Brad Pitt’s newest sports drama, released by Apple Studios, is outpacing the highly anticipated Superman (2025) on video-on-demand, shortly after its digital debut on August 22. Playing the lead role of Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who returns from retirement to guide a young racer, Pitt continues to demonstrate his strong appeal across different movie genres.
Known for a wide-ranging career and multiple Oscar nods, including wins for his role as Cliff Booth in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Pitt has remained a prominent Hollywood figure at age 61. His ability to balance critically acclaimed roles with popular blockbusters keeps audiences engaged.
Strong Reception for F1: The Movie Reflects in Box Office and Streaming
The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski, features a supporting cast that includes Javier Bardem, Damson Idris, and Kerry Condon, adding depth to the racing story. After earning praise upon its theatrical release in late June, especially in IMAX theaters where Kosinski’s prior hit Top Gun: Maverick (2022) also found success, the movie has now reached the top spot on iTunes Store‘s digital charts.
According to iTopChart, F1: The Movie currently leads digital rentals and purchases, surpassing Superman, which holds the third position behind Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025). This milestone highlights the film’s growing popularity among viewers who prefer streaming.
Significance of F1: The Movie’s Success for Apple and Future Projects
Apple Studios took a notable risk with this high-budget sporting drama, especially given its mixed results with other major releases like Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), Napoleon (2023), Fly Me to the Moon (2024), and Argylle (2024), which failed to achieve commercial success despite some critical acclaim. Killers of the Flower Moon, in particular, was praised critically but underperformed financially.
Contrary to this trend, F1: The Movie has amassed nearly $600 million worldwide on an estimated $250 million budget, reflecting solid box office numbers complemented by an impressive 97% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its continued success on VOD suggests strong audience demand and bolsters Pitt’s status as a dependable leading man.
The momentum behind the film raises speculation about a potential sequel, possibly reuniting Pitt and director Joseph Kosinski. While no official plans have been announced, the performance of the movie both in theaters and on digital platforms indicates promising prospects for franchise development.
Notable Cast and Characters in F1: The Movie
Brad Pitt headlines the cast as Sonny Hayes, the seasoned Formula 1 driver navigating his return to the sport. Alongside him, Damson Idris portrays Joshua ‘Noah’ Pearce, Hayes’s protégé and rising star on the struggling racing team. The supporting ensemble, including respected actors Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon, enriches the film’s dynamic portrayal of competition and mentorship.
“F1: The Movie is currently the number one movie on the iTunes Store, per iTopChart.” —iTopChart
