Apple Original Films’ latest release, F1, is racing ahead at the global box office, exceeding projections with its impressive opening. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film has amassed approximately $39.5 million in its first three days overseas, covering 78 markets, including some paid previews earlier in the week.
The film’s international debut is expected to reach between $80 million and $85 million by the end of Sunday. This performance would surpass previous Brad Pitt films such as World War Z ($73.8M) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ($64.6M) when adjusted for today’s rates and excluding China. Combined with domestic earnings, F1 is projected to achieve a global opening of $140 million, potentially marking the largest launch for an Apple movie to date.
The success of F1 is largely driven by positive word of mouth as it continues to capture audiences worldwide. International markets were always expected to be strong due to the popularity of Formula 1 racing, while domestic performance has also exceeded expectations.
International Box Office Performance
In nearly every market, F1 has secured the top spot for a U.S. title. Europe is performing as anticipated, with the heat wave’s impact being mitigated by strong showings in Latin America. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is meeting predicted outcomes.
The top 10 markets through Friday include:
- UK: $4.8M
- France: $3M
- Mexico: $2.8M
- China: $2.7M
- Australia: $2M
- Germany: $1.8M
- Korea: $1.5M
- UAE: $1.3M
- Italy: $1.3M
- Taiwan: $1.1M
China, often a wildcard in box office performance, has contributed approximately $6 million through Saturday, with Korea experiencing a significant 117% increase from Friday, reaching $2.75 million by today.
Breaking Records and Setting New Benchmarks
Among the notable achievements, China’s Friday opening marked the largest for an Apple film and the biggest opening day for Brad Pitt. Spain’s Friday performance surpassed the fifth installment of the popular local franchise Padre No Hay Mas Que Uno, as well as outperforming No Time to Die, the last two Mission: Impossibles, and Top Gun: Maverick. In Mexico, F1 set a new record for the biggest opening day for an Apple title, outpacing numerous comparisons.
Australia also saw a record-breaking Thursday debut for both Apple and Pitt, surpassing all comparable titles.
Looking Ahead
The robust start for F1 not only underscores the global appeal of Formula 1 but also highlights Apple’s growing influence in the film industry. As the movie continues to perform well, industry analysts will be watching closely to see if it maintains its momentum in the coming weeks.
The film’s success could pave the way for more high-profile releases from Apple, further solidifying its position in the competitive streaming and film production landscape.
Stay tuned for a full update on Sunday as more detailed figures become available.
