Story perspectives

IMAX Opens with Record $124.5 M Weekend, Odyssey Hits $700 M

8/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

AMC Theatres posted its highest IMAX opening-run revenue, $124.5 million the first weekend and $87 million the second.
The Odyssey surpassed $700 million worldwide after 12 days, becoming the year’s fourth-highest-grossing film.
BFI IMAX in the United Kingdom sold out tickets in under 30 minutes on July 31, earning £219,867 in three days.
Only 25 U.S. theaters can project the film in true IMAX 70 mm, with New York’s Lincoln Square 13 holding 24-hour screenings on both opening weekends.

History

Historical Context

After IMAX first appeared at world expos—most notably the 1974 Spokane Expo, where five million guests saw the short film “Man Belongs to the Earth”—the format moved to permanent venues, beginning with Toronto’s Cinesphere in May 1971. Those early crowds proved large-screen events could command premium ticket prices, a pattern now evident in blockbuster IMAX releases worldwide.

1 of 2

Story summary

AMC Theatres posted its highest IMAX opening-run revenue, $124.5 million the first weekend and $87 million the second.
The Odyssey surpassed $700 million worldwide after 12 days, becoming the year’s fourth-highest-grossing film.
BFI IMAX in the United Kingdom sold out tickets in under 30 minutes on July 31, earning £219,867 in three days.
Only 25 U.S. theaters can project the film in true IMAX 70 mm, with New York’s Lincoln Square 13 holding 24-hour screenings on both opening weekends.

1 / 2