IMAX
IMAX Corporation operates a global premium large-format cinema technology platform serving moviegoers, theater exhibitors, and Hollywood studios. It installs proprietary laser projection and 70mm film systems across 1,865+ theaters in 91 countries, earning revenue from equipment sales, box office revenue share, and content partnerships with major studios.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1967
- HeadquartersMississauga, Canada
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What IMAX does
IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in immersive motion picture technologies through proprietary large-format cinema systems. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, with a US presence in New York and Los Angeles, IMAX operates a global network of 1,865+ commercial theater locations across 91 countries (as of mid-2026), capturing approximately 3.8% of global box office from roughly 1% of screens and selling over 50 million tickets per year. The company sells enterprise solutions to theater chains (AMC, Cinemark, Asian Cinemas, HOYTS, Georgia Theatre Company, Odeon), partners with major Hollywood studios (Disney, Universal, Warner Bros., Amazon MGM, Apple, Netflix) on Filmed For IMAX content, and operates regional hubs in Shanghai, London, Tokyo, and Dublin.
IMAX's technology stack centers on four proprietary pillars: IMAX 15-perf/65mm film cameras (the highest-resolution cinema capture in commercial use, now including the new "Keighley" camera developed for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey), dual-laser projection systems (IMAX with Laser) delivering superior brightness and contrast versus xenon, Digital Remastering (DMR) tools that allow filmmakers to optimize images for IMAX screens, and custom-designed auditoria with integrated sound systems featuring precise speaker geometry. The Filmed For IMAX program certifies cameras (e.g., Fujifilm's GFX ETERNA 55) and binds directors to IMAX-native aspect ratios, while IMAX Enhanced extends the brand into home entertainment via licensing to streaming platforms (Disney+, Sony Pictures Core) and certified consumer devices. The company also produces original documentary content and, in 2026, launched live event programming (F1 Grand Prix with Apple TV) to fill auditorium utilization.
IMAX generates revenue through multiple streams: upfront and recurring payments from theater system sales and installations under 10–15 year agreements, transaction-based box office revenue shares (typically 20% of opening weekend grosses from 1% of screens), licensing royalties from Filmed For IMAX partnerships and IMAX Enhanced, and transaction fees from alternative content (F1 live broadcasts, documentary releases). In 2025, IMAX reported record revenue of $410M (16% YoY growth), adjusted EBITDA of $185M (45% margin), and $1.28B in global box office (up 40% YoY), with 2026 box office guidance of $1.4B and 160–175 new system installations. The company is publicly traded on the NYSE under ticker IMAX with a market capitalization of approximately $2.3 billion, and in 2026 is reportedly exploring strategic sale options to media and technology acquirers while operating under interim leadership during CEO Richard Gelfond's medical absence.
IMAX firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- IMAX
- Legal name
- IMAX Corporation
- Website
- https://imax.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1967
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- IMAX Corporation operates a global premium large-format cinema technology platform serving moviegoers, theater exhibitors, and Hollywood studios. It installs proprietary laser projection and 70mm film systems across 1,865+ theaters in 91 countries, earning revenue from equipment sales, box office revenue share, and content partnerships with major studios.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
IMAX industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Premium Large-Format Cinema Technology
- NAICS
- Motion Picture and Video Exhibition (51213), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Distribution (7829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cinema Chains & Multiplex Operators (MPADAKAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Alternative Content Exhibition (Live Broadcasts, Concert Films, Sports, Opera) (MPADAKAG), Interactive & Immersive Content Production (AR/VR/3D) (BPAFAIAL)
Keywords
Where IMAX is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mississauga
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices7 records
Markets served
IMAX business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Theater System Sales and Installations: IMAX sells and installs complete theater systems to exhibitors, including projection equipment, screen systems, and audio systems. The company signs long-term agreements typically spanning 10-15 years, generating upfront installation revenue plus ongoing maintenance and contribution revenue.
