How to Train Your Dragon has taken flight with a massive opening weekend, dethroning Lilo & Stitch: The Series Live-Action Adaptation and setting a new benchmark for the franchise.

According to Deadline, the DreamWorks revival is expected to earn around $82.7 million over its first three days in theaters — surpassing initial forecasts and marking the strongest debut of any film in the beloved dragon-filled series.

The movie didn’t just top expectations; it dominated the box office entirely, coming in at No. 1 domestically and ending Lilo & Stitch ’s three-week run at the top. That live-action reboot had held steady since its release, but How to Train Your Dragon brought such strong audience turnout that even big-name sequels would be proud.

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A Franchise Comeback

This isn’t just another win for animation — it’s a major comeback for the How to Train Your Dragon brand. Originally launched in 2010, the franchise has seen huge success across films and TV shows, but this latest entry proves there’s still plenty of fire left in Berk.

With family audiences returning to theaters in droves and nostalgia fueling interest, the movie tapped into both longtime fans and a new generation of dragon lovers. It also benefited from positive early reviews and strong word-of-mouth, which helped maintain momentum through the weekend.

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What’s Next?

While Lilo & Stitch will likely hold onto second place this week, its lead was no match for Toothless and Hiccup’s return. And with more family-friendly fare on the horizon, the race for box office supremacy is far from over.

For now, though, How to Train Your Dragon has set a high bar — one that future animated reboots will have a hard time flying past.

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