Where to Find 70mm IMAX Theaters for the Ultimate Movie Experience
You’ve probably sat through a movie in a normal theater and thought, “This is good, but it could be larger,” and then true 70mm IMAX may be the solution you’ve been searching for. The format Christopher Nolan prefers is the one that made Oppenheimer a real event. Now, thanks to The Odyssey, his latest film, it’s enjoying its biggest cultural moment for years.
Find out where you can see The Odyssey in the rarest format.
What is 70mm IMAX film?
It is important to know what makes this format special before diving into the locations. The 15-perf/70mm film format is the only 70mm IMAX that uses a physical film that is run horizontally, not vertically as standard film. This orientation allows for a frame size of approximately 70mm x 48.5mm, which is nine times larger than standard 35mm film. The image quality can be anywhere between 16K and 18K.
The screens are massive, measuring 59 feet by 79 feet with a 1.43:1 ratio that is designed to fill your entire field of vision. This is a more immersive and different experience than digital projectors, which is why filmmakers such as Nolan continue to use it.
Why so few theaters have it
The problem is that true 70mm IMAX movie theaters are incredibly rare. It is expensive to maintain, and the projection equipment itself is huge. Only a few venues are equipped to use it. This scarcity is also part of its appeal, and why it takes some research to find a 70mm IMAX cinema near you.
The Odyssey is driving demand right now.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey will open on July 17, 2026. It is the first film to be shot exclusively with IMAX cameras. There are no digital shortcuts, and the entire film was captured using genuine IMAX stock. Universal has reportedly only produced around 30 physical 70mm film prints in the world, making true 70mm viewings a very limited and almost museum-piece experience.
This scarcity, combined with Nolan’s reputation after Oppenheimer, sparked an intense demand, so much that IMAX started selling tickets almost a year before the release of the film, a move unprecedented in the industry. Oppenheimer grossed $976 million globally, and more than $190 million of that came from IMAX screenings. The Odyssey is clearly a bet that will follow a similar trend.
The Odyssey 70mm IMAX Locations List
As of release, IMAX’s official participating-theater list includes 41 locations worldwide showing The Odyssey in true 70mm film: 25 in the United States, 9 in Canada, 3 in the United Kingdom, and one each in Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and France.
Confirmed US locations include:
- California TCL Chinese Theatres (Los Angeles), Regal Edwards Ontario Palace Stadium (Radius Irvine Spectrum), Universal Cinema AMC, CityWalk Hollywood (Universal Cinema AMC), Esquire IMAX (Sacramento), AMC Metreon 16 (San Francisco), Regal Hacienda Crossings (Dublin).
- Arizona Harkins Arizona Mills (Phoenix)
- Florida AutoNation IMAX Museum of Discovery & Science, Fort Lauderdale
- Georgia Regal Mall of Georgia
- Indiana State Museum IMAX Theatre (Indianapolis).
- Michigan Celebration Cinema GR North Grand Rapids
- New York AMC Lincoln Square 13
- Pennsylvania Regal UA (King of Prussia)
- Tennessee Regal Opry Mills, Nashville
- Texas Cinemark in Dallas
The 25 locations are completed by additional theaters in other US states, as well as international venues located in Canada, the UK, Australia, and France.
Attention: availability can change quickly. The IMAX official list is a list of theaters that are equipped to show 70mm films. It does not mean seats are available. Confirm showtimes and available seats with the theater directly or IMAX before you travel.
What’s the difference between 70mm IMAX and standard IMAX laser?
Both are marketed as IMAX. It is easy to confuse them.
- The 70mm IMAX film is a physical film print and a massive analog projector. There is no digital compression. Maximum resolution. But it’s only available in specialized venues.
- IMAX Laser Digital offers a high-quality, large-format experience with digital projection. It is available in more places, but it does not match the resolution or scale that true 70mm film can offer.
You can still get a good alternative to a film print if you don’t have access to a 70mm format.
Find the Best Seat
Considering the rarity of 70mm IMAX films, here are some practical tips.
- Tickets for popular films such as The Odyssey are selling out within hours.
- Many moviegoers prefer to sit in the middle or back third of a true 70mm auditorium.
- Third-party ticketing websites may not be able to distinguish between 70mm film screens and standard IMAX digital screens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many IMAX 70 mm cinemas are there in the world? For The Odyssey,41 confirmed locations in the US and around the globe show 70mm films.
Is The Odyssey the first film shot exclusively on IMAX film?
It’s true, this is the first feature film ever shot exclusively with IMAX cameras. This marks a major milestone in cinematic history.
What is the difference between IMAX 70mm film and IMAX Laser?
IMAX Laser uses digital projection, but is available in more places. 70mm uses physical film with a higher resolution and scale.
Where can I watch The Odyssey in 70mm IMAX format?
Locations confirmed include theatres in California (and Arizona), Florida (and Georgia), Indiana (and Michigan), New York, Pennsylvania (and Tennessee), Texas, and selected international cities.
Why do so few cinemas have 70mm IMAX screens?
It is expensive and difficult to maintain the large-scale projection equipment, so 70mm films can only be screened in a few venues that are specially equipped.
Final Thoughts
The Odyssey is a truly special experience for those who are able to get a ticket. Follow USA Times Square to get updates on the availability of tickets and any additional 70mm IMAX showings.
