The live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” has recently outperformed Christopher Nolan’s 2017 war film “Dunkirk” in domestic box office earnings, marking a significant milestone for the DreamWorks Animation production. Released on June 13, 2025, the remake garnered $225 million in domestic revenue, surpassing “Dunkirk,” which earned $190 million in the United States during its theatrical run.
Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original animated trilogy, the “How to Train Your Dragon” live-action project was met with skepticism before release, as many fans questioned the necessity of revisiting the beloved franchise. Despite doubts, DreamWorks forged ahead, completing filming by May 2024 and releasing the film globally.
Financially, the live-action remake has accumulated $294 million worldwide, culminating in a total of $520 million globally. Meanwhile, “Dunkirk,” with a reported global box office of $338 million, has made $530 million internationally. While the live-action film has edged past “Dunkirk” domestically, overall global numbers still favor Nolan’s war epic.
Contrasting Audience Appeal Shapes Box Office Performance
“How to Train Your Dragon” has attracted a broad demographic, including children, families, nostalgic viewers, and young adults who grew up with the original animated series from the early 2010s. Its wide appeal contrasts with “Dunkirk,” which catered to a narrower, niche crowd primarily composed of history enthusiasts and war film aficionados.
Thematically, Nolan’s “Dunkirk” is a serious and immersive tale focused on the evacuation of Allied soldiers during World War II, providing an intense, realistic portrayal of warfare that is not oriented toward family audiences. Conversely, “How to Train Your Dragon” combines fantasy, adventure, and family-friendly elements, enabling it to reach a diverse and extensive audience base.
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk: A Bold and Innovative War Film
Though not universally regarded as Christopher Nolan’s greatest cinematic achievement, “Dunkirk” stands out as his most daring endeavor, marking his entry into war cinema. The film explores the harrowing historical events of 1940 from multiple perspectives, blending past combat sequences with the immediate emotional experience of soldiers awaiting rescue on a besieged beach.
Nolan’s narrative interweaves time and war to build tension, combining masterful storytelling with Hans Zimmer’s evocative score and a strong ensemble cast. The film captures the humanity of those involved on all sides—soldiers, pilots, and civilians—highlighting both the brutality of war and moments of compassion and brotherhood.
Scenes such as the dogfights, soldiers’ desperation, and the symbolic burning plane convey the stark realities of survival, while the crescendo of music contrasts despair with hope. These creative choices made “Dunkirk” a distinctive contribution to the war genre, setting it apart from traditional war films and reshaping audience expectations.
The Significance of the Box Office Shift and What Lies Ahead
The domestic box office success of the live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” remake demonstrates DreamWorks Animation’s growing expertise in adapting animated franchises into successful live-action films. However, the fact that it has surpassed “Dunkirk” on home turf raises reflective questions about how different genres and audience segments influence box office results.
While “Dunkirk” remains a landmark film for Nolan and war cinema by virtue of its innovative storytelling and emotional depth, the achievement by “How to Train Your Dragon” highlights the ongoing popularity of family-oriented fantasy films in mainstream markets. This dynamic may influence future project choices for studios prioritizing both critical acclaim and commercial viability.
Currently, “How to Train Your Dragon” continues to screen in select theaters worldwide, while “Dunkirk” is available for streaming on Netflix in the USA, enabling audiences to engage with both films across different platforms.
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In a perfect world… this wouldn’t have happened. Don’t get me wrong, I’m quite happy for How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake breaking box office records and finding critical acclaim.
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I’m just not happy about the fact that the remake managed to surpass and overtake domestically, one of the most iconic Christopher Nolan movies of all time.
” —Unknown
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Although Nolan’s movie was highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes, it seems that DreamWorks Animation has finally figured out the key to making good live-action remakes, but at the cost of undermining a hardcore Christopher Nolan war movie.
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What do you think of Dunkirk and How to Train Your Dragon? Let us know your thoughts below.
” —Unknown
