is soaring once again.
According to Variety, the film has garnered $114 million from international markets alone, with Mexico, the UK and Ireland, and China emerging as key contributors. Both critics and audiences have responded favorably to this remake, which capitalizes on the enduring popularity of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. Over the years, Hiccup and Toothless’ adventures have continued through animated films and several TV shows, maintaining a strong presence in pop culture. Combining that with a strategic marketing campaign and this being DreamWorks’ first remake has made it easy for families and young adults to choose this film for their outing. Not surprisingly, Universal is already eyeing a sequel, scheduled for release in June 2027.
How is Lilo & Stitch Performing?
Another heavy hitter this summer, Lilo & Stitch continues to rake in revenue, adding $46.6 million globally for a total of $858 million. Much like How to Train Your Dragon, its success is largely fueled by international audiences, with $31.3 million coming from abroad and $15.5 million from domestic viewings. If current trends continue, Lilo & Stitch may soon become the first film of 2025 to cross the billion-dollar mark—an impressive feat considering its competition.
What’s Next for Family Films This Summer?
In the coming weeks, Pixar’s Elio will join the mix of exciting kid-friendly films in theaters. The lineup also includes the older-skewed M3GAN 2.0 and F1, set to debut at the end of June, followed by Jurassic World Rebirth on July 2, Superman on July 11, and Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25. It’s clear that the summer movie season is in full swing!
What factors contribute to the massive success of movies like How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch? The combination of nostalgia, strong franchise history, and appealing trailers plays a significant role. Families are drawn not just for the entertainment but also for the emotional connection these stories bring.
Why do animated remakes tend to outperform the originals? Many audiences appreciate the blend of classic storytelling with modern animation techniques, offering both a sense of familiarity and fresh artistic interpretation.
What other upcoming films should families look forward to this summer? Aside from Elio, titles like Jurassic World Rebirth and Fantastic Four: First Steps promise thrilling adventures that cater to various age groups.
As we dive deeper into the summer cinematic offerings, it’s a good time to reflect on the significant impact animated franchises have on audience engagement and box office success. Each successive movie not only entertains but also strengthens the connections fans have with these beloved characters.
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