DreamWorks and Universal Pictures’ live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon has officially begun its digital journey. After a successful global theatrical run that reaffirmed the franchise’s enduring appeal, the film is now available to rent or purchase on major digital platforms. With a 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD release scheduled for next month, the studio is extending the life of the fantasy epic far beyond cinemas.
This home release arrives at a moment when physical and digital sales are becoming an increasingly important pillar of a film’s lifecycle. And with the film already crossing the half-a-billion-dollar mark at the worldwide box office, the studio is counting on strong digital demand from longtime fans and new viewers discovering the story for the first time.
Available Now on Major Platforms
As of July 15, How to Train Your Dragon can be rented or purchased on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. This marks the first opportunity for audiences worldwide to revisit—or newly experience—this bold reimagining of one of DreamWorks’ most beloved properties from the comfort of their homes.
The physical media release is set for August 12, when the film will arrive on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD. These editions are expected to appeal not only to collectors but also to fans eager to explore exclusive behind-the-scenes material.
According to USA Today, the bonus content on the home release will include: Deleted scenes, introduced by director Dean DeBlois, Behind-the-scenes featurettes showcasing the production’s transition from animation to live action, Director’s commentary and in-depth creative insights
This additional content aims to provide a fuller understanding of the film’s production choices, from casting and costume design to the visual effects that brought dragons to life on real-world landscapes.
A Box Office Flight Worth Noting
The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon opened to a wide theatrical rollout, spanning over 60,000 screens across the globe. According to Box Office Mojo, the film earned an impressive $562.8 million worldwide, with $241 million of that total coming from the U.S. domestic market and the remaining $321.7 million from international territories.
These figures underscore the continued resonance of the story, particularly in key overseas markets where the franchise has maintained a strong fanbase since its animated origins. The film’s visual scale and grounded tone made it well-suited for IMAX and premium large-format screens, helping drive repeat viewership and family attendance during its theatrical run.
Reimagining a Classic: Story and Vision
Set in the windswept Nordic island of Berk, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon retells the story of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (played by Mason Thames), a brainy yet underestimated Viking teenager who befriends a feared dragon—Toothless—and challenges his tribe’s longstanding beliefs. Alongside Astrid Hofferson (Nico Parker), a brave and fiercely independent fighter, Hiccup must reconcile the brutal traditions of his people with a more compassionate future where humans and dragons coexist.
Reinventing this tale in live action posed both creative challenges and opportunities for director Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original animated trilogy. In an interview with Reuters, DeBlois explained his approach to the adaptation:
“It was certainly a fun challenge to take a story that I had basically put to bed after spending a decade of my life on it and to sort of dive back into the world but through the live action lens,” said DeBlois.
“We could present a very grounded, a very credible version of this world. And that meant being able to scout locations in Iceland and the Faroe Islands and Scotland to start to design and build actual sets … where we could walk around and touch things.”
That grounded vision is one of the film’s major differentiators. Moving away from the stylized animation of the original trilogy, the live-action version leans heavily on real-world locations and practical set designs to create a tactile, lived-in world. The emotional arc between Hiccup and Toothless remains intact, but the tone is slightly more mature, allowing the story to resonate with both new audiences and those who grew up with the original films.
The Future of the Franchise: Sequel Confirmed
With the film now available on digital and a physical release around the corner, Universal has already moved to capitalize on its success. A sequel has officially been confirmed and is currently in development, with a planned release date of June 11, 2027.
DeBlois will return to direct the follow-up, which is expected to continue the journey of Hiccup and Toothless as they navigate new threats to their fragile peace. Speaking again to Reuters, DeBlois acknowledged the weight of expectations:
“I feel relieved that the movie is being embraced, that audiences are showing up and they’re definitely demonstrating that there’s still an appetite for this world and these characters,” he said.
“And I also feel the pressure to deliver at the highest level we can … No instalment of How to Train Your Dragon should feel like a disappointment that stains the franchise. So I always feel that pressure, for sure.”
His comments suggest that while commercial performance is important, maintaining the emotional and thematic integrity of the series remains a top priority.
How to Train Your Dragon continues to prove its relevance in the crowded landscape of franchise filmmaking. With strong box office returns, a well-received live-action reimagining, and now a home release filled with added value, the film is positioned for a long post-theatrical life. The announcement of a sequel only further affirms that this is not a one-off revival, but the start of a renewed chapter for the franchise.
For fans old and new, the digital release marks an accessible entry point into a world where dragons fly, but the heart of the story remains grounded in human courage, empathy, and change.
