Gerard Butler’s star power is soaring once again as the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon storms the top of Netflix’s US streaming charts. Just one day after its release, the 2025 remake became the platform’s number one movie, reflecting both the franchise’s enduring popularity and Butler’s compelling return to a beloved role.

A Beloved Franchise Returns

The live-action adaptation brings the classic DreamWorks animated trilogy to life for the first time. Mason Thames stars as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the young Viking who befriends Toothless, the Night Fury dragon. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father, blending his commanding presence with heartfelt nuance.

The original animated trilogy, celebrated for its rich storytelling and memorable characters, has long been a favorite among families and fantasy fans. The live-action remake, directed by Dean DeBlois, stays faithful to the story while expanding the visual spectacle, earning both critical praise and audience admiration.

Box Office and Streaming Triumph

Prior to its Netflix debut, the live-action film earned $636 million worldwide against a $150 million production budget, underscoring its box office appeal. The film’s streaming success on Netflix demonstrates the growing synergy between theatrical releases and digital platforms, as fans flock to watch the story unfold at home.

According to review aggregators, the movie holds a Certified Fresh 77% from critics and a Verified Hot 97% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting its broad appeal. Critics praised the film for balancing nostalgia with fresh performances, while viewers applauded Butler and Thames for bringing depth and emotion to their characters.

Butler’s Career Momentum

The remake’s success adds to Gerard Butler’s strong 2026 start, following hits like Greeland 2: Migration and the streaming resurgence of the 2021 thriller Copshop. Butler’s performance as Stoick has been widely lauded for capturing the character’s evolution from a skeptical Viking leader to a father learning to trust the bond between humans and dragons.

Butler’s role is central to the film’s emotional resonance, anchoring Hiccup’s journey while delivering the commanding presence fans have come to expect. This live-action adaptation marks a rare occasion where an actor reprises their animated role in a fully realized, live-action setting.

What’s Next for the Franchise

The success of the live-action remake has already paved the way for a sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2, scheduled for release on June 11, 2027. Gerard Butler will once again portray Stoick, continuing to bring gravitas to the father-son dynamic at the heart of the franchise.

The remake’s popularity on Netflix may encourage additional adaptations and extensions of the franchise, blending animation and live-action storytelling in ways that appeal to both nostalgic fans and a new generation of viewers.

Why Fans Are Flocking to Netflix

The film’s blend of adventure, fantasy, and heartfelt storytelling has struck a chord with audiences. The visual effects and practical action sequences bring the Viking world to life, while the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless remains as compelling as ever.

As streaming platforms continue to dominate home entertainment, How to Train Your Dragon exemplifies how a well-loved franchise can thrive in multiple formats, from box office hits to digital blockbusters. Butler’s continued involvement ensures that fans have a familiar, charismatic presence guiding the story forward.

Conclusion

With record-breaking streaming numbers and a sequel already announced, How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake proves that Gerard Butler’s appeal remains as strong as ever. Fans can expect more epic adventures, emotional storytelling, and dragons soaring through cinematic and streaming skies alike.