F1 Film Earns $55 Million, Becoming Apple’s Biggest Box Office Success

Apple has scored its first major success at the box office with the debut of “F1 The Movie,” which raked in $55.6 million in North America and $144 million globally during its opening weekend, according to studio estimates on Sunday. This marks Apple Original Films’ biggest opening to date. While Apple TV+ has had its share of hits like the 2021 Oscar-winning film “CODA,” its theatrical releases have been hit or miss, with films like “Argylle” and “Fly Me to the Moon” failing to make a dent at the box office. However, “F1 The Movie” is a game-changer for Apple.

The action-packed racing film starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Kerry Condon was a hot commodity that Apple secured in a bidding war. With a production budget exceeding $200 million, “F1” still has a ways to go to break even, but its strong debut signals a promising start. The film capitalized on the success of the popular series “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” and the talents of director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who previously collaborated on “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Critics and audiences alike have responded positively to “F1 The Movie,” earning it an “A” CinemaScore and setting the stage for a successful run in theaters. The film’s exhilarating IMAX shots and immersive experience have captivated viewers, with IMAX and large-format screens accounting for a majority of its ticket sales.

Internationally, “F1” is also expected to perform well, especially with the star power of Brad Pitt driving buzz around the film. Warner Bros., which partnered with Apple on distribution, crafted region-specific marketing campaigns to maximize the film’s global appeal. The studio’s strategic approach has paid off, cementing “F1 The Movie” as a blockbuster contender in a sea of summer releases.

On the other end of the spectrum, “M3gan 2.0,” the sequel to the popular horror thriller “M3gan,” failed to live up to its predecessor’s success. Despite a strong social media presence, the robot doll sequel fell short of expectations at the box office. However, the film’s modest production budget leaves room for profitability, with a spinoff already in the works for next year.

Overall, the success of “F1 The Movie” signifies a new chapter for Apple in the world of cinema, showcasing the company’s ability to deliver high-quality entertainment experiences on the big screen. With critical acclaim, strong audience reception, and global appeal, “F1” has set a high bar for future Apple Original Films releases and solidifies the tech giant’s presence in the entertainment industry.