Imax Shatters Records with $1.06 Billion Global Box Office in 2023, Fueled by ‘Oppenheimer’
Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pic
Imax, a giant in the world of premium large format (PLF) movie theaters, reached a landmark in 2023, grossing an astonishing $1.06 billion globally. This achievement is the second-largest in the company’s history, marking a significant 24.4% increase from the previous year’s total revenue. The substantial growth in North America was particularly noteworthy, where Imax’s box office returns peaked at $393.2 million, surpassing the high set in 2019—a year celebrated for blockbusters like “Avengers: Endgame.”
The company’s success extended beyond North American borders, with Imax recording a remarkable $227.1 million in box office earnings from local language films in markets such as China, India, and Japan. This international expansion was further bolstered by new partnerships in Indonesia and Thailand, showcasing Imax’s growing global influence.
At the core of Imax’s impressive year was the sci-fi epic “Oppenheimer” by Christopher Nolan, which alone contributed an extraordinary $183.2 million from Imax screens. This figure not only made “Oppenheimer” Imax’s fourth-highest grossing release of all time but also contributed to the company experiencing its most lucrative summer in 54 countries, including the U.S. and China.
Imax’s diverse range of offerings in 2023 went beyond “Oppenheimer.” The year also featured a variety of other hits, such as Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” concert film and the animated delight “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” This eclectic selection of films underlined Imax’s strategic approach to cater to a broad audience base.
Looking to the future, Imax CEO Rich Gelfond expressed optimism and commitment to continuing the company’s legacy of delivering unparalleled cinematic experiences. He emphasized the importance of innovation in maintaining Imax’s position as a leader in the global film industry.
The company is already setting sights on an even more successful 2024, with a lineup that includes highly anticipated titles like “Dune — Part Two,” “Despicable Me 4,” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Additionally, Imax is branching out into music events, planning to screen “Queen Rock Montreal,” a concert film of the iconic rock band’s 1981 performance.
Imax’s monumental performance in 2023, driven by strategic expansion, a diverse film catalog, and cutting-edge technology, not only solidified its status as a cinematic powerhouse but also set the stage for continued global success and innovation in the years to come.
