Apple swiftly claimed its first major theatrical victory as F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, raced to a $55 million opening weekend in North America. Distributed by Warner Bros. across 3,661 screens, the film is also shaping up for a strong global performance, with an estimated $144 million worldwide haul.
F1 Box‑Office Milestone
- Domestic debut: $55 million across its first weekend
- Preview buzz: $10 million in early screenings Friday
- Global earnings: About $144 million after the opening weekend
This impressive launch makes F1 Apple’s highest-grossing cinematic release, surpassing previous titles like Killers of the Flower Moon.
Why It Matters to Apple
Apple chose summer blockbusters over award-focused fare this time, banking on star power, adrenaline-fueled visuals, and Formula 1’s massive fanbase. The involvement of high-profile names—Brad Pitt, director Joseph Kosinski, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and F1 champion Lewis Hamilton—helped craft a spectacle that resonated beyond traditional audiences. The film also benefited from Apple’s innovative marketing, including Wallet-app ads and iPhone haptic trailers.
F1 Global Appeal Amplified
The global fan surge for Formula 1—thanks in part to Netflix’s Drive to Survive—elevated interest. The film earned a dedicated response in premium formats like IMAX, which accounted for more than half of its ticket sales. Early indicators suggest strong support among younger demographics, breaking the stereotype of racing films skewing older.
What Next
Despite its blockbuster debut, F1 faces challenges: its hefty $250 million production budget plus marketing costs raise doubts about profitability. Apple may view the release as a loss-leader, driving streaming subscriptions and enhancing brand prestige rather than pure box-office returns. The primary test now is its performance in the second weekend and its ability to maintain momentum before shifting to Apple TV+.
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