Apple scores first box office hit with Brad Pitt's F1 The Movie, grossing $144 million globally

Apple has officially crossed the finish line with its first box-office hit.

 F1 The Movie raced to a $55.6 million debut in North American theaters and a global total of $144 million over the weekend, according to studio estimates released Sunday—marking the biggest theatrical opening in Apple’s history.

While Apple Original Films has earned prestige with titles like the Oscar-winning CODA (2021), its theatrical track record has been inconsistent. Big-budget releases such as Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon made waves during awards season but were more successful on Apple TV+ than in theaters. Meanwhile, commercial misfires like Argylle and Fly Me to the Moon failed to gain traction.

But F1 marks a clear shift in strategy: a bold leap into summer blockbuster territory. Apple won a high-stakes bidding war for the project, which reunites much of the production team behind 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. The company partnered with Warner Bros. for distribution, bringing star power in the form of Brad Pitt, rising talent Damson Idris, and Kerry Condon.

With a production budget reportedly north of $200 million, F1 still has ground to cover before turning a profit. But for now, it’s full speed ahead.

“The film’s outstanding debut reflects both the excitement of Formula 1 and the deeply emotional and entertaining story crafted by the entire cast and creative team,” said Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of worldwide video, who oversees Apple Original Films with Jamie Erlicht. “Their dedication and innovation have fueled an unforgettable cinematic experience.”Car racing movies have often struggled in theaters; crash-and-burn cases include Ron Howard’s “Rush” (2013) and Michael Mann’s “Ferrari” (2023). But “F1” built off the Formula 1 fandom stirred up by the popular series “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.” And it leaned on “Top Gun: Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer to deliver another adult-oriented action thrill ride.

As in “Top Gun: Maverick,” the filmmakers sought an adrenaline rush by placing IMAX cameras inside the cockpit in “F1.” IMAX and large-format screens accounted for 55% of in its ticket sales. IMAX, whose screens are much sought-after in the summer, has carved out a three-week run for the movie.

Warner Bros. expected “F1” to perform well overseas, where the sport is more popular than it is in the U.S. Jeffrey Goldstein, distribution chief for Warner Bros., said Pitt was the movie’s “secret sauce.” The $144 million global launch is the actor’s biggest opening weekend.

“We came up with multiple campaigns based on where you are in the world,” said Goldstein. “We planned for an audience-winner: screen the movie and get it out there. People talking about this movie drove this movie.”

Reviews have been very good for “F1” and audience reaction (an “A” via CinemaScore) was even better. That suggests “F1” could hold up well in the coming weeks despite some formidable coming competition in Universal Pictures’ “Jurassic World Rebirth.”

Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for data firm Comscore, praised Warner Bros. for making “F1” a theatrical event. The studio was also behind the year’s other big original release, “Sinners.”

“For Apple, this demonstrates to them the prestige factor of having a big theatrical release,” said Dergarabedian. “It elevates their brand.”

Universal’s “M3gan 2.0” had been expected to pose a greater challenge to “F1.” Instead, the robot doll sequel didn’t come close to matching the 2022 original’s box-office launch.

“M3gan 2.0” collected $10.2 million in 3,112 theaters. Memes and viral videos helped propel the first “M3gan” to a $30.4 million opening and a total haul of $180 million, all on a $12 million budget.

Still, the Blumhouse Productions horror thriller could wind up profitable. The film, written and directed by Gerald Johnstone, cost a modest $25 million to make. A spinoff titled “Soulm8te” is scheduled for release next year.

M3gan 2.0” ended up in fourth place. The box-office leader of the last two weekends, “How to Train Your Dragon,” slid to second with $19.4 million. The DreamWorks Animation live-action hit from Universal Pictures has surpassed $200 million domestically in three weeks.

 After a debut that marked a new low for Pixar, the studio’s “Elio” gathered up $10.7 million in sales in its second weekend. That gives the Walt Disney Co. release a disappointing two-week start of $42.2 million.

With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “F1 The Movie,” $55 million.

2. “How to Train Your Dragon,” $19.4 million.

3. “Elio,” $10.7 million.

4. “M3gan 2.0,” $10.2 million.

5. “28 Years Later,” $9.7 million.

6. “Lilo & Stitch,” $6.9 million.

7. “Mission: Impossible — Final Reckoning,” $4.2 million.

8. “Materialists,” $3 million.

9. “Ballerina,” $2.1 million.

10. “Karate Kid: Legends,” $1 million.