Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Nears $400M, Apple’s Biggest Box Office Hit

Brad Pitt’s latest film F1, produced by Apple Original Films, is racing past expectations. The movie is expected to surpass $400 million in global box office earnings this weekend, making it Apple’s most successful theatrical release to date.

When F1 opened in late June 2025, it brought in over $55 million during its debut weekend across 3,661 U.S. theaters. Internationally, the film performed just as well, with global earnings now estimated at $399.4 million.

A Boost for Brad Pitt and Apple

F1 is now among Brad Pitt’s top-grossing films. While World War Z still holds his personal record with $540 million, F1 is closing in on the numbers for Ocean’s Eleven and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Domestic earnings show the usual drop-off after the opening weekend, but the numbers remain solid:

• 1st weekend: $57 million
• 2nd weekend: $25.7 million
• 3rd weekend: $13 million

The release of Superman shortly after, which opened to $125 million in the U.S., didn’t seem to slow F1’s momentum.

Will Apple Profit?

Despite the blockbuster performance, F1 may not be profitable—yet. Estimates suggest production costs ranged from $200 million to $300 million, and marketing may have cost at least $50 million more.

Using the film industry’s typical “2.5x rule,” F1 would need around $625 million just to break even in theaters. However, Apple has a longer-term strategy. Once the movie completes its theater run, it will launch on-demand and later on Apple TV+, likely driving new subscriptions.

What’s Next for Apple Films?

With the success of F1, Apple may rethink its theatrical strategy. It is reportedly considering full control of film distribution, potentially stepping away from partners like Warner Bros.

Apple’s next theatrical release, Highest 2 Lowest, is scheduled for August 22, 2025. Meanwhile, the company has already greenlit a UFO conspiracy thriller from the F1 creators, investing tens of millions into the deal.