IMAX is a popular format for watching movies on large screens with immersive sound and image quality. IMAX screens vary in size and shape, depending on the theater and the technology used. Some IMAX screens can show movies in a taller aspect ratio of 1.43:1, which is closer to the human field of view, while others can only show movies in a wider aspect ratio of 1.90:1, which is similar to most digital cinemas. IMAX screens can also use different projection systems, such as film, laser, or xenon.
10 Biggest IMAX Screens in US 2024
In this article, we will rank the top 10 biggest IMAX screens in the US based on their width and height, as well as their aspect ratio and projection system. We will also provide some details about each theater and its location. We will use the information from the web search results as our sources.
1. Royal Cinemas & IMAX – Pooler, Georgia
- Width: 101 feet (30.78 m)
- Height: 76 feet 2 inches (23.22 m)
- Aspect ratio: 1.32:1
- Projection system: Laser
- Details: This theater boasts the world’s tallest IMAX screen, which opened in February 2022. The screen is so large that it can be seen from space. The theater also features leather recliner seats with tray tables and a state-of-the-art sound system.
2. AMC Universal CityWalk Stadium 19 & IMAX – Los Angeles, California
- Width: 100 feet (30.48 m)
- Height: 80 feet (24.38 m)
- Aspect ratio: 1.25:1
- Projection system: Laser
- Details: This theater has the biggest IMAX screen in North America by area, which is located at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. The screen is also one of the most technologically advanced, with a laser projection system that delivers stunning images and colors.
3. AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 & IMAX – New York, New York
- Width: 98 feet (29.87 m)
- Height: 55 feet (16.76 m)
- Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
- Projection system: Laser
- Details: This theater has the largest IMAX screen in North America by width, which is located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The screen has a seating capacity of 500 people and can show movies in both 1.43:1 and 1.90:1 aspect ratios.
4. Regal E-Walk Stadium 13 & RPX – New York, New York
- Width: 97 feet (29.57 m)
- Height: 58 feet (17.68 m)
- Aspect ratio: 1.67:1
- Projection system: Laser
- Details: This theater has the second largest IMAX screen in New York City by width, which is located in Times Square. The screen can show movies in both 1.43:1 and 1.90:1 aspect ratios and has a state-of-the-art sound system.
5. AMC Metreon 16 & IMAX – San Francisco, California
- Width: 80 feet (24.38 m)
- Height: 60 feet (18.29 m)
- Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
- Projection system: Laser
- Details: This theater has the largest IMAX screen in Northern California by area, which is located in downtown San Francisco. The screen can show movies in both 1.43:1 and 1.90:1 aspect ratios and has a seating capacity of 600 people.
6. IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum – Indianapolis, Indiana
- Width: 70 feet (21.34 m)
- Height: 52 feet (15.85 m)
- Aspect ratio: 1.35:1
- Projection system: Film
- Details: This theater has the largest IMAX screen in Indiana by area, which is located at the Indiana State Museum in White River State Park. The screen uses a film projection system that can show movies in both 2D and 3D formats.
8. TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX – Hollywood, California
- Width: 66 feet (20.12 m)
- Height: 46 feet (14.02 m)
- Aspect ratio: 1.43:1
- Projection system: Laser
- Details: This theater has the largest IMAX screen in Southern California by height, which is located at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. The screen can show movies in both 1.43:1 and 1.90:1 aspect ratios and has a seating capacity of 932 people.
9. Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center – Chantilly, Virginia
- Width: 66 feet (20.12 m)
- Height: 45 feet (13.72 m)
- Aspect ratio: 1.47:1
- Projection system: Laser
- Details: This theater has the largest IMAX screen in Virginia by area, which is located at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport. The screen can show movies in both 2D and 3D formats and has a state-of-the-art sound system.
