F1 movie first reviews: Brad Pitt stuns as critics call it the 'best blockbuster in 20 years' with no negative notes
F1 movie first reviews: Early reviews for F1 praise Brad Pitt¡¯s comeback performance and Joseph Kosinski¡¯s stunning direction, with critics calling it one of the best blockbusters in two decades. From heart-racing action to A-list charisma, F1 is being hailed as a cinematic spectacle worth watching on the biggest screen.

F1 movie first reviews: Brad Pitt is officially back on the race track, and critics are all hearts for it. Following a special press screening ahead of its world premiere at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 16, early reviews for F1, the Joseph Kosinski-directed racing epic, have started rolling in, and this one might just be a game-changer for the movie business this year.
The film, which stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as rival F1 drivers, appears to have struck the perfect balance between high-octane action and old-school movie star charm, even if its story leans a little clich¨¦. That hasn¡¯t stopped critics from hailing F1 as one of the most electrifying and visually stunning sports dramas in years.
Brad Pitt is a true movie star: Critics share rave reviews of F1
Scott Menzel, a long-time film and TV journalist, showered the film with high praise, writing on X (formerly Twitter), ¡°F1 is a damn good sports movie. While the script features every single clich¨¦ imaginable and the film as a whole is a bit overly long, Brad Pitt¡¯s charismatic performance proves that he, just like Tom Cruise, is a true movie star. Joseph Kosinski directs the hell out of this thing with some of the most impressive racing scenes I¡¯ve ever seen on the big screen. I had my doubts about this one, but F1 is definitely a winner.¡±
F1 is a damn good sports movie. While the script features every single clich¨¦ imaginable and the film as a whole is a bit overly long, Brad Pitt¡¯s charismatic performance proves that he, just like Tom Cruise, is a true movie star. Joseph Kosinski directs the hell out of this¡ pic.twitter.com/QBa0f5JphD
¡ª Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) June 17, 2025
Ryan McQuade of the Critics' Choice Awards was also equally impressed by the movie, and shared, ¡°#F1TheMovie is one of the best films of the year and one of the best blockbusters of the last twenty years. Kosinski, Bruckheimer, and company deliver cinematic perfection with each racing sequence, orchestrated by Claudio Miranda¡¯s impeccable cinematography. SEE IT IN IMAX!!!¡±
#F1TheMovie is one of the best films of the year and one of the best blockbusters of the last twenty years. Kosinski, Bruckheimer, and company deliver cinematic perfection with each racing sequence, orchestrated by Claudio Miranda¡¯s impeccable cinematography. SEE IT IN IMAX!!! pic.twitter.com/uxly1rVpRh
¡ª Ryan McQuade (@ryanmcquade77) June 17, 2025
Filmmaker and photographer Tevin DNelson called F1 a must-watch whether you follow the sport or not, writing, ¡°#F1TheMovie has everything you want in a racing film. All the racing scenes will have you at the edge of your seat. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris's rivalry took the movie to the next level. You don¡¯t have to be an F1 fan to enjoy this movie.
#F1TheMovie everything you want in a racing film. All the racing scenes will have you at the edge of your seat. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris rivalry took the movie to the next level. You don¡¯t have to be a F1 fan to enjoy this movie. pic.twitter.com/Xccc8HmVgT
¡ª 00Tevin (@TevinDNelson1) June 17, 2025
Another film critic, Anthony, praised both the spectacle and the soul of the film, adding, ¡°Joseph Kosinski knocks you out w/ insane racing scenes & thunderous sound design delivering the party of the summer! A full team effort celebrating the intense, calculated sport. Damson Idris is so charismatic. An old-school Hollywood crowd-pleaser in the best ways.
F1: THE MOVIE
¡ª Anthony (@AnAntLife) June 17, 2025
Joseph Kosinski knocks you out w/ insane racing scenes & thunderous sound design delivering the party of the summer! A full team effort celebrating the intense calculated sport. Damson Idris is so charismatic. An old school Hollywood crowd pleaser in the best ways pic.twitter.com/KTPwO7u4kw
Nick Zednik of Chicago Indie Critics may have said it best, calling F1 the ¡°epitome¡± of racing movies, ¡°#F1 The Movie is the epitome of all racing movies. Not only is it one of the most electrifying blockbusters I¡¯ve ever seen and ever made, but it also delivers on every level of filmmaking. Even with standard sports storytelling, Pitt, Condon, Idris and Bardem are all aces, but it¡¯s the incredible cinematography, sound and the way it all makes you feel that will leave you in awe. Incredible Hans Zimmer score as well. This is why we go to the movies. This is why I love movies. See it big and LOUD.¡±
#F1TheMovie is the epitome of all racing movies. Not only is it one of the most electrifying blockbusters I¡¯ve ever seen and ever made, it delivers on every level of filmmaking. Even with standard sports storytelling, Pitt, Condon, Idris and Bardem are all Aces but, it¡¯s the¡ pic.twitter.com/MFW4uHRm6N
¡ª Nick Zednik (@NickZednik) June 17, 2025
More about the movie
With standout visuals, a killer cast, and enough adrenaline to fuel an entire Grand Prix, F1 looks set to be more than just another sports movie. Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, George Russell, Lance Stroll, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc, among other real-life Formula 1 stars, make cameos in the movie. If you're wondering when the rest of us can see it, the movie releases in theatres on June 27.
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