The beloved How to Train Your Dragon franchise has returned with a triumphant bang as its latest installment “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” debuts to an $82 million opening weekend at the domestic box office. This marks the biggest opening ever for the animated series, proving the enduring popularity of Hiccup and Toothless’ adventures.
Breaking Down the Box Office Success
Record-Breaking Numbers
- $82M domestic opening (Franchise best – up 37% from HTTYD2)
- $277M global total after just 10 days
- #1 at the box office (dethroning Alita: Battle Angel)
- A+ CinemaScore (audience love matches critics’ 92% Rotten Tomatoes)
Why This Dragon Still Breathes Fire
- Nostalgia Factor – First film in the trilogy since 2014
- Premium Format Boom – 29% of gross from 3D/IMAX screens
- Family Film Drought – First major animated release in 2019
- Franchise Loyalty – Previous films earned $1.1B+ combined
How It Compares to Other Animated Openings
| Film | Opening Weekend | Final Domestic | Worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTYD: Hidden World | $82M | TBD | $277M+ |
| HTTYD 2 (2014) | $49M | $177M | $621M |
| Incredibles 2 (2018) | $182M | $608M | $1.24B |
| Frozen (2013) | $67M | $400M | $1.28B |
The Future of the Franchise
While marketed as the “final chapter”, the massive success has sparked speculation about:
- Possible spin-offs (Valka prequel? Night Fury origins?)
- Theme park expansions (Universal’s Dragon Flight ride upgrades)
- TV series continuation (Netflix’s Dragons: Rescue Riders)
Why Families Are Flocking to Theaters
Parent surveys reveal:
✔️ 92% said it was “better than expected”
✔️ 87% plan to see it again before home release
✔️ #1 reason for attendance: “We grew up with these characters”
Final Box Office Predictions
Industry analysts project:
- $350M+ domestic final (would make Top 5 animated films ever)
- $900M-$1B worldwide (likely passing Shrek 2’s $928M)
- Best-selling DreamWorks merchandise since Kung Fu Panda
