IMAX

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.

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

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

• Premium large-format cinema
• Laser projection systems
• IMAX film cameras
• Digital remastering services
• Immersive theater experiences

Headquarters

HQ city

Mississauga

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Alternative Content (F1, Documentaries): Revenue from live event broadcasts including Formula 1 races and documentary releases, diversifying beyond traditional film release cycles.
5. 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

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core 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

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Asian CinemascoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2026Partnership 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 CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 May 2026Agreement 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 EntertainmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Partnership 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)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Academy 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 GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Academy Award and Emmy-winning production company co-producing 'Frontier' documentary with IMAX and Atlas Entertainment. Known for high-quality documentary and documentary-style productions.
• NetflixcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 May 2026Netflix 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 CinemascoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 April 2026Largest 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 TVcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2026First-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.
• GKIDSminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2025Partnership 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 FilmminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2025Memorandum 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 GhibliminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2025Japanese 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.
• CinemarkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 October 2025Multi-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

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IMAX
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/imaxmovies
• Facebookfacebook.com/IMAX
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/imax
• Instagraminstagram.com/imax
• TikToktiktok.com/@imax?lang=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A3 records

Investments3 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IMAX