F1 hit theaters on June 27, 2025, with a global opening weekend of $144 million, including $55.6 million domestically across 3,661 theaters and $88.4 million from international markets. This debut set a new benchmark for Apple Original Films, surpassing the opening weekend totals of earlier releases like Napoleon ($78 million over five days) and Killers of the Flower Moon ($44 million). The film’s strong start was fueled by aggressive marketing, including Apple’s innovative use of its ecosystem—promotions via Apple Pay, Apple Maps, and even haptic-enhanced trailers on iPhones. The result was a box office performance that not only broke records for Apple but also marked the strongest opening of Brad Pitt’s career.
International Appeal Drives Success
The film’s global resonance, particularly in Formula 1-stronghold regions like Europe and Asia, has been a key driver of its success. In China, F1 has grossed over $51 million, making it the third-highest-grossing Hollywood film of 2025 in that market. Across Europe, the film achieved Apple’s biggest opening weekend for any title, with the UK alone contributing $9.2 million despite a summer heatwave. Eastern European countries, where motorsport enjoys a passionate following, have also posted strong numbers. This international enthusiasm underscores the film’s ability to tap into the global popularity of Formula 1, blending high-speed racing with a universal underdog story.
IMAX and Audience Buzz
A significant portion of F1’s box office haul—$60 million, or roughly 20% of its total—has come from IMAX screenings, reflecting the film’s appeal as a big-screen spectacle. IMAX’s advanced cameras, used to capture immersive racing sequences, have enhanced the viewing experience, with 23% of domestic ticket sales coming from these premium formats. The film’s planned IMAX re-release in August, announced during IMAX’s quarterly earnings call, is expected to further boost ticket sales as audiences seek the visceral thrill of Formula 1 on the largest screens available. Positive word-of-mouth, evidenced by a 97% Rotten Tomatoes audience score, has also sustained the film’s momentum, with domestic earnings dipping just 37% in a recent weekend, adding $6.2 million to its tally.
A Costly Bet with High Rewards
With a production budget estimated between $250 million and $350 million, plus $100 million in marketing, F1 faced a steep path to profitability. Analysts suggest a break-even point closer to $600 million due to revenue splits with theaters and distributor Warner Bros. Yet, the film’s current trajectory, projected to reach $550 million by the end of its theatrical run, positions it as a financial success for Apple. Strategic partnerships, such as with Warner Bros. for distribution and IMAX for premium screenings, have maximized per-ticket revenue, mitigating the high costs. This milestone validates Apple’s hybrid theatrical-streaming model, where box office success amplifies awareness before the film transitions to Apple TV+.
Apple’s Hollywood Ambitions
F1’s performance marks a turning point for Apple Original Films, which has struggled with theatrical releases like Argylle ($96 million globally) and Fly Me to the Moon ($42 million). Unlike those films, F1 has not only outperformed Apple’s previous high-grosser, Napoleon ($221 million), but also surpassed the combined box office of all prior Apple theatrical releases ($517 million). This success has sparked discussions about Apple’s future in cinema, with rumors of a potential F1 sequel and new projects like a UFO thriller from Kosinski. However, replicating F1’s success may prove challenging, as its Formula 1 authenticity and star power are unique draws that may not easily translate to other genres.
What’s Next for F1
As F1 continues its theatrical run, its upcoming IMAX re-release on August 8 offers audiences another chance to experience its high-speed drama. The film is expected to land on Apple TV+ in October, following a premium video-on-demand window starting around mid-August, aligning with the typical 45-day theatrical-to-digital timeline. This strategy allows Apple to capitalize on additional revenue streams while maintaining the film’s prestige as a theatrical hit. With strong international legs and sustained domestic interest, F1 is poised to remain a cultural and commercial force, cementing Apple’s place in the competitive world of blockbuster filmmaking.
