Apple Original Films’ F1 Races Ahead at the Global Box Office: Exceptional Opening Weekend Performance
Apple Original Films’ latest release, F1, is making waves at the global box office, exceeding initial expectations for both international and domestic openings. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and distributed by Warner Bros, the film has amassed an impressive $39.5 million in its first three days (from Wednesday to Friday) across 78 markets, including early paid previews. Projections suggest that the overseas total could soar to between $80 million and $85 million by the end of the weekend, a figure that significantly outpaces comparable films starring Brad Pitt, such as World War Z ($73.8 million) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ($64.6 million), based on current market conditions and excluding China.
When combined with domestic earnings, F1 is on track for a remarkable global opening of around $140 million or more, marking it as the most successful launch for an Apple film to date. While slight adjustments may occur as the weekend progresses, positive word-of-mouth is driving F1’s momentum worldwide. The film’s international appeal aligns perfectly with the soaring popularity of Formula 1, while domestic performance has also exceeded expectations.
The offshore launch has secured top positions in nearly all markets, with Europe showing particularly strong results, despite any potential heat wave impacts being balanced by robust performances in Latin America. The Asia Pacific region is performing as anticipated, with the following top 10 markets reporting impressive figures through Friday:
- United Kingdom: $4.8 million
- France: $3 million
- Mexico: $2.8 million
- China: $2.7 million
- Australia: $2 million
- Germany: $1.8 million
- South Korea: $1.5 million
- UAE: $1.3 million
- Italy: $1.3 million
- Taiwan: $1.1 million
China remains a notable wildcard, having garnered approximately $6 million by Saturday (with this figure not included in the earlier international total). South Korea experienced a remarkable surge on Saturday, with box office earnings jumping 117% from Friday to total $2.75 million.
Among the standout achievements, China recorded the largest opening day for an Apple film and for Brad Pitt’s films. Spain’s Friday performance outpaced the fifth installment of the popular local franchise Padre No Hay Mas Que Uno, and also surpassed major titles like No Time to Die, the last two Mission: Impossible films, and Top Gun: Maverick. Additionally, Mexico achieved the biggest opening day for an Apple film, and Australia’s Thursday debut was the most successful for both Apple and Pitt.
Stay tuned for a comprehensive update on F1’s box office performance this Sunday!
