The F1 movie, which is running in theatres currently, has become Apple’s biggest Hollywood blockbuster this summer. Starring Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt, the movie, which documents the story of a driver through the ranks of Formula 1 racing, has ended up being one of Apple’s most profitable ventures in the film-making business.
Apple Studios’ “F1: The Movie” has surged past $300 million in global box office receipts, cementing its status as the tech giant’s first major summer blockbuster. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski (known for “Top Gun: Maverick”), signals a pivotal moment for Apple’s growing ambitions in the competitive world of Hollywood.
Released globally on June 27, “F1: The Movie” roared to an impressive opening weekend, raking in $144 million worldwide, including $55.6 million domestically. This strong debut, surpassing initial projections, marks the biggest global opening of Brad Pitt’s career. The film’s success is partly attributed to its immersive racing sequences, captured with IMAX cameras inside cockpits, and its connection to the surging popularity of the Formula 1 racing series.
Considered by many Apple’s attempt to capture the magic of Netflix’s superhit “Drive to Survive” series, “F1: The Movie” is estimated to have production values between $200 million and $300 million.
Analysts suggest that Apple’s primary strategy for theatrical releases like this is not solely direct box office profitability. Instead, these big-screen launches serve as a powerful promotional tool, driving brand visibility and building buzz ahead of the film’s eventual streaming debuts on Apple TV+. The WWDC 2025 keynote stream also had an intro dedicated to promoting the F1 movie, starring Craig Fredrighi as the driver running circles atop the roof of the Apple Park building. At a time when the company is witnessing challenges to offset its disadvantages in the AI race, Apple’s focus on movie production could keep the cash registers healthy.
The film has garnered positive reviews from critics and an “A” CinemaScore from audiences, indicating strong reception and potential for continued box office performance. The movie, which will be an Apple TV+ exclusive once it leaves the theaters, is expected to hit the digital screens by September – just ahead of Apple’s rumoured launch event of the upcoming iPhone 17 series.
