The global box office is experiencing a family-friendly surge with two major live-action remakes—Universal and DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon and Disney’s Lilo & Stitch—leading the charge. Both PG-rated films have made significant theatrical strides, appealing to similar audiences of families and children. Despite competing for the same demographic, both are excelling concurrently, reflecting strong demand for nostalgic and high-quality family entertainment.
Dragon Reboot Soars Globally, Rekindling Franchise Magic with Nearly $200 Million Debut
How to Train Your Dragon soared in its global debut, earning nearly $200 million. The film raked in $114 million from 81 international markets, and another $83 million from North America, totaling $197.8 million globally. Top-performing territories include Mexico, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and China, each contributing over $11 million. The live-action adaptation, directed by Dean DeBlois—who also helmed the original animated trilogy—has successfully reignited fan interest, setting the stage for a sequel planned for 2027.
Family-Focused Box Office Booms as Dragon Reboot Soars and Lilo & Stitch Nears $1 BillionDean DeBlois, known for his work on the original How to Train Your Dragon trilogy that grossed $1.6 billion globally, returns with a $150 million live-action reboot. Set in the Viking village of Berk, the story follows Hiccup, a misfit teen, and his bond with a wounded dragon named Toothless. The new film preserves the charm and emotional core of the original, attracting both returning fans and new viewers, and reinforcing Universal’s commitment to expanding this beloved franchise.
Lilo & Stitch Nears Billion While Mission: Impossible Struggles Despite Crossing $500 Million
Meanwhile, Lilo & Stitch continues to charm audiences with its quirky alien and heartfelt Hawaiian setting. After four weeks, it has amassed $858 million globally, including $491 million from international markets. The film took in $31.1 million in its latest weekend across 52 markets. With sustained audience interest, the film is poised to become the first billion-dollar release of the year, solidifying Disney’s success with nostalgic live-action remakes.
In other box office news, Paramount’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning has surpassed $500 million globally. Despite this milestone, the eighth entry in the action series faces financial challenges due to its $400 million production budget. With exhibitors keeping roughly half of box office revenue, the film is unlikely to recoup its costs through theatrical release alone. This underscores the financial risk involved in big-budget filmmaking, even for established franchises.