People love the huge screens and crystal-clear sound of IMAX theaters. They make movies feel like you’re right in the action. But lately, social media is full of complaints about how much IMAX tickets cost. Fans are sharing screenshots of prices that seem way too high, especially with big releases coming up.
IMAX had a huge year in 2025, pulling in over $1 billion at the box office. More directors are shooting films specially for IMAX, like with the “Filmed for IMAX” program. This doubled to 14 movies last year, bringing in extra money for studios because IMAX screens often do 15% of ticket sales in North America, up from 10% before.https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2025-12-18/imax-2025-box-office-2026-preview Fans rave about it too. One superfan saw Oppenheimer 132 times in IMAX because it pulls you in emotionally like no regular theater can.https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2025-12-18/imax-2025-box-office-2026-preview
The problem is the price tag. IMAX does not set ticket prices. They leave it to the theaters, called exhibitors. With 2026 looking even bigger, think Avatar: Fire and Ash, Project Hail Mary, Supergirl, The Batman Part Two, and Dune Part Three all coming to IMAX, theaters might charge more for these hot tickets.https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2025-12-18/imax-2025-box-office-2026-preview Sites like Fandango show special deals, like two tickets for $20 for Prime members or $7 off Avatar IMAX with a code, but regular prices still sting.https://www.fandango.com/genre/imax-movieshttps://www.fandango.com
Even special events highlight the issue. A January 9, 2026, IMAX screening in Temecula, California, costs $25 for the movie plus a live Q&A. Organizers say it covers theater costs and travel, and they offer free tickets if price is a barrier, but many still call it steep.https://www.yourenoindian.com/tickets/p/january-9-2026-temecula-ca-imax-special-event
On platforms like X and Reddit, users post rants like “IMAX tickets are robbery now” or “Why pay double for the same movie?” Demand is sky-high, with some tickets selling out a year early, like for a Nolan film next July. Theaters know fans will pay up for that immersive rush, so prices climb. Deals help sometimes, but not everyone qualifies or finds them in time.
Sources
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2025-12-18/imax-2025-box-office-2026-preview
https://www.fandango.com/genre/imax-movies
https://www.fandango.com
https://www.yourenoindian.com/tickets/p/january-9-2026-temecula-ca-imax-special-event
