The Imax Corporation says it had a banner year in 2023, reporting a global box office revenue of US$1.06 billion (approximately C$2.1 billion), marking the second-highest grossing year in the company’s history.

Headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles (with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo and Shanghai), Imax says this substantial growth — representing a 24.4% climb over 2022 — was fuelled by a diverse portfolio that included Hollywood and local language films, concerts and live events.

Key to this success was the screening of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (pictured), which grossed US$183.2 million and won five awards at the Golden Globes on Sunday (Jan. 7).

The North American box office contributed significantly to the company’s strong year, generating US$393 million — the company’s highest domestic grossing year ever. Additionally, Imax secured US$227 million from local language films in China, India, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand.

Looking ahead, Imax anticipates programming more than 100 films, experiences and events in 2024, including highly anticipated blockbusters such as Dune: Part Two and Deadpool 3.

The strong box office performance also translated into robust sales activity, with 129 new and upgraded Imax systems signed globally, marking the best Q4 since 2015, according to Imax. Key growth markets – including France, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia – witnessed the highest number of signings.

The Canadian box office also saw signs of improvement in 2023, with total revenue for the year coming to  $897.7 million, a more than 33% increase from the previous year’s revenue of $674 million.

Image courtesy of Universal Pictures