F1 The Movie: A Blockbuster Triumph
F1 The Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski, has dynamically raced to the top of box office charts, marking a significant milestone for the film industry. The plot centers on the return of Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Brad Pitt, to the Formula One racetrack years after an injury forced him into retirement. With a gripping storyline and Kosinski’s renowned directorial prowess, it quickly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Since its release on June 27, 2025, F1 The Movie became the first PG-13 film to dominate the summer box office that year, surpassing contenders like Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon. This box office success has established it as Apple Studios’ highest-grossing theatrical release to date.
As highlighted by The Numbers, the film has garnered an impressive $144 million domestically and an international total of $257.2 million, culminating in a global box office tally of $401.2 million. This achievement positions it as just the eighth movie in 2024 to cross the $400 million threshold worldwide.
Additionally, F1 The Movie stands out in Brad Pitt’s illustrious career, becoming the sixth film of his to achieve this milestone—behind iconic titles like Ocean’s Eleven and Troy. Notably, it ranks as the fifth highest-grossing film featuring Pitt in a lead role, especially significant considering his brief appearance in Deadpool 2.
The Impact of F1 The Movie’s Success
Racing Ahead: An Unconventional Achievement for Original Screenplays
The impressive box office numbers not only mark a remarkable win for Brad Pitt but also signify a significant triumph for original screenplays in today’s cinematic landscape. Earlier in 2025, Ryan Coogler’s horror sensation Sinners was heralded as the highest-grossing live-action original movie of the decade, with earnings of $365.8 million globally. However, F1 The Movie has swiftly outpaced that, pushing the envelope for what’s possible for original screenplays.
Written by Ehren Kruger of Top Gun: Maverick, F1 The Movie is an exhilarating head-turner. The only other English-language feature ahead of it in worldwide earnings is Pixar’s acclaimed animated film Elemental, which premiered in 2023 and amassed $484.8 million. It’s remarkable to see how F1 The Movie is reshaping perceptions of original content in mainstream Hollywood.
A Contemporary Reflection on Original Storytelling
While F1 The Movie represents an extraordinary achievement for original films, it’s essential to consider its context within the entertainment landscape. Despite being an original cinematic experience, it’s still anchored in a well-known intellectual property: the world of Formula One racing. Similar to the prior hit Barbie, this film draws from a widely recognized brand, blurring the lines between original storytelling and established franchises.
As we look ahead, the cinematic landscape of 2025 may be shifting, especially if other upcoming original films such as Weapons, Him, and Marty Supreme can replicate the success of both F1 The Movie and Sinners. Their performance could signal a broader trend toward originality in Hollywood.
Whether F1 The Movie sets a new standard for original storytelling remains debatable. However, its success has undeniably sparked a conversation—one that celebrates creativity, risks, and the continuing evolution of cinematic art.
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Source: The Numbers