Brad Pitt’s latest blockbuster, “F1,” has officially raced to the top of Apple’s cinematic achievements, leaving previous hits like “Napoleon” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” in its rear-view mirror. Just 10 days after its global release, the high-octane sports drama has grossed an astonishing $293 million worldwide, according to Variety, making it the highest-grossing film in Apple’s history.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the director behind cinematic successes like “Top Gun: Maverick,” “F1” combines the electrifying world of Formula One racing with the emotional depth of a comeback story. And while expectations were high ahead of its release, few predicted that it would leave such a powerful mark on the global box office so quickly.

Plot: Brad Pitt Shines as Sonny Hayes, a Retired Racing Legend

In “F1,” Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One driver who is called back to the track for one final challenge. His mission? Mentor a rising young racer, played by Damson Idris, and help save his old friend’s struggling race team.

The film blends breathtaking racing action with intimate character moments, giving fans of the sport and casual viewers alike a reason to cheer. Audiences have especially praised the IMAX sequences, which brought viewers right onto the racetrack, making them feel the speed, danger, and thrill of F1 racing in a way that few sports dramas ever have.

“F1” Surpasses Apple’s Previous Box Office Benchmarks

Before “F1,” Apple’s top theatrical performers were two critically acclaimed historical epics:

• “Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023) — $158 million worldwide
• “Napoleon” (2023) — $221 million worldwide

Both movies boasted huge budgets, star-studded casts, and legendary directors (Martin Scorsese and Ridley Scott, respectively). But despite their prestige, neither could match the commercial appeal of Brad Pitt’s “F1.”

Now with nearly $300 million in box office revenue, “F1” has redefined what a streaming giant like Apple can achieve in the theatrical space.

A Costly Victory: “F1” Faces a Steep Budget to Recoup

Despite its record-breaking performance, the journey for “F1” is far from over. The production budget alone reportedly exceeded $250 million, and Apple is believed to have spent another $100 million on marketing and promotional efforts. That puts the total investment at over $350 million, meaning that even with a strong opening, “F1” still has a long way to go before it turns a profit.

Box office analysts note that with global ticket sales typically split between studios and theaters, the film will need to approach $700–750 million worldwide to fully break even when factoring in marketing and other costs.

Strong Word of Mouth Fuels “F1’s” Success

Although Pitt’s involvement and Kosinski’s direction created anticipation before the film’s release, it was positive audience reaction and strong word-of-mouth buzz that propelled “F1” past expectations.

Fans praised:

• The visceral realism of the racing sequences
• Brad Pitt’s charismatic and emotional performance
• Damson Idris’ breakthrough role as the rookie racer
• The IMAX experience, which created some of the most immersive racing scenes ever put on film

Many viewers described “F1” as “Top Gun on wheels,” a comparison that undoubtedly pleased Kosinski, who directed both films.

A Star-Studded Cast Adds Depth to the Story

Beyond Pitt and Idris, “F1” features an impressive ensemble cast:

• Javier Bardem as the team’s beleaguered owner
• Kerry Condon as a sharp-witted engineer
• Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo in key supporting roles

Each performance added gravitas to the story, creating a well-rounded sports drama that resonated with audiences across the globe.

Why “F1” Was a Make-or-Break Moment for Apple’s Movie Ambitions

According to insiders quoted by Variety and The U.S. Sun, “F1” wasn’t just a high-profile project — it was a crucial test of Apple’s movie business strategy. Prior to “F1,” Apple had already found success in the streaming world with original TV series like:

• “Ted Lasso”
• “Severance”
• “For All Mankind”

But theatrical releases like “Napoleon” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” while critically praised, didn’t quite deliver blockbuster-level returns. There was reportedly growing concern inside Apple that if a crowd-pleaser like “F1” failed to ignite the box office, the company might scale back or even exit the theatrical movie space entirely.

“F1” Keeps Apple in the Big-Screen Race — For Now

Fortunately for Apple, “F1” has delivered the kind of box office momentum the company had hoped for. The strong performance gives Apple a reason to continue competing in the blockbuster film market, potentially green-lighting more large-scale productions in the future.

Whether Apple will continue investing in $300 million tentpole films remains to be seen, but the success of “F1” has silenced critics—at least for now.

The Power of the IMAX Experience

Much of the film’s buzz came from its IMAX screenings, where the racing scenes provided an unparalleled visual and auditory spectacle. Kosinski, already an expert at filming high-speed sequences, utilized cutting-edge cameras and real on-track filming with professional drivers to capture the intensity and danger of Formula One racing.

Critics widely praised the IMAX experience as the definitive way to watch the film, and audiences responded by packing premium-format theaters during the opening weekends.

Brad Pitt’s Career Renaissance Continues

For Brad Pitt, “F1” represents yet another successful chapter in his decades-long career. After acclaimed performances in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and producing Oscar-winning films like “12 Years a Slave,” Pitt has proven once again that he remains a bankable leading man in the world of big-budget filmmaking.

His dedication to portraying Sonny Hayes authentically, including spending time with real F1 teams and learning the nuances of the sport, has been praised by fans and critics alike.

What’s Next for “F1”: Can It Sustain Its Box Office Momentum?

While the first 10 days have been explosive, the real test for “F1” will be its staying power:

• Will it continue drawing audiences week after week?
• Can it succeed in international markets like China and Japan, where F1 enjoys a passionate fanbase?
• Will it be able to sustain interest through the rest of the summer blockbuster season?

Analysts predict that strong word-of-mouth and the global popularity of Formula One racing could help “F1” maintain momentum for several more weeks.

Streaming Release Will Boost Apple’s Subscriber Base

Once the movie completes its theatrical run, it is expected to be a major streaming event on AppleTV+, potentially driving new subscriptions. Much like how Netflix and Amazon have leveraged original blockbusters to attract users, Apple is betting that “F1” will bolster its streaming platform after conquering the box office.

Final Thoughts: Brad Pitt and Apple Prove Their Blockbuster Potential

With “F1” surpassing Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, Brad Pitt has cemented his role as one of Hollywood’s last true movie stars, while Apple has proven it can deliver more than just small-screen prestige dramas.

The film still faces the challenge of recouping its enormous costs, but in terms of public perception and box office buzz, the race is already won. Brad Pitt and Joseph Kosinski’s “F1” is Apple’s new crown jewel at the movies, setting the pace for what comes next in Hollywood’s ongoing streaming wars.