'The Odyssey' Has Delivered Record Profits for IMAX

IMAX reported its strongest quarterly financial performance in the company’s history last week, with record box office, revenue, and profits for the third quarter of 2026.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey drove the results, becoming the highest-grossing IMAX release of all time.

THR reports that the company generated $712 million in global box office during the quarter, a 90% increase year over year and a significant rise from the $372 million recorded during the same period last year.

The Odyssey accounted for more than $550 million of that total in worldwide IMAX box office, contributing more than 30% of the film’s overall theatrical earnings. Its success was supported by premium screenings, including 70mm presentations that attracted audiences to IMAX locations.

Revenue increased 64% to $175 million, compared with $106.7 million in the third quarter of 2025. Net income climbed to $117 million, up from $22.6 million a year earlier.

“These results demonstrate the significant operating leverage and opportunity as we further expand the network and grow Imax box office,” says IMAX CFO Natasha Fernandes.

Content solutions revenue increased 110% to $94 million, reflecting the rise in global box office, while technology products and services revenue grew 28% to $77 million.

IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond says the results represented a broader shift in audience demand for theatrical experiences.

“What IMAX achieved goes beyond simply a ‘great quarter’ and transcends the many records we shattered in the period. What we believe we are witnessing is an awakening to the power and potential of our platform to impact global culture, unlock new commercial opportunities, and inspire a new level of demand and awe in audiences around the world,” he says, per THR.

“Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is a historic cinematic achievement crafted entirely with IMAX technology and its record-breaking success marks a new era of opportunity for our company. The record margins we generated in the quarter demonstrate the unique strength of our model, and the growing value of scarce events and experiences in an increasingly AI-driven world underscore a powerful opportunity for our business, as we look ahead to a remarkably strong slate over the next several years.”

The company expects to significantly exceed its previous full-year 2026 box office guidance of $1.4 billion, which would itself represent a record. Its expansion programme is also continuing, with more than 100 agreements for IMAX systems signed worldwide so far this year. Approximately 65% of those agreements involve new locations.

THR notes that IMAX is also exploring new auditorium formats, including smaller premium venues designed to offer audiences an immersive viewing experience through larger aspect ratios, greater depth of view and improved sound. Additionally, the company is considering adding between 10 and 15 new 70mm film locations in response to demand and the upcoming film slate.

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