Brad Pitt’s long-awaited Formula One racing drama F1: The Movie has quickly become one of the most talked-about films of 2025, not only for its high-octane racing sequences and immersive storytelling but also for its remarkable box office performance. With the film already grossing $624.3 million worldwide, it has established itself as the sixth highest-grossing film of the year and one of the top 200 highest-grossing movies of all time. Yet, as the movie nears the end of its theatrical run, fans and industry analysts are keeping a close eye on one pressing question: can F1 surpass the worldwide earnings of the Timothée Chalamet-led musical fantasy Wonka, a film that not only charmed critics with an 82% rating but also drew in strong family audiences across the globe?

F1’s Box Office Journey

The journey of F1: The Movie at the box office has been nothing short of fascinating. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, who previously helmed Top Gun: Maverick, the film promised breathtaking visuals, innovative use of IMAX cameras, and a realistic portrayal of the fast-paced Formula One world. With Brad Pitt in the lead role alongside a strong supporting cast and actual F1 involvement from Lewis Hamilton as a producer, the movie had all the ingredients to become a major box office contender.

So far, the numbers reflect its success. North American grosses stand at $189.4 million, a respectable figure considering the film faced strong competition from action blockbusters and animated family films throughout the summer. Internationally, F1 has pulled in $434.9 million, proving that the Formula One theme resonates strongly with audiences in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, where motorsport enjoys massive popularity. Together, these figures bring the global total to $624.3 million, placing the film just shy of Fast Five’s $626.1 million haul.

Breaking Even and Budget Considerations

One of the most important aspects of evaluating F1’s performance is understanding its budgetary implications. With an estimated production cost of $250 million, the film needed to make at least 2.5 times its budget—around $625 million—to break even, based on industry standards. This threshold accounts for marketing expenses, distribution cuts, and theater revenue splits. As of now, F1 has essentially reached that break-even point, ensuring that it will not go down as a financial disappointment.

However, for a movie of this scale and with Brad Pitt’s star power, simply breaking even is not enough to be considered a runaway success. The true test lies in whether F1 can continue climbing up the global charts and overtake films like Wonka, which remains one step ahead in the box office race.

The Wonka Comparison

The musical fantasy Wonka, starring Dune actor Timothée Chalamet, opened strong during the 2023 holiday season and enjoyed a long theatrical run bolstered by positive word of mouth and strong reviews. With its 82% critic rating, charming performances, and appeal across generations, it became a staple for families and musical fans alike. By the end of its run, Wonka grossed $634.5 million worldwide, with $218.4 million in North America and $416.1 million internationally.

Currently, the gap between the two films is just $10.2 million, with F1 trailing behind. On paper, this seems like a small amount, but the reality is more complicated. F1’s theatrical legs are showing signs of slowing down, and as it transitions into its digital release phase, the chances of adding another $10 million in global earnings through theaters appear slim. Unless the film enjoys an unexpected resurgence in late runs or strong holdovers in select markets, it may finish its box office journey just behind Wonka.

Brad Pitt’s Highest-Grossing Lead Role

Even if F1 falls short of surpassing Wonka, the film remains a career milestone for Brad Pitt. At $624.3 million, it has become his highest-grossing film as a lead actor, surpassing earlier hits like World War Z and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This accomplishment is particularly significant considering the competitive landscape of 2025, which has been dominated by superhero sequels, major animated releases, and big-budget fantasy films.

For Brad Pitt, who has shifted in recent years from pure action films to more character-driven projects, F1 represents a perfect blend of blockbuster spectacle and dramatic storytelling. It demonstrates that audiences are still eager to see him front major productions, particularly when the role is grounded in realism and intensity rather than relying solely on visual effects.

The Broader Legacy of Racing Films

The success of F1 also invites comparisons to previous racing dramas. Ron Howard’s Rush (2013), which depicted the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, earned critical acclaim but grossed only $98.2 million worldwide. Meanwhile, James Mangold’s Ford v Ferrari (2019) performed better with $225 million globally, thanks to strong awards buzz and compelling performances from Christian Bale and Matt Damon.

In contrast, F1 has blown past both of these films by a wide margin, positioning itself as the most successful racing drama ever made. This not only raises the bar for future motorsport-themed movies but also reinforces the idea that, with the right star, director, and production value, niche sports genres can translate into mainstream box office success.

Can Streaming Push F1 Over the Top?

While its theatrical run may be nearing its conclusion, F1 still has an opportunity to build momentum through streaming and digital releases. Films with strong global fanbases often experience renewed interest once they hit platforms like Apple TV+, Netflix, or Prime Video. If F1 enjoys significant post-theatrical popularity, it may not contribute directly to box office numbers but could strengthen its overall profitability and cultural impact.

In addition, Formula One’s real-world popularity is on the rise, thanks to events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the ongoing success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. This crossover appeal could make F1 a long-term staple for motorsport fans, driving merchandise sales, potential sequels, and sustained digital viewership.

Final Outlook

At this stage, F1: The Movie sits just shy of overtaking Wonka in worldwide earnings. With $624.3 million already banked, the film has effectively broken even and cemented its place as Brad Pitt’s most financially successful lead role. However, the target of $634.5 million set by Wonka may prove just out of reach.

Regardless, F1’s accomplishments cannot be understated. It has outperformed expectations in a competitive market, become the highest-grossing racing drama of all time, and reestablished Brad Pitt as a bankable global star. Whether or not it crosses the symbolic milestone of surpassing Wonka, the film will be remembered as one of 2025’s standout box office stories and a turning point in how Hollywood approaches sports dramas at blockbuster scale.