Apple Original Films has officially crossed a major milestone in its theatrical journey. The studio’s high-octane racing drama F1, starring Brad Pitt, has roared past expectations with a massive $144 million global opening weekend — marking Apple’s strongest box office launch to date.
A Turbocharged Start
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), F1 opened across 78 international markets, pulling in $88.4 million overseas and $55.6 million domestically. The film quickly zoomed to the No. 1 spot in 74 territories, outperforming projections and reaffirming Pitt’s global star appeal.
Imax and International Success
F1 scored $27.7 million globally in Imax receipts, with international markets contributing $11.1 million. The film dominated the format in China, where it raked in $3.8 million via Imax alone—accounting for a striking 43% of the film’s total Chinese box office take.
- UK: Delivered $9.2 million including previews, rivalling Pitt’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and beating Fast X by 17%.
- Europe: Marked the biggest Apple opening weekend ever in the region.
- Eastern Europe: Emerged as a breakout market thanks to strong Formula 1 fandom.
Outpacing Hollywood Benchmarks
At current exchange rates, F1 is performing:
- 18% stronger than World War Z
- 34% ahead of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
- 58% above Bad Boys: Ride or Die
- 152% higher than Bullet Train
What It Means for Apple
F1’s blockbuster launch signals a major win for Apple’s theatrical ambitions, proving its ability to deliver global cinematic spectacles. With strong critical reviews and rising audience demand, the film is expected to maintain momentum in the weeks to come — especially in territories where Formula 1 enjoys intense popularity.
As Apple continues expanding its cinematic footprint, F1 sets a fast-paced precedent for future theatrical projects backed by tech giants entering Hollywood’s big leagues.
