Brad Pitt, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, has reached a new peak in his career with the film F1: The Movie, released on June 27, 2025. This thrilling sports drama has already earned $545 million globally, surpassing the earnings of 2013’s World War Z and securing its spot as Pitt’s highest-grossing movie to date.
F1: The Movie’s success is not only a milestone for Pitt but also a record-breaking achievement for Apple Studios, marking the studio’s highest-grossing theatrical release ever. The film’s continued popularity in theaters worldwide underscores its strong appeal.
Box Office Breakdown and Brad Pitt’s Other Blockbusters
Currently in its seventh week in theaters, F1: The Movie has generated $173 million domestically and $372 million internationally. In comparison, World War Z, Pitt’s previous top-grossing film, earned $202 million in the United States and $329 million overseas. Other major hits in Pitt’s career include Mr. and Mrs. Smith with $487 million, Troy at $483 million, and Ocean’s Eleven which grossed $450 million.
Despite these impressive numbers, Pitt has not yet led a billion-dollar film. The closest he came was a cameo in Deadpool 2, which grossed $786 million globally. F1: The Movie holds the distinction as the highest-earning film with Pitt as the lead actor.
The Story Behind F1: The Movie and Its Stellar Cast
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ehren Kruger, F1: The Movie centers on Sonny Hayes, a Formula One racing driver played by Brad Pitt, who makes a comeback thirty years after a career-threatening crash. Alongside a talented rookie teammate, Hayes confronts his past while facing fierce competition on the track.
“Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition — and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.”
—Joseph Kosinski, Director
The film also features performances by Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Javier Bardem, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo, all contributing to the movie’s intense and dynamic portrayal of the high-stakes world of Formula One racing.
Critical and Audience Reception Highlights
F1: The Movie has not only achieved commercial success but has also earned significant acclaim. It boasts a 97% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of Pitt’s highest-rated films, even surpassing Fight Club’s 96% audience score. The film holds an 83% critics’ rating, reflecting widespread praise for its storytelling and performances.
This strong combination of box office performance and positive reception places F1 among the standout films of Brad Pitt’s career and of 2025 so far. The movie’s engaging depiction of rivalry, redemption, and teamwork has resonated with viewers worldwide.
Industry Impact and Upcoming Screenings
F1: The Movie currently ranks as the eighth highest-grossing movie of 2025, trailing significantly behind films like the Chinese animated hit Ne Zha 2, which has pulled in a massive $1.8 billion. It has also outperformed Apple Studios‘ previous top releases, including Ridley Scott’s Napoleon and Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon.
Produced with a budget estimated between $200 and $300 million, the racing drama’s financial and critical success reflects a significant achievement. Following its theatrical run, the movie is set for a special re-release in IMAX theaters on August 8, 2025, promising an enhanced viewing experience for fans.
A streaming debut on Apple TV+ is expected in the near future, although an official release date has yet to be announced. This will likely expand the film’s audience beyond theaters, further cementing its place in Brad Pitt’s filmography as a modern classic.
