IMAX Q3: Record Revenue Driven by Nolan Epic

IMAX Corporation posted its highest quarterly revenue and profit figures to date, reporting $175 million in revenue for the third quarter of 2026. This figure represents a 64% increase from the $106.7 million recorded in the same period last year. Net income reached $117.1 million, marking a 400% rise from the $22.6 million posted a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share climbed to $2.21, up from 47 cents in the comparable 2025 quarter.

The financial surge coincided with the release of Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey,' which became the company’s highest-grossing release in history. The film generated over $550 million in ticket sales specifically at IMAX screens, accounting for 30% of its total global box office haul of $1.8 billion. This performance significantly outpaced the previous record holder, James Cameron’s 'Avatar,' which earned $271 million at IMAX venues in 2009 without inflation adjustment. The success is attributed to 'The Odyssey' being the first major feature film shot entirely with IMAX cameras, rather than using the technology for selected sequences.

During the quarter, IMAX’s worldwide box office total stood at $712 million, which is 94% higher than the $368 million reported in the third quarter of 2025. Following 'The Odyssey,' the top-grossing titles at IMAX screens were 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' 'Resident Evil,' and 'Avengers: Endgame Encore.' These results contributed to what the company described as the biggest summer season since the pandemic.

Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX Corporation, stated that the company’s performance transcended typical quarterly records. He described the results as an awakening to the platform’s potential to impact global culture and unlock new commercial opportunities. Gelfond noted that audiences are seeking shared experiences that feel larger than individual home viewing.

The company continues to expand its global footprint, having signed agreements for more than 100 systems worldwide in 2026. Of these, 65% are for new locations. With 'Dune: Part Three' and 'Avengers: Doomsday' scheduled for release in December, IMAX projects that its 2026 global revenue will exceed its earlier estimate of $1.4 billion. This would surpass the $1.2 billion global record set in the previous year.