F1: The Movie Crosses $301 Million Worldwide – A Bold Victory for Apple and Theatrical Cinema
Brad Pitt’s high-octane racing drama F1: The Movie has become a game-changer in global cinema. In just two weeks since its June 2025 release, the film has collected $301 million worldwide, setting a new benchmark for tech-driven theatrical releases and surpassing Apple’s previous box office record-holders like Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the action-packed spectacle not only captivated audiences with its speed-fueled storyline but also redefined Apple’s cinematic ambitions.
Apple’s Highest-Grossing Film to Date
Produced by Apple Studios and distributed in partnership with Warner Bros., F1 is now the highest-grossing theatrical release from Apple, a tech company increasingly stepping into the shoes of traditional film studios.
Here’s how the numbers break down:
- Global Box Office (2 Weeks): $301 million
- Domestic (US): $57 million
- Opening Weekend IMAX Earnings: $60 million
- India Collection (12 Days): ₹55.95 crore (approx. $6.7 million)
Its box office performance reflects Apple’s calculated bet on bold, original content paired with global star power.
The India Factor: Urban Response and IMAX Boom
In India, F1 recorded an impressive start, earning ₹20.75 crore in its first weekend alone. The film maintained solid collections during the weekdays, with key metros like Chennai and Hyderabad showing strong IMAX occupancy rates of 70% and above.
Tamil-language shows even touched 33.41% occupancy, highlighting the film’s cross-demographic appeal — particularly among urban youth and Formula 1 fans.
Why F1 Is More Than Just a Movie
The film’s success is not just about numbers. It signals a larger shift in Hollywood’s power structure. With traditional studios becoming increasingly cautious, tech platforms like Apple and Amazon are embracing ambitious, high-concept projects that blend theatrical excitement with streaming potential.
F1 reportedly carried a production and marketing budget of nearly $350 million, a level of investment major studios are now reluctant to make unless backed by proven franchises.
Apple’s confidence in F1 shows its intent: to make cultural-impact cinema, not just content.
Streaming Next? How F1 Could Redefine Apple TV+
Beyond theaters, F1 is expected to drive traffic to Apple TV+, much like how its theatrical buzz helped boost the profile of previous titles. Apple’s ecosystem-focused promotion — including iPhone-shot race sequences, haptic trailers, and integration with Apple Maps — was key to attracting tech-savvy audiences and racing enthusiasts alike.
With a glowing 97% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore, F1 is poised for a long run, possibly touching the $500–600 million mark globally.
Tech Titans vs. Traditional Studios
While Amazon is following a similar theatrical+streaming hybrid model through its MGM banner, Netflix still clings to a streaming-first strategy. But F1’s performance may force a rethink.
Netflix’s films like Glass Onion and The Irishman saw limited theatrical releases primarily for awards consideration. In contrast, F1 proves that theatrical release is still a powerful marketing tool and can lead to stronger streaming performance later.
Final Lap: Will F1 Reshape Theatrical Cinema?
As F1 races toward a projected ₹100 crore in India and $600 million globally, it’s clear that the theatrical model is not dead — it’s evolving. Tech-backed films are stepping in where traditional studios hesitate, and audiences are responding.
The success of F1 could serve as a blueprint for future big-budget originals in a post-pandemic film industry. Apple and Amazon are no longer just disruptors — they are active architects of modern cinema.
