In the age of live-action remakes, one recent remake is now thriving on VOD services. In recent years, classic animated movies, which thrived in theaters for nearly a century, have given way to a new reality for studios. AsDisney’s many live-action remake successeshave proven, audiences have a desire to see their childhood favorites in a more realistic style.
The trend began in earnest with Disney’s 2010 release,Alice in Wonderland, whichearned over $1 billionat the box office. Having realized the potential of these films, the studio quickly focused on making other remakes. These reimagined films includedBeauty and the Beast(2017),Aladdin(2019), andThe Lion King(2019), which earned over $1 billion each.
Unfortunately, there have been some live-action failures.Mulan(2020) andDisney’s Snow White(2025) all proved to be box office disappointments, raising questions about the viability of live-action remakes in the post-COVID box office landscape. WhileLilo & Stitch(2025) dissuaded those concerns, another studio is offering further proof that audiences still love these releases.
How To Train Your Dragon Is Already Surging On VOD
It Is Thriving Already
DreamWorks' first live-action adaptation,How To Train Your Dragon(2025), reimagined the 2010 animated classic. Led by Mason Thames (Hiccup) and Nico Parker (Astrid), the movie explores the tension between Vikings and their dragon attackers, as Hiccup slowly uncovers the truth behind their generations-old war. In doing so,Hiccup unintentionally ushered in a new age for DreamWorks.
After all, the movie has proven to be a box office giant,grossing over $550 million against a $150 million budget.It has also thrilled audiences, earning a 97% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. DreamWorks is already moving forward withHow To Train Your Dragon 2, which is scheduled for a Jun 14, 2025, release.
As the remake makes its way to the small screen,How to Train Your Dragonis already performing well on VOD. According toiTunes, it currently tops the charts among movie rentals, havingtaken the #1 place. It sits ahead ofBallerina: From the World of John Wick,Megan 2.0, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe’sThunderbolts*: The New Avengers.
DreamWorks Is Over The Moon
Image via Universal Pictures
Hollywood is currently experiencingmassive changes in the industry, as the rise of streaming platforms has impacted the traditional calculus that once ruled the industry. Instead of relying largely on theatrical performances, studios are beginning to see success through streaming more prominently. Thus, there is a pattern where movies that failed in theaters can still reach profitability.
This movie is already a box office juggernaut, and the next few months will only see it become even more prominent.
For successful movies likeHow To Train Your Dragon(2025), the new landscape means that it can run up the proverbial score. Even if it has already seen massive accomplishments at the box office,DreamWorks can draw in even more incomethrough VOD and streaming. Audiences can watch movies at home, while studios enjoy further success.
This movie is already a box office juggernaut, and the next few months will only see it become even more prominent. WhenHow To Train Your Dragonbegins streaming, it will likely debut in the top spot on Peacock, just as it did oniTunes. This is an excellent sign for the franchise and perfect news for live-action remakes.
