
The Apple Original Films production F1: The Movie has amassed nearly $300 million at the global box office in less than two weeks since its theatrical debut. This milestone not only surpasses the previous box office records of Apple-backed films but also signals the company’s first large-scale cinematic release to achieve substantial profitability through theatrical distribution.
According to the Financial Times, the high-octane racing epic stars Brad Pitt and is co-produced with Plan B Entertainment and Jerry Bruckheimer Films. The film reportedly had a production budget exceeding $200 million, with marketing and distribution costs amounting to an additional $50 million. During its opening weekend, F1: The Movie garnered approximately $145 million in box office revenue—an amount that rivals the cumulative earnings of other Apple films such as Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon, Argylle, and Fly Me to the Moon.
F1: The Movie not only shattered Apple’s previous records for an opening weekend but also marks the most successful debut in Brad Pitt’s storied career. The report notes that, at its current pace, the film is poised to easily surpass the combined theatrical gross of all previous Apple titles, estimated at $517 million—potentially dispelling the long-held belief that streaming-centric studios cannot generate substantial box office profits.
Since launching Apple TV+ in 2019, Apple has invested heavily in the entertainment sector, yet its theatrical ventures have largely been seen as brand-enhancement exercises rather than profit-driven releases. If F1: The Movie continues its strong performance, it could serve as a watershed moment—Apple’s first clear box office triumph and a pivotal reference point for its future investment strategy in cinematic productions.
Apple has yet to announce when F1: The Movie will arrive on Apple TV+, but based on past precedent, the company is expected to maintain a 45–60 day theatrical exclusivity window to maximize revenue before making the film available on its streaming platform.
Apple TV+, currently priced at $9.99 per month, boasts a roster of acclaimed series including Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Shrinking, and Silo. With a dual focus on both film and television, Apple is steadily expanding its content empire, challenging the dominance of rivals like Netflix and Disney+.
As Apple deepens its commitment to theatrical cinema, industry watchers will be keen to see whether more blockbuster-caliber productions are on the horizon.