From animated dragons to zombie thrillers, this weekend’s box office was a cinematic rollercoaster of emotions, genres, and surprises. With sequels soaring and new releases stumbling, here’s a comprehensive look at how Hollywood fared this weekend—and what moviegoers are loving right now.

1. How to Train Your Dragon (2025) – Soars to the Top Again

Weekend Gross: $37 million
Total Domestic: $160.48 million
Weeks in Release: 2

Backed by dazzling animation and heartfelt storytelling, How to Train Your Dragon retains the top spot in its second week. A strong 17-theater expansion pushed it to 4,373 screens, reinforcing its wide appeal among families and fans of the franchise.

Why It’s Trending:
A beloved franchise, emotional depth, and wide accessibility across age groups give this animated sequel serious staying power.

2. 28 Years Later – Reviving the Horror Legacy

Opening Weekend: $30 million (Domestic)
Global Opening: $60 million

Danny Boyle’s return to the iconic zombie saga delivers big scares and bigger numbers. An R-rated horror flick with cult status, 28 Years Later matched domestic and overseas earnings for a globally successful debut.

Why It’s Trending:
Fans of the original 28 Days Later are thrilled by its revival. Boyle’s return to the director’s chair has sparked critical and fan buzz alike.

3. Elio (Pixar) – A Bumpy Launch

Opening Weekend: $21 million
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%

Pixar’s Elio had a softer-than-expected opening, despite glowing reviews. Facing stiff competition from Dragon and limited preview numbers due to the Juneteenth holiday, it’s Pixar’s lowest debut to date.

Why It’s Trending:
Quality is there, but marketing and timing may have missed the mark. Still, word-of-mouth could give it a second wind.

4. Lilo & Stitch (Live-Action) – A Nostalgic Powerhouse

Weekend Gross: $9.7 million
Total Domestic: $386.75 million
Weeks in Release: 5

The live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch continues its impressive run, beating newer releases and proving the power of nostalgia. With over $380 million in just five weeks, it’s a clear 2025 box office titan.

Why It’s Trending:
Emotional storytelling, lovable characters, and multigenerational appeal make this a Disney goldmine.

5. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Still in the Game

Weekend Gross: $6.55 million
Total Domestic: $178.38 million
Weeks in Release: 5

Tom Cruise’s final outing as Ethan Hunt maintains a steady pace, drawing loyal fans even amid fierce competition. The action franchise shows endurance, though its box office peak may be behind it.

Why It’s Trending:
Explosive stunts and legacy loyalty keep this franchise relevant—though the heat has cooled.

Other Notable Performances

• Materialists: $5.8M (Week 2) – Strong niche performance; total: $24M
• Ballerina: $4.5M (Week 3) – John Wick spinoff legs slowing; total: $51M
• Karate Kid: Legends: $2.4M (Week 4) – Modest run; total: $49M
• Final Destination: Bloodlines: $1.9M (Week 6) – Horror fans still show up; total: $135M
• Kuberaa (Tamil): $1.8M debut – Decent opener in limited screens

Box Office Insights

• Total Weekend Gross (USA): $126.3 million
• 2025 YTD Domestic Total: $3.938 billion (+18% from 2024)

Theaters are thriving again. But as Elio shows, even strong studios like Pixar aren’t immune to misfires in crowded markets.

Coming Next Week: Brad Pitt’s F1

All eyes are on F1, Brad Pitt’s adrenaline-charged racing film. Projected to open between $45–55 million domestically and $115M+ globally, it could shake up the charts next weekend.

Final Word

Whether you’re in Texas or Toronto, this week’s box office has something for every kind of movie lover. From fire-breathing dragons to post-apocalyptic terror, 2025’s summer movie season is heating up fast.

What are you planning to watch this weekend?
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