Theater owners want to see more from Apple at a time when they’re often struggling with a lack of compelling material, especially for grown-ups. With 'F1,' they saw a glimpse of hope.

Things have finally turned around with “F1” — currently the No. 1 movie in theaters, on track to earn $55.6 million this weekend at the domestic box office. With $144 million in global ticket sales, “F1” will soon surpass “Napoleon” ($228 million) as Apple’s highest-grossing film.

But the movie cost at least $350 million to make and market, analysts said, so it will need to attract substantial crowds in the weeks ahead to make money.