# Future of IMAX Ticket Pricing
The IMAX format is experiencing unprecedented momentum heading into 2026, but this growth comes with a significant caveat for moviegoers: ticket prices are likely headed higher.
IMAX just completed a landmark year with over one billion dollars in revenue, and industry analysts expect 2026 to be even bigger. The company is aggressively expanding its “Filmed for IMAX” program, which doubled from seven titles in 2024 to 14 in 2025. This expansion means more major Hollywood productions are being shot specifically for IMAX screens, creating stronger demand for premium viewing experiences.
The financial incentives are clear. According to IMAX executives, movies shot with the “Filmed for IMAX” designation average about 15 percent of the box office in North America, compared to the traditional 10 percent for standard IMAX releases. This higher revenue share motivates studios to invest in IMAX production, which in turn drives more consumers to seek out IMAX screenings.
Several blockbuster films are fueling this momentum. Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey” has already generated extraordinary demand, with IMAX tickets selling out a year before the film’s July 2026 release. Other major titles coming to IMAX include “Project Hail Mary,” “Supergirl,” “The Batman: Part Two,” and “Dune: Part Three,” with director Denis Villeneuve shooting scenes using new IMAX 70mm cameras.
This surge in demand is creating the conditions for price increases. IMAX leadership has indicated that there could be “more elasticity” in pricing for big releases, meaning theaters have room to charge premium prices when demand is high. However, IMAX itself does not set ticket prices – individual theater chains make those decisions independently.
The broader context matters here. Movie ticket prices have risen significantly due to inflation and the growing popularity of premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema. Average ticket prices have climbed substantially since the pre-pandemic era, with some estimates suggesting prices are approximately 40 percent higher than before 2020. This trend is expected to continue as IMAX with Laser technology upgrades legacy xenon systems through 2026 and 2027, further increasing premium ticket yields.
The challenge for consumers is that IMAX pricing power appears to be strengthening. With major filmmakers now prioritizing IMAX production, limited theater capacity for premium formats, and strong consumer demand for immersive experiences, the conditions are set for continued price growth. Theater operators will likely test how much audiences are willing to pay, particularly for highly anticipated releases.
One indicator of this pricing power is already visible. Tickets for “The Odyssey” IMAX screenings are being resold for hundreds of dollars above face value, demonstrating that some consumers view the premium experience as worth significant additional cost.
For regular moviegoers, the practical implication is clear: IMAX tickets will likely become increasingly expensive over the next two years. Industry observers suggest that consumers should “start saving now” if they want to experience major releases in IMAX format.
The fundamental dynamic driving this trend is simple supply and demand. As more major films are produced specifically for IMAX, and as audiences increasingly prefer premium large-format experiences, theater chains have less incentive to keep prices low. The combination of limited IMAX screen capacity, strong demand from major releases, and IMAX’s proven ability to generate higher per-film revenue creates an environment where price increases are likely inevitable.
Sources
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2025-12-18/imax-2025-box-office-2026-preview
https://portersfiveforce.com/blogs/growth-strategy/imax
https://www.avclub.com/the-odyssey-imax-70mm-tickets-sold-out