10. Liberty Science Center’s Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium – Jersey City, New Jersey
- Width: 60 feet (18.29 m)
- Height: 89 feet (27.13 m)
- Aspect ratio: 0.67:1
- Projection system: Laser
- Details: This theater has the largest IMAX dome screen in the world by area, which is located at the Liberty Science Center’s Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium in Jersey City. The screen can show movies in both 2D and 3D formats and has a seating capacity of 400 people.
| Rank | Theater | Location | Width | Height | Aspect Ratio | Projection System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Cinemas & IMAX | Pooler, Georgia | 101 feet (30.78 m) | 76 feet 2 inches (23.22 m) | 1.32:1 | Laser |
| 2 | AMC Universal CityWalk Stadium 19 & IMAX | Los Angeles, California | 100 feet (30.48 m) | 80 feet (24.38 m) | 1.25:1 | Laser |
| 3 | AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 & IMAX | New York, New York | 98 feet (29.87 m) | 55 feet (16.76 m) | 1.78:1 | Laser |
| 4 | Regal E-Walk Stadium 13 & RPX | New York, New York | 97 feet (29.57 m) | 58 feet (17.68 m) | 1.67:1 | Laser |
| 5 | AMC Metreon 16 & IMAX | San Francisco, California | 80 feet (24.38 m) | 60 feet (18.29 m) | 1.33:1 | Laser |
| 6 | IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum | Indianapolis, Indiana | 70 feet (21.34 m) | 52 feet (15.85 m) | 1.35:1 | Film |
| 7 | Utah Museum of Natural History | Salt Lake City, Utah | 70 feet (21.34 m) | 50 feet (15.24 m) | 1.40:1 | Film |
| 8 | TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX | Hollywood, California | 66 feet (20.12 m) | 46 feet (14.02 m) | 1.43:1 (IMAX) | Laser |
| 9 | Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, Virginia | 66 feet (20.12 m) | 45 feet (13.72 m) | 1:47 |
How to Choose the Best IMAX Screen for Your Movie Experience
If you are a movie lover, you might want to watch your favorite films on the biggest and best IMAX screens available. But how do you know which IMAX screen is the best for your movie experience? Here are some tips to help you choose the right top 10 Imax screens in the world for you.
- Consider the aspect ratio of the movie. The aspect ratio is the ratio of the width to the height of the screen. Some movies are filmed in a taller aspect ratio of 1.43:1, which means they can fill up the entire IMAX screen and show more details and scenery. Other movies are filmed in a wider aspect ratio of 1.90:1, which means they can only fill up part of the IMAX screen and show black bars on the top and bottom. If you want to watch a movie in its original aspect ratio, you should look for an IMAX screen that can show both 1.43:1 and 1.90:1 aspect ratios, such as the AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 & IMAX in New York or the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood.
- Consider the projection system of the theater. The projection system is the technology that delivers the images and colors on the screen. Some IMAX screens use a film projection system, which uses reels of film to project the images. Film projection can produce high-quality images with natural colors and contrast, but it can also be prone to scratches, dust and fading over time. Other IMAX screens use a laser projection system, which uses lasers to project the images. Laser projection can produce brighter, sharper and more vivid images with higher resolution and contrast, but it can also be more expensive and complex to maintain.
- Consider the location and convenience of the theater. The location and convenience of the theater can also affect your movie experience. You might want to choose an IMAX screen that is close to your home or workplace, or that has easy access to parking, public transportation or other amenities. You might also want to choose the biggest movie screen that is part of a larger entertainment complex, such as a theme park, a museum or a shopping mall, where you can enjoy other attractions before or after your movie.
- Consider your personal preference and budget. Ultimately, the largest Imax screens for you depend on your personal preference and budget. You might prefer a larger or smaller screen, a taller or wider aspect ratio, a film or laser projection system, or a different location or convenience factor. You might also have to consider the price of the ticket, which can vary depending on the theater and the movie. You should compare different IMAX screens and see which one suits your needs and expectations.
Conclusion
IMAX is a great way to watch movies on large screens with immersive sound and image quality. However, not all IMAX screens are created equal. There are different factors that can affect your movie experiences, such as the aspect ratio, the projection system, the location and convenience, and your personal preference and budget. By following these tips, you can choose the best IMAX theater for your movie experience and enjoy your favorite films in their full glory.