Brad Pitt sets a new record: ‘F1’ officially surpasses World War Z in revenue!

Brad Pitt, one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, has just hit a brand-new milestone in his legendary career — and it’s thanks to high-speed thrills, not zombies or war. His latest blockbuster, F1, has officially surpassed World War Z to become the highest-grossing film of his career, and in doing so, it has also become Apple’s most successful theatrical release to date.

After just six weeks in theaters, F1 has amassed $545 million worldwide, overtaking the $540 million record previously held by the apocalyptic action thriller World War Z, which debuted in 2013. For fans and industry insiders alike, it’s a jaw-dropping achievement—not just for Pitt, but also for Apple, the film’s distributor and producer.

F1: A Surprise Box Office Champion

Directed by Joseph Kosinski (best known for Top Gun: Maverick) and produced with the support of Lewis Hamilton, F1 combines cinematic adrenaline with real-life racing culture. The film tells the story of a veteran driver (played by Pitt) who returns to Formula 1 to mentor a young phenom while making one final push toward glory himself.

From the very beginning, F1 generated buzz with its authentic behind-the-scenes access to Formula 1 circuits, real-world filming at actual Grand Prix events, and support from major F1 teams like Mercedes-AMG Petronas. The high-octane storytelling, combined with spectacular race footage and practical effects, struck a chord with audiences worldwide.

In contrast to Pitt’s other dramatic or action-based roles, F1 became a rare crossover hit, appealing to racing fans, cinephiles, and even those unfamiliar with motorsport. Its blend of sports drama, human emotion, and pure spectacle helped propel the film to box office dominance.

Brad Pitt’s Highest Grossing Film Ever

It’s worth noting that despite being one of the most recognizable names in cinema, Brad Pitt has never starred in a superhero franchise or a billion-dollar blockbuster—until now. While he’s delivered countless iconic performances in films like Fight Club, Se7en, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Inglourious Basterds, none of those classics topped the box office the way F1 has.

Before F1, Pitt’s top earner was World War Z, a surprise zombie thriller that turned into a global phenomenon despite its production delays and budget overruns. But even that movie capped out at $540 million globally. With F1 crossing the $545 million mark, Brad Pitt now has a new personal best—and potentially more to come, as the film is still playing in select international markets.

Apple’s Theatrical Win

Beyond Pitt’s personal milestone, F1 marks Apple’s biggest theatrical win to date. After dipping its toes into the traditional film market with prestige titles like Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, Apple appears to have found its box office breakthrough.

Napoleon, starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Ridley Scott, earned a respectable $218 million worldwide. Killers of the Flower Moon, an epic directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, grossed $157 million globally. Both were widely praised for their artistic merit, but neither approached the commercial success of F1.

The film’s triumph is a major win for Apple Original Films, suggesting that a blockbuster strategy combining star power, practical spectacle, and a global fanbase can go toe-to-toe with more traditional Hollywood studios. With F1, Apple has now proven that it can generate not just awards-season prestige, but box office gold as well.

How Did F1 Succeed Where Others Stumbled?

There are a few key reasons behind the surprising success of F1:

• Star Power: Brad Pitt’s global appeal can’t be overstated. His charisma, experience, and fanbase extend across generations and continents.

• Racing Fever: Formula 1 has exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to Netflix’s Drive to Survive. Audiences are now more familiar than ever with the drivers, teams, and drama of the F1 world.

• Authenticity: The decision to shoot on real tracks with real F1 crews gave the film a level of immersion few racing films can match.

• Timing: Released during the summer movie season, F1 arrived at a time when audiences were hungry for exciting, fresh theatrical experiences.

Is $1 Billion Next for Pitt?

For all of Brad Pitt’s accomplishments, it’s somewhat surprising that he has never headlined a billion-dollar film. Many of his most successful works have been ensemble pieces (Ocean’s Eleven, Troy, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) or critical darlings that didn’t translate into massive box office figures.

But with F1, he’s finally in the big-league conversation. And although the film likely won’t hit the $1 billion mark during its theatrical run, it may well cross $600 million or more before it leaves theaters—and its presence on Apple TV+ later this year could extend its cultural reach even further.

It’s also worth noting that Pitt has largely steered clear of comic book franchises or fantasy universes—the types of films that tend to dominate the billion-dollar club. Whether by choice or coincidence, he’s remained focused on grounded, character-driven stories, and F1 proves that he doesn’t need a cape or a lightsaber to break records.

What’s Next for Brad Pitt?

After F1, Pitt is reportedly involved in several new projects, including another feature with David Leitch, the director of Bullet Train, and a highly anticipated reunion with director Quentin Tarantino for what may be the latter’s final film. There’s also continued buzz about Pitt possibly stepping into streaming-exclusive roles, leveraging his newfound connection with Apple TV+.

Meanwhile, rumors of a potential F1 sequel or spin-off are already circulating, especially given the success of the first film. With Lewis Hamilton continuing to serve as a producer, and global enthusiasm for racing at an all-time high, the door is wide open for more high-speed storytelling.

Conclusion: Brad Pitt Still Has Plenty of Gas in the Tank

At 61 years old, Brad Pitt is not just staying relevant—he’s breaking new ground. With F1, he’s proven that there’s still plenty of room for original storytelling in blockbuster cinema, and that a veteran actor can still redefine his career with the right project.

Whether or not he ever breaks the billion-dollar mark, Pitt has cemented his legacy with F1 as not just a legendary actor, but a box office force. The racing film has done more than break records—it’s reaffirmed Pitt’s enduring power in a rapidly changing industry.

And with F1 heading to streaming soon, there’s little doubt it’ll keep winning new fans around the world—one fast lap at a time.