Apple has announced that the hugely popular "F1: The Movie" is the most-watched film in Apple TV history, beating hits like "CODA", "Finch", and "Killers of the Flower Moon".

The Apple TV X account announced the news with a short video clip cut to make Brad Pitt appear to proclaim the feat "impressive." Pitt stars as an older racing driver returning to the track to compete with a younger generation.

This news also comes just days after "F1" was confirmed to have three award nominations by the UK's British Academy of Film and Television Arts, better known as BAFTA. The movie has been shortlisted in the Best Editing, Best Special Visual Effects, and Best Sound categories.

The "F1" movie has surely proven more popular than even Apple could have hoped, and its status as its most-watched movie ever isn't to be overlooked. Apple already has a large collection of movies to call its own, including some award winners.

"CODA", in particular, proved to be an awards darling. The movie won all three of its Academy Awards nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The F(1) factor

However, Apple has promoted "F1" in ways that other movies can only dream of, and counter to its traditional release cadence.

The movie was first shown at an advanced IMAX screening in June 2025, before being released internationally a few days later. A private screening was held during the Cannes Film Festival, with real F1 drivers invited to enjoy the movie. This was after portions of "F1" were filmed during real race weekends for authenticity, making extras of many of those drivers.

"F1" received its digital release in August 2025, with DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray coming in October. This was all before subscribers to Apple TV were able to take the movie in, helping build anticipation.

Apple TV subscribers were finally able to watch "F1" on December 12, 2025. It's likely the protracted release schedule — and more money spent on marketing it than any other Apple TV film — helped make "F1" a must-watch for Apple TV subscribers, whether they were fans of the sport or not.

Most of Apple's movies appear on Apple TV immediately, much like other streamers treat their own movies. But Apple's "F1" approach has seen it rake in over $630 million at the box office worldwide.