Joseph Kosinski’s F1: The Movie has swiftly become the highest-grossing film released by Apple in cinemas, smashing previous records.
In just 10 days since its late June debut, F1 has amassed $293 million globally, outperforming Apple’s prior record holder, Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, which earned $221 million. The tech giant confirmed the milestone in a statement to Variety, highlighting that F1 has also surpassed the box office totals of other Apple releases, including Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, which grossed $158 million worldwide.
Apple’s film division, still nascent with only five theatrical releases to date, has found a major hit with F1. The racing drama marks a pivotal moment in Apple’s journey to establish itself as a serious player in cinema, moving beyond its earlier underwhelming theatrical ventures such as Fly Me to the Moon ($42 million) and Argylle ($96 million).
READ MORE: Difficult but Inevitable: Taunton’s Ninkasi Bar Closes After Months of Struggle
READ MORE: Major Brands Revamp Stores at Clarks Village to Enhance Shopping Experience
F1 tells the story of a former Formula One driver, portrayed by Brad Pitt, who comes out of retirement to mentor a rookie driver and revive a flailing team. The film’s production budget exceeded $250 million, with an additional $100 million invested in marketing.
Opening weekend figures were impressive, pulling in $57 million domestically and $146 million worldwide—the biggest opening ever for an Apple movie. Director Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick, used immersive IMAX cameras and filmed on location at real Formula One circuits, enhancing the film’s authenticity and audience appeal.
IMAX screenings alone have generated $60 million globally, accounting for over 20% of total box office revenue.
International markets also contributed significantly to the film’s success, with China bringing in $22 million, the United Kingdom $17.3 million, Mexico $12.3 million, France $11.5 million, and Australia $9.8 million.
F1’s box office triumph may shift Apple’s focus back toward theatrical releases, complementing its strong footprint in streaming series like Severance and Ted Lasso, as the company capitalizes on this newfound cinema momentum.