F1: The Movie has roared onto the global stage with a record-shattering debut, propelling Brad Pitt and Apple Original Films to the top of the box office with an astonishing $144 million opening weekend.
The film’s performance has left both the movie industry and Formula 1 fans buzzing, marking a turning point not only for Apple’s movie division, but for the entire racing film genre.
From the outset, the primary keyword F1: The Movie stands front and center, with the film’s blend of action, spectacle, and emotional storytelling drawing audiences from around the world.
Domestically, the movie delivered $55.6 million, while international ticket sales surged to $88.4 million, giving Apple the biggest hit in its history and Brad Pitt the strongest opening of his storied career.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and co-starring Damson Idris, the film’s success is all the more impressive given Hollywood’s patchy history with racing films.
Not only has it eclipsed Pitt’s previous record for an opening weekend, set by World War Z with $112 million in 2013, but it also leaves other racing blockbusters like Ford V Ferrari and Rush in the dust.
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IMAX and Global Appeal Drive F1: The Movie to New Heights
Much of the film’s financial success has been driven by its stunning visuals and technical wizardry, particularly in IMAX format. An incredible 23 percent of North American box office revenue came from IMAX screenings, totaling $12.8 million and setting a new standard for action-packed, immersive motorsport storytelling.
Apple’s head of worldwide video, Zack Van Amburg, summed up the movie’s impact, saying, “The film’s outstanding debut reflects both the excitement of Formula 1 and the deeply emotional and entertaining story crafted by the entire cast and creative team. Their dedication and innovation have fuelled an unforgettable cinematic experience.”
Industry watchers point to Apple Original Films finally finding its stride after previous attempts like Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon produced far more modest returns.
“With the most realistic racing sequences ever committed to film, F1: The Movie quite simply demands to be experienced in IMAX and audiences around the world clearly got that message,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX.
“Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer innovated and pushed our technology to new frontiers to deliver a film tailormade for IMAX, and we expect moviegoers will continue to seek out our screens for F1: The Movie through the U.S. holiday weekend ahead.”
With the Fourth of July holiday set to provide another box office boost, analysts expect F1: The Movie to maintain its momentum as word of mouth spreads.
Apple and Pitt Score a Victory for Racing Films
For Brad Pitt, this result is a major personal milestone, solidifying his reputation as a box office heavyweight. For Apple, it is a long-awaited vindication of their investment in premium cinema, showing that the right combination of spectacle and storytelling can appeal to a truly global audience.
The huge success of F1: The Movie could pave the way for more racing stories to reach mainstream viewers and demonstrates the growing intersection between Hollywood and motorsport. As the summer rolls on, all eyes will be on how high this film can climb—and whether it sets a new template for both Apple and the racing movie genre.
