Apple Original Films’ high-octane drama F1, starring Brad Pitt, accelerates past projections with a $144 million global launch, claiming the top U.S. film spot in 74 international markets and setting multiple Apple and Pitt records worldwide.
Apple Original Films’ F1, starring Brad Pitt, has surged past global box office expectations, debuting with a staggering $144 million worldwide, including $88.4 million from 78 international markets. Directed by Top Gun: Maverick helmer Joseph Kosinski, the high-speed Formula 1 drama is now Apple’s biggest opening ever, proving its massive appeal far beyond domestic borders, especially in motorsport-loving territories.
In an explosive start to its theatrical run, Apple Original Films’ F1 has delivered a powerhouse $144 million global debut, turbocharged by $88.4 million in overseas grosses. With Brad Pitt behind the wheel and Joseph Kosinski directing, the film opened at No. 1 among U.S. releases in 74 of the 78 international territories.
These numbers exceeded projections and placed F1 firmly ahead of several comparable hits: on par with Gladiator II, 18% ahead of World War Z, 34% above Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, 58% better than Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and a massive 152% over Bullet Train.
The international rollout included a $27.7M IMAX debut, with $11.1M coming from overseas, notably with China’s IMAX accounting for 43% of its nationwide debut ($3.8M). Other key IMAX territories included the UK, Japan, and Korea.
The UK led international play with $9.2M, followed by China ($9M)—which also marked the biggest Apple and Pitt opening day ever. Other major territories include Mexico ($6.7M, up 38% over Top Gun: Maverick), France ($5.4M, with strong social scores), and Australia ($5M, best ever for Apple and Pitt).
Across Europe, F1 delivered Apple’s largest opening weekend to date, with Eastern European markets overperforming due to F1’s enduring regional popularity. In Latin America, F1 secured the No. 1 spot with a 46% market share, while in the Middle East, the UAE alone contributed $2.7M, again marking a record opening for Apple and Pitt.
The global success validates expectations that F1 would shine overseas thanks to Formula 1’s global fanbase. Despite a heatwave, UK cinemas still saw robust turnout, with opening figures on par with Pitt’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and outperforming Fast X (+17%) and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (+78%).
Meanwhile, Sony’s 28 Years Later crossed $103M globally, the highest in its franchise, pulling another $13.7M from 63 markets and remaining ahead of Sinners (+26%) and Smile 2 (+18%).
Elsewhere, Universal’s How to Train Your Dragon continues to soar with $32.7M in its third weekend overseas, bringing its global total to $454.4M, including $31.1M in China, surpassing Minecraft to become the second highest-grossing studio film of the year there. It’s also overtaken Beauty and the Beast in Mexico with $30M.
Pixar/Disney’s Elio has now grossed $72.3M globally, with a $30.1M international haul so far. Its sophomore weekend brought $11.4M across 48 markets. Key performers include Korea ($3M), France ($2.9M), UK ($2.9M), China ($2.7M), and Mexico ($2.3M), with Spain and Japan still to debut.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch is nearing the $1B mark, with a current global total of $946M. The film dipped only 36% this weekend, with strong holds in France (-15%), UK (-18%), Japan (-20%), and Germany (-21%). Internationally, it has now earned $546M, with Mexico ($65.7M) leading all markets.
Apple’s F1 has not only broken company records but also redefined global expectations for original IP releases. With strong word-of-mouth, impressive IMAX numbers, and a top spot in most international markets, F1 is racing toward becoming one of 2025’s defining box office champions — a high-octane triumph for Apple, Brad Pitt, and global cinema.