Gerard Butler may have had a rough 2026 at the box office, but his live-action How to Train Your Dragon is proving to be the exception. The film, which became the actor's highest-grossing movie ever, has now spent more than 120 days in the top 10 on VOD charts, making it one of the most persistent streaming successes of the year.
Butler's 2026 started with a major misfire: Greenland 2: Migration, a sequel that arrived with a hefty $90 million budget but barely managed $45 million worldwide. The film, co-starring Morena Baccarin, is being called one of the year's biggest box office bombs. He also starred in the Netflix crime thriller In the Hand of Dante, alongside Oscar Isaac and Jason Momoa, but that project failed to generate much buzz in its streaming debut.
But the tide turned with How to Train Your Dragon, a live-action reimagining of the beloved animated classic. The film soared past $630 million globally, making it Butler's biggest box office hit ever. After its theatrical run, it landed on Peacock and later made its way to Netflix, where it has continued to dominate. Its 120-day streak in the VOD top 10 is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Butler's recent track record has been a mix of hits and misses. He opened 2025 with Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, which underperformed compared to its predecessor despite a higher budget. But How to Train Your Dragon proved he could still anchor a blockbuster, and its streaming longevity is now adding to its legacy.
The success of the film has already paved the way for a sequel. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is slated for release on June 11, 2027, with Butler returning as Stoick. Cate Blanchett will reprise her role as Valka, and Mason Thames is back as Hiccup, with Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso) joining as Eret. Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed the first live-action film, is also returning for the sequel, which is expected to follow the same shot-for-shot approach as its predecessor.
For fans of Butler and the franchise, How to Train Your Dragon is currently streaming on Netflix. And with the sequel on the horizon, it's a perfect time to revisit the world of Berk. For more on Butler's upcoming projects and other entertainment news, stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot.
In related news, Stephen King's Carrie is also smashing streaming records, while a Glee reboot is heading to Disney+ and Hulu. And if you're in the mood for more fantasy, check out what's happening with Taika Waititi's Star Wars movie.
