On August 5, 2025, Brad Pitt’s latest film, F1: The Movie, officially became the highest-grossing lead role of his career, surpassing the $540 million global total of World War Z (2013). Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film is a sports drama that follows Sonny Hayes (played by Pitt), a retired Formula One driver who makes a comeback after 30 years to help save an underdog team, APXGP, from collapse. Since its release on June 27, 2025, F1 has earned approximately $546 million worldwide, marking a major success for both Pitt and Apple Studios, the film’s distributor.
F1: The Movie opened to a strong global debut of $146 million, topping the box office against tough summer competition. Domestically in the U.S. and Canada, it earned $173 million, while internationally it amassed $372 million across 78 territories, with notable strongholds in significant markets like South Korea, the UK, and France. The film’s realistic portrayal of Formula One racing, supported by actual footage from Grand Prix events and collaboration with the FIA (the sport’s governing body), has resonated with audiences globally. Real-life F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who also co-produced, lends authenticity to the storytelling.
Leading industry analyst Paul Dergarabedian from Comscore highlighted the film’s remarkable box office performance, noting, “F1: The Movie has clearly accelerated into the fast lane of blockbuster success, combining the thrills of racing with powerful storytelling.” The involvement of renowned composer Hans Zimmer added to the film’s dynamic atmosphere, while the screenplay by Ehren Kruger and direction by Kosinski (known for high-profile projects like Top Gun: Maverick) helped fuse adrenaline-pumping visuals with character-driven drama.
With a reported production budget between $200 and $300 million plus substantial marketing investment, the film’s $546 million gross positions it to be profitable through theatrical releases alone. This success also underscores Apple Studios’ ability to produce big-budget hits, with F1 surpassing previous Apple theatrical releases such as Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon. Industry observers also expect the film’s popularity to boost Apple TV+ subscriptions once F1 is available to stream later in 2025.
The film’s impact extends beyond box office receipts. It has reinvigorated global interest in Formula One racing, with experts applauding how F1 blends authentic motorsport excitement with human drama, attracting both racing fans and general audiences. This synergy is strategic for Apple, which is reportedly positioning itself to acquire U.S. Formula One broadcast rights, deepening its connection to the sport’s growing fanbase.
In summary, F1: The Movie is a landmark achievement for Brad Pitt and Apple Studios, combining cinematic thrills with record-breaking box office results. It marks Pitt’s most commercially successful lead role to date and highlights a new era for sports films built on authenticity and broad appeal. As the movie transitions to streaming platforms, it is poised to further influence Formula One’s popularity worldwide. Fans and filmgoers can look forward to F1’s Apple TV+ debut later in 2025, while the crossover momentum between film and live sports promises exciting developments ahead.
