Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Delivers Apple’s First Box Office Hit

• “F1” opens to $55.6M in North America, $144M globally — Apple’s biggest theatrical debut
• Apple’s blockbuster effort backed by Top Gun creators, IMAX footage, and strong fan buzz
• Studio execs credit Pitt’s global appeal and the film’s emotional, high-octane story

Apple has scored its first genuine theatrical hit with F1 The Movie, which debuted to $55.6 million domestically and $144 million worldwide over its opening weekend. According to Sunday’s studio estimates, the Formula 1-themed blockbuster marks the tech giant’s most successful foray into cinema to date.

With a production budget exceeding $200 million, F1 was Apple’s first major summer tentpole and their biggest attempt at capturing traditional box office success. Though Apple Original Films has produced award-winning content like CODA, its theatrical results have been uneven — with big-budget titles such as Napoleon, Argylle, and Killers of the Flower Moon finding more success on Apple TV+ than in cinemas.

This time, Apple partnered with Warner Bros. to distribute the film, which stars Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Kerry Condon. Backed by the creative team behind Top Gun: Maverick — including director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer — the movie leaned into real-action racing sequences and innovative IMAX cockpit shots to fuel audience interest.

“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,” said Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of worldwide video alongside Jamie Erlicht. “Their dedication and innovation have fueled an unforgettable cinematic experience.”

F1 builds on the sport’s growing popularity, especially among younger audiences energized by Netflix’s Drive to Survive. While racing films like Rush and Ferrari struggled at the box office, F1 leveraged IMAX spectacle and Pitt’s global draw to cut through. IMAX and large-format screens accounted for 55% of opening ticket sales, and the movie has secured a three-week exclusive run on IMAX screens.

Warner Bros. distribution head Jeffrey Goldstein said the film’s success also came down to its star: “Pitt was the movie’s ‘secret sauce.’” He added, “We came up with multiple campaigns based on where you are in the world. We planned for an audience-winner: screen the movie and get it out there. People talking about this movie drove this movie.”

Critics praised the film, and audiences responded with an “A” CinemaScore, suggesting strong word-of-mouth may give F1 staying power in a crowded summer lineup. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, applauded the theatrical strategy. “For Apple, this demonstrates to them the prestige factor of having a big theatrical release,” he said. “It elevates their brand.”

Globally, F1 marks Brad Pitt’s biggest opening weekend — a major milestone for the veteran actor and the project itself, which still needs a strong box office run to justify its nine-figure budget.

Meanwhile, M3gan 2.0, expected to be a major challenger, opened with just $10.2 million — far below the original film’s $30.4 million debut in 2022. Despite viral success with its predecessor, the sequel’s underwhelming performance left it in fourth place.

Elsewhere at the box office, How to Train Your Dragon held the No. 2 spot with $19.4 million, pushing it past $200 million domestically. Pixar’s Elio, coming off a disappointing opening, added $10.7 million in its second weekend for a two-week total of just $42.2 million.

While F1 still has ground to cover before turning a profit, Apple’s bold theatrical bet appears to be paying off. The studio’s commitment to big-screen experiences may now have the momentum — and the box office proof — to continue.