In a significant development for both cinematic blockbusters and digital entertainment, Apple and Brad Pitt’s high-octane racing drama, “F1: The Movie,” is set to make its highly anticipated debut on video-on-demand (VOD) services this week, beginning August 22, 2025. This move follows a stunning theatrical run that has cemented its place in film history as Apple’s highest-grossing film to date and the top earner in Brad Pitt’s illustrious career. The news underscores a shifting landscape in how major movies are brought to audiences globally, blending traditional cinema with the burgeoning world of streaming.
A Box Office Champion
“F1: The Movie” has roared past expectations, achieving a remarkable worldwide gross of $590 million as of August 17, 2025. This impressive figure far surpasses previous Apple Original Films’ theatrical releases, including Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, marking a definitive success for Apple’s ambitious foray into big-budget cinema. For Brad Pitt, the film’s lead, this achievement is particularly noteworthy, as it overtakes his previous box office champion, World War Z, solidifying his commercial appeal.
The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski, the visionary behind Top Gun: Maverick, launched internationally on June 25, 2025, and in North America on June 27, 2025, enjoying a nearly two-month theatrical window. Its success was bolstered by its immersive IMAX screenings, which contributed significantly to its revenue. Due to overwhelming demand, the movie even saw a re-release in IMAX on August 8, 2025, showcasing its enduring appeal and the audience’s desire for a premium viewing experience.
The Genesis of an Authentic Racing Epic
Development for “F1: The Movie” began in December 2021, with a high-stakes bidding war ultimately won by Apple. The project brought together a powerhouse team, including producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Brad Pitt, and seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton’s involvement was crucial for ensuring the film’s authenticity, with his deep knowledge of the sport influencing everything from the screenplay to the technical aspects of racing.
Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a veteran F1 driver returning after a 30-year absence to mentor rookie Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, and save a struggling underdog team, APXGP. A groundbreaking aspect of the production was its commitment to realism: filming took place during actual Grand Prix weekends throughout the 2023 and 2024 F1 World Championships. The fictional APXGP team was integrated into real paddock areas, and actors Brad Pitt and Damson Idris underwent extensive training, driving modified F2 cars at high speeds on live tracks. This unprecedented access and dedication to practical effects, reminiscent of Kosinski’s work on Top Gun: Maverick, allowed for unparalleled on-track action and a truly visceral experience for audiences.
Strategic Release and Future Implications
Warner Bros. Pictures handled the film’s global theatrical distribution, a strategic partnership that maximized its box office reach. Now, with its theatrical run winding down, “F1: The Movie” is pivoting to its digital phase. Starting August 22, 2025, the film will be available for rent or purchase on various VOD platforms, including Apple, Amazon, and Fandango at Home. Following this premium VOD window, Apple TV+ will become the exclusive streaming home for the film, with an expected arrival by winter, or late September to early October 2025.
While the film’s reported budget, including production and extensive marketing, stands at an estimated $350 million, its impressive box office performance positions it as a strong contender to recoup its investment through combined theatrical and digital revenues. The success of “F1: The Movie” is significant news for Apple’s content strategy, demonstrating the power of a theatrical first-run to build buzz and drive audience engagement before a film transitions to its streaming platform. It suggests a viable path for Apple Original Films to continue investing in large-scale, tentpole productions that aim for both critical acclaim and commercial triumph across all platforms.
