Christopher Nolan’s film “The Odyssey,” distributed by Universal, is proving to be a major box office success for Imax, significantly boosting investor confidence. The movie generated $52 million during its opening weekend for Imax, which, despite representing less than 1% of global screens, contributed to 20% of the film’s overall debut revenue. This strong showing follows the impressive performance of Nolan’s previous film, “Oppenheimer,” whose Imax run amassed over $190 million in 2023. Imax’s CEO Rich Gelfond noted that “The Odyssey” continues to draw robust ticket sales, with record-breaking daily revenues early in the week following its release.

The positive momentum from “The Odyssey” has helped alleviate concerns about Imax meeting its 2026 guidance following delays in other anticipated films, such as Netflix and Greta Gerwig’s “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.” The company remains on track to hit a record $1.4 billion in global ticket sales this year. Looking ahead, Imax expects several high-profile releases to maintain this momentum, including Sony and Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” Zach Cregger’s “Resident Evil,” Tom Cruise’s “Digger,” “Godzilla Minus Zero,” David Fincher’s “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” Paramount’s “Street Fighter,” and Warner Bros.’ “Dune: Part Three.”

This surge in box office performance is translating into tangible growth for Imax’s global footprint. The company installed 38 new Imax systems in the second quarter of 2026, marking its highest quarterly installation total in a decade. Combined with 19 systems added in the first quarter, Imax is on pace to install between 160 and 175 new screens by the end of the year. Imax currently holds 421 contracts for future screen installations, indicating strong and sustained demand from theater operators worldwide.

Imax executives highlighted the company’s continued innovation and strategic partnerships as vital to its growth, enhancing value for filmmakers, studios, exhibitors, and audiences. With blockbuster titles lined up and expanding global infrastructure, Imax is poised for a particularly strong year. CEO Rich Gelfond expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory, calling this an exciting moment driven by the combination of hit films and unprecedented demand to experience these movies on Imax screens.