IMAX crushes the box office to have its best year ever

The IMAX experience has certainly changed over the years. The first IMAX projection standards were first developed by Multiscreen Corporation Ltd in the 1960s. Eventually IMAX would evolve into a theater experience where the screen was upwards of seven stories tall with steep stadium seating. Combine that with THX sound as well as 3D, and IMAX screenings became the ultimate movie going experience. Studios even began to tailor make films for IMAX resulting in visual feasts for the eyes like AVATAR and AVENGERS: ENDGAME.

Well lest you think that IMAX is dying out, the box office returns are here to set you straight. IMAX Corporation announced today that 2019 marked their most profitable year in history, with $1.035 billion earned worldwide. Keep in mind these numbers are pre-RISE OF SKYWALKER which opens this weekend. We've still got eleven days left to go in the year so look for those numbers to soar.

IMAX beat their previous box office record of $1.032 billion set just last year. Regarding IMAX's enduring success, CEO Rich Gelfond had this to say:

"In an entertainment landscape where people enjoy more choice than ever, demand for the IMAX Experience around the world has never been greater. Fans worldwide are increasingly seeking out immersive entertainment experiences and IMAX is uniquely positioned to deliver through our technology, scale, and powerful relationships with world-class creators."

In addition to overall box office numbers, IMAX also broke the record for most international box office, most local language box office, and record box office returns in twenty-two different countries including France, Japan, and Germany. Five of the top ten grossing IMAX films of 2019 also either filmed with IMAX cameras or featured IMAX expanded ratio. With IMAX films like NO TIME TO DIE, WONDER WOMAN 1984, TENET, and TOP GUN: MAVERICK all on the horizon, 2020 looks to be another exciting and lucrative year for IMAX.

What about you guys? Do you like seeing movies in IMAX? Is it too expensive? Are you planning on checking out STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER on IMAX this weekend? Sound off in the comments below!