Another live-action remake topped the charts as Universal Pictures’ “How to Train Your Dragon” soared to $83.7 million at the box office, marking the best domestic opening weekend for the franchise. The fantasy adventure movie beat analysts’ expectations of $70 million and held off Disney’s live-action remake “Lilo & Stitch,

Universal Pictures' live-action film 'How to Train Your Dragon' topped the box office this weekend with $83.7 million, as family-friendly fare continues to draw audiences to theaters.

Universal Pictures ‘ live-action adaptation of the beloved animated hit, How to Train Your Dragon has flown to an impressive $83.7 million USD debut in North American theaters this past weekend, proving that some remakes still have the magic to captivate audiences on a grand scale.

It’s not even just that which made this good – the characters' mannerisms were there, the dragons were there – Toothless looked so good, and I literally felt tears come to my eyes when John Powell’s score swelled as he and Hiccup took their first real flight together. It was like a blast to the past.

Director Dean DeBlois delivered a near-perfect live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon. Check out the rest of our review.

"How to Train Your Dragon" artisans on using sheep fur, bagpipe and locations including the Faroe Islands to help bring remake to life.

As Hiccup, the 17-year-old actor is shouldering the weight of Universal’s new live-action franchise — and living out his childhood fantasy.