Apple’s "F1 The Movie" Takes the Box Office by Storm
In a significant achievement for Apple, the film "F1 The Movie" has hit the ground running at the box office, debuting with an impressive $55.6 million in North America and racking up $144 million globally during its opening weekend. This marks a milestone for Apple’s film division, showcasing their ability to make a mark in the competitive world of cinema.
Apple Original Films has had its ups and downs in Hollywood over the past six years. While they gained acclaim with the Oscar-winning film "CODA" in 2021, other projects like “Argylle” and “Fly Me to the Moon” didn’t fare as well, often attracting more viewers to Apple TV+ than movie theaters. However, "F1 The Movie" represents a bold move into summer blockbuster territory, positioning itself alongside fan-favorites like "Top Gun: Maverick," from which it borrowed much of its production talent.
With a production budget exceeding $200 million, "F1" still has a journey ahead before it turns a profit. Nonetheless, its debut shows promise, and industry experts are enthusiastic. Zack Van Amburg, head of worldwide video for Apple, expressed excitement about the movie’s performance, attributing its success to the thrilling focus on Formula 1 and the talented cast and crew behind it.
Although racing films have often struggled to achieve box office success, "F1" benefited from the growing interest in Formula 1, particularly due to the popular Netflix series "Formula 1: Drive to Survive." By employing techniques like IMAX cameras inside race cars, the filmmakers aimed to create an immersive experience that audiences would enjoy. Early reports indicate that a significant portion of ticket sales came from IMAX and other large-format screenings, which have been in high demand this summer.
Internationally, "F1" is expected to perform well, where Formula 1 has a robust following. Jeffrey Goldstein of Warner Bros. credited the star power of Brad Pitt as a major draw for audiences. The film’s global success demonstrates the strong appeal of well-crafted stories combined with thrilling visuals.
As excitement build, audience reactions have been positive, highlighted by an "A" rating from CinemaScore. This bodes well for the film’s future as it enters a competitive market that includes new releases like Universal Pictures’ "Jurassic World Rebirth."
Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst, noted that the successful marketing strategy employed by Warner Bros. helped make "F1" a theatrical event, boosting its overall appeal and strengthening Apple’s brand as a serious player in the film industry.
Despite some competition from similar genres, "F1 The Movie" has managed to stand out. Other films, like "M3gan 2.0," which fell short of expectations, further highlight the success of this racing film.
As the box office landscape shifts, "F1 The Movie" not only marks a triumph for Apple but sets a precedent for potential future hits in the ever-evolving film industry.
Top 10 Movies by Domestic Box Office
- “F1 The Movie,” $55 million
- “How to Train Your Dragon,” $19.4 million
- “Elio,” $10.7 million
- “M3gan 2.0,” $10.2 million
- “28 Years Later,” $9.7 million
- “Lilo & Stitch,” $6.9 million
- “Mission: Impossible — Final Reckoning,” $4.2 million
- “Materialists,” $3 million
- “Ballerina,” $2.1 million
- “Karate Kid: Legends,” $1 million
