Hollywood’s New Box Office Kings: How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch Dominate 2025

The Return of Two Beloved Stories

In a cinematic landscape increasingly driven by sequels, reboots, and remakes, two films have emerged as not only nostalgic crowd-pleasers but also commercial juggernauts: the live-action adaptations of How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch. As of mid-June 2025, these films are setting the pace for Hollywood’s summer slate — and possibly the entire year.

Lilo & Stitch: A Global Sensation

Since its release, Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch has raked in over $850 million globally, making it the studio’s biggest hit since The Lion King remake. With its heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and a lovable alien misfit, the film has resonated across continents, from U.S. theaters to Asian and Latin American markets.

Analysts now project Lilo & Stitch will surpass the coveted $1 billion milestone — a feat rarely achieved outside of superhero or fantasy franchises. The emotional core of the film, updated visuals, and fresh performances have reinvigorated the IP for a new generation.

How to Train Your Dragon: A Worthy Reimagining

Meanwhile, Universal’s live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon has soared past $200 million worldwide in just a few weeks. Though not quite on the scale of Lilo & Stitch, its early success is impressive for a non-Disney property — and a strong sign of the franchise’s enduring appeal.

Critics have praised the adaptation for maintaining the emotional depth and visual wonder of the original animated trilogy. With the return of director Dean DeBlois and a young, charismatic cast, the film has captured audiences with a blend of Viking lore, dragon magic, and coming-of-age heart.

Sequels and Spinoffs in Motion

The box office success has already translated into future plans. Universal officially announced a live-action Dragon sequel, set to release in June 2027, with Dean DeBlois back at the helm. Disney, while yet to confirm, is rumored to be exploring a Lilo & Stitch sequel or series adaptation for Disney+.

This momentum signifies more than just a financial win — it marks a shift in how legacy animation is being repackaged for modern cinema-goers, blending nostalgia with cinematic spectacle.

What This Means for Hollywood

In an era when original concepts often struggle to gain traction, these two films prove that emotional storytelling, cultural resonance, and smart casting can still turn a remake into a box office phenomenon. With Hollywood often criticized for creative complacency, Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon offer a rare example where remakes have elevated the source material instead of merely recycling it.

As Lilo & Stitch eyes a billion and Dragon sets up a long-term live-action arc, one thing is clear: the era of animation-to-live-action excellence is just getting started.