IMAX: The Gold Standard for Blockbuster Experiences
The cinematic landscape has transformed dramatically in recent years, but one thing remains certain: IMAX continues to be the premium benchmark for unforgettable moviegoing events. No matter how advanced home viewing technology becomes, the immersive scope and heart-thumping sound of IMAX simply can’t be replicated in a living room.
An Ultra-Premium Line-Up: What’s Coming to IMAX in 2026
2026 is primed to be a showcase of Hollywood’s ambition, with studios fiercely competing for a coveted slot on IMAX screens. This year’s slate features a mix of anticipated sequels, bold originals, daring artistry, and nostalgic franchises, offering something for every kind of cinephile.
Scream 7
The legacy of Ghostface continues as Scream 7 slices its way onto IMAX screens, after a wave of headlines shook the franchise. With the narrative pivoting back to the saga’s original final girl, Sidney Prescott, now protecting the next generation, and the creative reins in the hands of Kevin Williamson, fans can expect a deeply meta slasher with high-stakes family drama. The visual intensity and suspense of Scream in IMAX will undoubtedly heighten every jump scare and iconic reveal.
Hoppers
Pixar returns to original storytelling with Hoppers, an animated adventure directed by Daniel Chong. The premise explores the boundary between technology and nature as college student Mabel pilots robotic animals to save a habitat, unintentionally triggering an uprising. With trailers promising laughter for all ages, IMAX’s visuals should make the vibrant animal world and its digital wonders pop like nowhere else.
The Bride!
Fresh off Guillermo del Toro’s gothic reinvention, Maggie Gyllenhaal takes a swing at Frankenstein’s mythos. The Bride! stars Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale in a 1930s Chicago setting, and the film dares to blend monster legend with musical spirit. From its troubled test screenings to its strikingly unconventional trailer, The Bride! feels tailor-made for viewers seeking something singular and grandiose, the way the IMAX screen was meant to be used.
Project Hail Mary
Based on the best-selling novel by Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary promises cerebral science fiction at scale. Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of an amnesiac astronaut on a desperate mission for humanity’s survival is sure to deliver emotional depth and cosmic stakes. Early previews at industry conventions have sparked palpable buzz, and with the inventive team of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller at the helm, expect a smart, visually stunning IMAX ride that echoes the impact of The Martian.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The Nintendo cinematic universe expands again with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which aims to top the staggering box office numbers of its predecessor. Spy classic characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad joined by newcomers Yoshi and Rosalina (voiced by Brie Larson). This time, cosmic settings inspired by the beloved game series promise to look even more dazzling on IMAX, bringing interplanetary worlds to exhilarating life for audiences young and old.
Michael
Michael, the much-anticipated biopic of pop icon Michael Jackson, traverses a fraught production journey to arrive as an event release. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, starring the late superstar’s nephew Jafaar Jackson, this film pulls no punches, aiming to capture both on-stage spectacle and behind-the-scenes complexity. Unseen legal challenges and reshoots have only heightened the curiosity, and if all goes to plan, Michael’s journey to IMAX could set the stage for a new standard in musical biopics.
Mortal Kombat 2
The arena of brutal, beloved fighting makes a thunderous return with Mortal Kombat 2. After pandemic delays and streaming experiments, the sequel is ready to go all-in on theatrical spectacle and fan-favorite characters like Johnny Cage and Kitana. Expect bone-crunching action and signature fatalities magnified by the scale and sound of IMAX– this is pure, unapologetic crowd-pleasing cinema designed for a shared, visceral audience experience.
The Mandalorian & Grogu
Star Wars is blasting back onto the big screen with The Mandalorian & Grogu. Continuing the adventures of Din Djarin and the galaxy’s most lovable Force-user, this film builds straight from the streaming phenomenon, promising a blend of Western swagger, deep lore, and epic visuals. With Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni at the creative helm, die-hard fans and new audiences alike can expect the saga’s classic spectacle reimagined for the immersive IMAX format.
Why IMAX Remains Irresistible
Each title on this year’s IMAX roster harnesses the format because it enhances what makes movies special: bigger stakes, more intimate emotions, and sheer visual grandeur. In a time when streaming may reign at home, these films remind audiences what it means to share awe, suspense, laughter, and wonder in the dark, together and larger than life.
