$565 Million Live-Action Remake Instantly Surges On VOD

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. As Disney’s many live-action remake successes have 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, which earned over $1 billion at the box office. Having realized the potential of these films, the studio quickly focused on making other remakes. These reimagined films included Beauty and the Beast (2017), Aladdin (2019), and The Lion King (2019), which earned over $1 billion each.

Unfortunately, there have been some live-action failures. Mulan (2020) and Disney’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. While Lilo & Sтιтch (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 with How To Train Your Dragon 2, which is scheduled for a June 11, 2027, release.

As the remake makes its way to the small screen, How to Train Your Dragon is already performing well on VOD. According to iTunes, it currently tops the charts among movie rentals, having taken the #1 place. It sits ahead of Ballerina: From the World of John Wick, Megan 2.0, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Thunderbolts*: The New Avengers.

What This Means For How To Train Your Dragon

DreamWorks Is Over The Moon

This movie is already a box office juggernaut, and the next few months will only see it become even more prominent.

For successful movies like How To Train Your Dragon (2025), the new landscape means that it can run up the proverbial score. Even if it has already seen mᴀssive accomplishments at the box office, DreamWorks can draw in even more income through 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. When How To Train Your Dragon begins streaming, it will likely debut in the top spot on Peacock, just as it did on iTunes. This is an excellent sign for the franchise and perfect news for live-action remakes.

Source: iTunes