- Box Office Revenue Share: IMAX earns a percentage of box office revenue generated from films exhibited in its theater network, capturing value from premium format ticket pricing that commands a significant premium over standard tickets.
- Filmed For IMAX Content Partnerships: Revenue from partnerships with studios and filmmakers who specifically shoot films for IMAX format, including licensing fees, technology services, and post-production support.
- Alternative Content (F1, Documentaries): Revenue from live event broadcasts including Formula 1 races and documentary releases, diversifying beyond traditional film release cycles.
- IMAX Enhanced Licensing: Licensing revenue from IMAX Enhanced at-home entertainment brand including streaming partnerships, device certifications, and content remastering for home viewing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Enterprise pricing for theater system installations and ongoing network services |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
IMAX product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IMAX designs, manufactures, and licenses proprietary large-format cinema technology systems—including IMAX with Laser projection, IMAX 70mm Film projection, integrated sound systems, and IMAX theater design—sold and installed at theater chains worldwide under multi-year agreements. The company also operates the Filmed For IMAX content program for filmmakers, offers IMAX DMR digital remastering, licenses IMAX Enhanced for home streaming, and runs live event programming such as F1 racing broadcasts in IMAX theaters.
Product overview
IMAX Corporation offers a comprehensive premium cinema ecosystem centered on its proprietary large-format theater technology. The core offering consists of IMAX Theaters and Theater Systems, including IMAX with Laser projection systems and IMAX 70mm Film projection, which provide the highest-resolution cinema experiences through extra-large screens, customized auditorium geometry, integrated sound systems, and proprietary digital remastering (DMR) technology. The Filmed For IMAX program certifies and partners with filmmakers to shoot and optimize content specifically for IMAX screens. IMAX Enhanced extends the brand into home entertainment through certified consumer devices and streaming platforms. The company also operates IMAX Live Events for live sports broadcasts and produces original IMAX Documentaries. All offerings are supported by proprietary IMAX Cameras and post-production technology.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- IMAX Enhanced: A certification program for premium home entertainment delivering IMAX-quality audio and video experiences on compatible devices.
- IMAX with Laser
- Filmed For IMAX
Products and services
- IMAX Theaters / IMAX Theater Systems
- IMAX with Laser
- IMAX 70mm Film
- Filmed For IMAX
- IMAX Enhanced
- IMAX DMR (Digital Remastering)
- IMAX Sound Systems
- IMAX Cameras
- IMAX Live Events
- IMAX Documentaries
- IMAX Store
Quantifiable outcome
- Record $1.28 billion global box office in 2025, up 40% year-over-year, despite broader industry decline
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use IMAX
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
IMAX technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
IMAX partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Asian CinemascorePartnership for three new IMAX with Laser locations in India under the AMB Cinemas brand. First location opening in Hyderabad before end of 2026, with two additional sites planned for 2028. Marks IMAX's return to Hyderabad since Prasads IMAX closed in 2015, serving strong demand in one of India's largest cinema markets ahead of SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' release.
- Georgia Theatre CompanycoreAgreement for five new IMAX with Laser locations across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, expanding their existing partnership that began with GTC's first IMAX location in Athens, Georgia in 2025. Two locations opening in 2027, remaining by 2029. IMAX reported highest-grossing domestic box office year ever in 2025, up 14% over previous record.
- Nocturnal EntertainmentminorPartnership on 'Frontier', an all-new documentary about modern cowboys in the American West. Filmed on T4 Ranch in eastern New Mexico using IMAX's proprietary technology. Directed by photographer Anouk Masson Krantz, produced by Academy Award-winning Charles Roven (Atlas Entertainment) alongside Academy Award and Emmy-winning Believe Entertainment Group. IMAX debut planned for late 2026.
- Atlas Entertainment (Charles Roven)minorAcademy Award-winning producer Charles Roven (Atlas Entertainment) co-producing 'Frontier' documentary with IMAX and Nocturnal Entertainment. Roven is known for producing major DC films and Hollywood blockbusters, bringing prestige and production value to IMAX documentary slate.
