Apple TV+ has finally found its groove with big-screen spectacles, and no film proves that better than F1. The Brad Pitt-led racing drama, directed by Joseph Kosinski, is currently roaring back to the No. 1 spot on the streaming service in June 2026, dominating charts across 69 countries including the U.S., UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and Spain. With an average Apple TV ranking of 1.8, the movie is showing remarkable staying power long after its theatrical run ended.
Released on Apple TV+ in December 2025 after a massive $634.1 million global box office haul, F1 has become the platform's most successful original film to date. It's not just a hit—it's a phenomenon that's still generating buzz on Google and the Apple TV Store, proving that audiences can't get enough of high-octane racing action. This momentum is especially impressive given that the movie already had its theatrical window, digital release, and streaming debut, yet it's still climbing back to the top.
From Prestige to Blockbuster: Apple's Franchise Breakthrough
Apple TV+ launched in November 2019 with a focus on prestige dramas like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Severance, but its film strategy initially leaned toward awards bait rather than crowd-pleasing hits. While CODA won Best Picture and Killers of the Flower Moon earned critical acclaim, neither delivered the kind of global box office numbers that F1 achieved. Even Napoleon had scale, and Argylle proved star power alone isn't enough. But F1 changed the game by delivering a glossy, theatrical original that felt both expensive and accessible—a rare combination for any streamer.
The film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a retired racing legend who returns to mentor a hotshot rookie played by Damson Idris, all while trying to save a struggling Formula 1 team. With producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Lewis Hamilton involved, the movie captured the adrenaline of real racing while telling a compelling underdog story. Its success has already sparked early development on a sequel, signaling Apple's intent to build its first true original-movie franchise.
Streaming Success and What's Next
F1's resurgence on Apple TV+ comes as the platform continues to see strong performance from other titles. For instance, Apple TV's 'Defending Jacob' Surges in June 2026, Riding 'Adolescence' Wave, while Ghosted Finds Streaming Success on Apple TV+ in June 2026. The service is also seeing renewed interest in Ray Donovan's Streaming Surge: Why Apple TV+ Fans Are Binge-Watching in June 2026. But F1 stands out as the crown jewel—a film that proves Apple can compete with traditional studios in the blockbuster arena.
As the sequel gears up with Bruckheimer and Hamilton back on board, fans are already speculating about where the story will go next. For now, F1 is the movie to beat on Apple TV+, and its continued dominance in June 2026 suggests that this franchise has plenty of fuel left in the tank. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Apple's streaming strategy and the future of F1.
