The 15 Best Movies Made for IMAX, Ranked
IMAX screens bring movies to life with massive visuals and booming sound that pull you right into the action. It’s no surprise that certain films are crafted to shine in this larger-than-life format, making every explosion, landscape, or chase feel unforgettable.
From sci-fi adventures to superhero showdowns, these 15 movies make the most of IMAX’s immersive power. I’ve ranked them based on how well they use the format’s huge screens and crystal-clear audio to create a jaw-dropping experience.
15. The Lion King (2019)
Disney’s live-action remake of ‘The Lion King’ (2019) stunned audiences with its photorealistic visuals. The African savanna and its animals popped on IMAX screens, making every scene feel like a safari.
The stampede sequence, with its thundering wildebeests, hit hard in IMAX, amplifying Simba’s fear and loss. While the story didn’t win everyone over, the visuals were a perfect fit for the giant screen.
14. Star Trek (2009)
J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’ (2009) rebooted the franchise with bold action and sleek visuals. The IMAX format made the Enterprise’s massive scale feel real, especially during space battles.
Scenes like the ship’s warp-speed jumps and the Romulan drill sequence filled the screen with dazzling detail. It’s a film that used IMAX to make you feel the vastness of space.
13. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015) is a high-octane chase through a post-apocalyptic desert. IMAX made the wild stunts and fiery explosions feel like they were happening right in front of you.
The film’s relentless pace and vivid visuals, like the sandstorm sequence, were amplified by the massive screen. It’s a chaotic ride that IMAX turned into pure adrenaline.
12. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ (2013) took Katniss Everdeen’s story to new heights. The IMAX screen expanded during the arena scenes, making the jungle and battles feel overwhelming.
That moment when the screen widens as Katniss rises into the Games was a genius use of IMAX’s aspect ratio. It drew you into her world, heart racing.
11. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017) is a visual masterpiece, and IMAX brought its dystopian world to life. The neon-lit cities and barren wastelands felt hauntingly real on the huge screen.
Roger Deakins’ cinematography, with its sweeping shots of desolate landscapes, was made for IMAX. The sound design, from the hum of spinners to the score, hit deep.
10. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018) pushed Tom Cruise’s stunts to new extremes. IMAX cameras captured every heart-stopping moment, like the helicopter chase, with insane clarity.
The massive screen made you feel the vertigo of Cruise’s real-life jumps and climbs. It’s a film that thrives on IMAX’s ability to make action feel larger than life.
9. Doctor Strange (2016)
‘Doctor Strange’ (2016) dazzled with its mind-bending visuals, and IMAX 3D made the multiverse feel endless. The reality-warping city sequences were a perfect match for the format.
The immersive sound and expanded screen pulled you into the mystic battles. It’s a film where IMAX didn’t just enhance the experience—it defined it.
8. Aquaman (2018)
‘Aquaman’ (2018) brought Atlantis to life with vibrant underwater worlds. IMAX made the ocean battles and glowing sea creatures feel like a dive into another realm.
The Trench sequence, with its dark, chaotic energy, was unforgettable on the giant screen. The bold colors and epic scope were built for IMAX’s grandeur.
7. Tenet (2020)
Christopher Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ (2020) is a time-twisting puzzle, and IMAX made its complex action pop. The massive screen clarified the intricate fight scenes and reversed explosions.
The booming sound design, paired with sprawling visuals like the airport heist, felt overwhelming in the best way. IMAX was key to making sense of the chaos.
6. The Batman (2022)
‘The Batman’ (2022) turned Gotham into a gritty, rain-soaked world. IMAX’s huge screen made every shadowy alley and car chase feel intense and immersive.
The Batmobile pursuit, with its roaring engine and fiery visuals, was a standout in IMAX. The format’s sound and scale brought out the film’s dark, moody vibe.
5. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022) put you in the cockpit with jaw-dropping aerial sequences. IMAX cameras captured every jet maneuver with heart-pounding clarity.
The low-flying canyon run felt like you were strapped in with Maverick. The massive screen and booming audio made it a thrill ride you couldn’t escape.
4. Dune: Part Two (2024)
‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024) brought Arrakis’ deserts and spice wars to epic life. IMAX made the sandworms and vast landscapes feel like they stretched forever.
The sound of thumping drums and roaring worms shook the theater. It’s a film that used IMAX to make you feel the weight of an entire universe.
3. Interstellar (2014)
‘Interstellar’ (2014) explored space and human survival with breathtaking scope. IMAX’s giant screen made the cosmos feel infinite, from black holes to alien planets.
The docking sequence, with its tense music and spinning visuals, was unforgettable in IMAX. The format brought Nolan’s vision to life with emotional and visual power.
2. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022) was shot entirely with IMAX cameras, making Pandora’s oceans burst with color and life. The underwater scenes felt like diving into another world.
The massive screen showcased every detail, from bioluminescent creatures to epic battles. IMAX turned this sequel into a visual spectacle that demanded to be seen big.
1. Oppenheimer (2023)
‘Oppenheimer’ (2023) is a historical drama that used IMAX to stunning effect. The massive screen and crisp sound made the Trinity test explosion feel earth-shaking.
Christopher Nolan’s focus on practical effects and 70mm IMAX film gave every moment weight, from quiet talks to fiery blasts. It’s the ultimate IMAX experience, blending story and spectacle.
Which IMAX movie blew you away the most, or did I miss a gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!