- Believe Entertainment GroupminorAcademy Award and Emmy-winning production company co-producing 'Frontier' documentary with IMAX and Atlas Entertainment. Known for high-quality documentary and documentary-style productions.
- NetflixcoreNetflix delayed 'Narnia: The Magician's Nephew' to February 2027 for full theatrical run including IMAX screens globally, with streaming release April 2, 2027. Film represents Netflix's most aggressive theatrical push yet, originally planned for limited two-week IMAX exclusivity before expanding to full release. Netflix also committed to longer theatrical windows to address Hollywood concerns.
- HOYTS CinemascoreLargest IMAX agreement ever in Australia, spanning 10 new IMAX with Laser locations across Australia and New Zealand. Nearly doubles IMAX's footprint in the region, with HOYTS holding over 30% national admissions share. Record deals including this 10-system agreement contribute to 2026 guidance of 160-175 system installations.
- Apple TVcoreFirst-of-its-kind partnership to broadcast live Formula 1 Grand Prix races in IMAX theaters across the US. Five races in 2026 season (Miami, Monaco, Silverstone, Monza, Austin) at minimum 50 locations. Builds on success of 'F1: The Movie' which grossed $97.6 million in IMAX worldwide and was highest-grossing Hollywood release in IMAX in 2025. Apple TV is exclusive US F1 broadcaster on multi-year deal.
- GKIDSminorPartnership to release new 4K restorations of Studio Ghibli films exclusively in IMAX locations across North America. Following successful release of 'Princess Mononoke', multiple titles planned for 2026 theatrical releases. Restorations overseen by Studio Ghibli's Atsushi Okui, bringing anime classics to IMAX premium format.
- Wanda FilmminorMemorandum of understanding expanding strategic partnership between IMAX Corporation, IMAX China, and Wanda Film Holding into merchandise development, IP initiatives, and retail programs in China. Collaboration aims to leverage networks and brand influence to create new revenue streams and expand consumer engagement beyond traditional cinema experiences.
- Studio GhibliminorJapanese animation studio whose films are being restored in 4K for exclusive IMAX theatrical releases through GKIDS partnership. Films restored under supervision of veteran animator Atsushi Okui, bringing classics like Princess Mononoke to premium IMAX format.
- CinemarkcoreMulti-year agreement spanning 17 locations for IMAX with Laser and IMAX 70mm Film systems. Includes new installations and upgrades, bringing laser technology to 17 Cinemark locations plus IMAX 70mm film projectors to Chicago, Colorado Springs, and Rochester. Cinemark is third-largest US theater chain by screens.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
IMAX competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Customer concentration
IMAX social profiles
Digital presenceIMAX financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
IMAX leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
IMAX funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
IMAX M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A3 records
Investments3 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about IMAX
What does IMAX do?
IMAX designs, manufactures, and licenses proprietary large-format cinema technology systems—including IMAX with Laser projection, IMAX 70mm Film projection, integrated sound systems, and IMAX theater design—sold and installed at theater chains worldwide under multi-year agreements. The company also operates the Filmed For IMAX content program for filmmakers, offers IMAX DMR digital remastering, licenses IMAX Enhanced for home streaming, and runs live event programming such as F1 racing broadcasts in IMAX theaters.
Is IMAX a public or private company?
IMAX is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was IMAX founded?
IMAX was founded in 1967. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is IMAX based?
IMAX is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, in the North America region.
How does IMAX make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Theater System Sales and Installations are the primary driver. The others are box Office Revenue Share, filmed For IMAX Content Partnerships, alternative Content (F1, Documentaries) and IMAX Enhanced Licensing.
Does IMAX have an API?
No public API is recorded for IMAX.
What industry is IMAX in?
IMAX's product category is Premium Large-Format Cinema Technology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADAKAA, Cinema Chains & Multiplex Operators, with a secondary code of MPADAKAG, Alternative Content Exhibition (Live Broadcasts, Concert Films, Sports, Opera). Its NAICS code is 51213 and its SIC code is 7830.