Apple just landed its biggest box office win to date with F1: The Movie, which pulled in a massive $144 million globally during its opening weekend, including $55.6 million in North America alone. Not bad for a company better known for iPhones than blockbusters.
The film stars Brad Pitt as a grizzled former Formula One driver making a last-ditch comeback. It’s a classic sports redemption story, but with a sleek, modern twist, and some serious horsepower behind the scenes. This isn’t just another movie; it marks Apple’s boldest attempt yet to break into the summer blockbuster arena.
F1: The Movie: Apple Finally Hits the Box Office Fast Lane
Until now, Apple Original Films has gotten more attention from critics than from moviegoers. Sure, CODA won Best Picture, but its theatrical release didn’t exactly set the world on fire. F1: The Movie changes that. It’s Apple’s first true test in the cutthroat summer box office game, and early numbers suggest it passed with flying colors.
Backed by a hefty $200+ million budget and a distribution partnership with Warner Bros., the film had a wide international rollout. Premium formats like IMAX did a lot of the heavy lifting, making up 19% of global ticket sales, one of the strongest IMAX openings ever.
Brad Pitt Behind the Wheel
Let’s be honest, Brad Pitt still sells tickets. In F1, he plays a fictional ex-racer drawn back into the sport for one last shot at glory. It’s got drama, adrenaline, a bit of grit, and just enough nostalgia to hit the emotional gas pedal. Think Rush or Days of Thunder, but with today’s production values.
The combo of Pitt’s star power and the global popularity of Formula One helped turbocharge ticket sales in countries like the UK, France, Brazil, and Japan, places where F1 isn’t just a sport, it’s a cultural fixture.
Shot on iPhones? Sort of, But Way Cooler
Here’s where it gets extra Apple-y: Some of the racing scenes were filmed using souped-up iPhone 15 Pro cameras. Yeah, really. Custom rigs were created to capture intense, in-the-seat action directly from the cars themselves, giving the IMAX and Dolby Cinema screenings a wild, immersive feel.
Audiences and critics alike have praised the film’s technical chops, particularly its cinematography and sound design. You can practically feel the engines rumbling through the floor.
Can It Turn a Profit, Though?
Here’s the rub: Even with this strong opening, F1: The Movie has a long way to go before it turns a profit. With marketing costs likely pushing the total spend north of $300 million, analysts say it’ll need to clear at least half a billion globally to be considered a financial win.
That said, Apple’s playing a longer game. For them, theatrical success is about more than just dollars; it’s about prestige, awards, and, let’s be real, pulling more people into the Apple TV+ ecosystem. A big hit in theaters makes a splash when it eventually lands on streaming.
Apple’s Not Just Dipping Its Toes Anymore
With F1, Apple Original Films has officially arrived in the theatrical big leagues. They’re attracting major talent, producing visually stunning work, and filling seats at the multiplex—something even Netflix has struggled to do consistently.
More big projects are already on the way, including collaborations with directors like Martin Scorsese and Ridley Scott. If this momentum holds, Apple could very well shape the future of how streamers approach movie theaters.
What’s Next for F1: The Movie?
Now that the opening weekend is in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on how well the film holds up in its second week, especially in international markets where Formula One fandom runs deep. Good reviews, social buzz, and maybe even early Oscar chatter could help keep that momentum going.
Either way, Apple’s bet on big-screen spectacle seems to be paying off. F1: The Movie isn’t just a movie, it’s a message: Apple’s not just here to play. It’s here to win.
