Brad Pitt’s latest film, F1: The Movie, has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing a major Kevin Costner box office record. Released in June 2025, this high-energy Formula One racing drama quickly captured the attention of moviegoers domestically and globally, thanks to its thrilling portrayal of the sport and Joseph Kosinski’s innovative directing style.
F1: The Movie opened to an impressive $57 million in its first weekend in the United States and has since accumulated over $468 million worldwide. Within five weeks of release, it crossed $165 million domestically, making it Apple Studios’ most successful film so far and outperforming Costner’s iconic 1991 hit Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, which was a cornerstone of his career.
The Significance of F1: The Movie’s Domestic Box Office Performance
The film’s $55 million opening weekend set a strong foundation, but the most remarkable aspect has been its staying power in theaters. Tripling its initial revenue over five weeks during the competitive summer season highlights the film’s broad appeal. Critical to this ongoing success are positive word of mouth and the growing global fascination with Formula One racing, which enhanced the film’s momentum alongside Brad Pitt’s magnetism.
F1: The Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced on a $200 million budget, received favorable critical reception with a 68/100 Tomatometer rating and 7.4/10 on audience scores. These numbers reflect a well-crafted mix of narrative and technical excellence that has resonated with both fans of the sport and cinema lovers alike.
This breakout success marks a turning point for Apple Studios, positioning the company as a formidable contender in theatrical releases. While Apple has consistently attracted top talent for its television and streaming projects, the triumph of F1: The Movie indicates a newfound ability to compete in traditional box office arenas, which may encourage future investments in large-scale, original theatrical productions.
Evaluating F1: The Movie’s Place Among Summer Blockbusters
F1: The Movie’s achievement is especially notable because it is an entirely original story, not drawn from any existing franchise, book, or comic, a rarity in today’s sequel-heavy market. Joseph Kosinski’s direction combined with performances by Brad Pitt, Kerry Condon, and Damson Idris culminated in a captivating narrative centered on an intense racing competition.
This originality, paired with its commercial success, is significant in an industry dominated by familiar intellectual properties. By the end of its theatrical run, the film is expected to enter the ranks of the top 40 highest-grossing original movies ever, placing it above titles like The Hangover and The Matrix, yet just below large-scale epics such as Twister and Saving Private Ryan.
This milestone not only highlights the widespread appeal of Formula One Racing as a subject but also encourages filmmakers and studios to continue betting on original stories, demonstrating that audiences are eager for fresh, well-executed films outside of established franchises.
Main Cast and Characters Bringing the Story to Life
The film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a skilled but complex Formula One driver. Alongside him, Damson Idris plays Joshua ‘Noah’ Pearce, and Kerry Condon contributes a compelling supporting role, all bringing depth to the film’s dynamic exploration of competition and personal challenge within the high-pressure racing world.
“F1: The Movie is entirely original, and not based on any existing characters, books, comics, etc.” —Joseph Kosinski, Director
“While the sport of Formula One Racing obviously has its own following, F1: The Movie wowed audiences with entertaining sports drama and Joseph Kosinski’s next-level camerawork.” —Source: Deadline
With its continued global box office growth and critical acclaim, F1: The Movie represents a major breakthrough for Apple Studios and a shining example of how original filmmaking can thrive in today’s competitive entertainment landscape. As it continues to attract audiences, the film’s success could inspire more innovations and original projects in Hollywood.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much money did Kevin Costner get per episode of Yellowstone?
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