IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) has made headlines once again, celebrating an impressive $43.6 million global opening weekend for James Cameron’s much-anticipated film, “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” This remarkable debut not only marks IMAX's biggest opening weekend of 2025 but also secures the film a place as the fifth largest debut in IMAX history.

1. Unprecedented Market Performance

The opening weekend for "Avatar: Fire and Ash" has solidified the strong bond between IMAX and Cameron's iconic franchise. Notably, IMAX contributed a staggering 12.6% of the film's global debut, despite being showcased on less than 1% of total screens worldwide.

Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, commented on the enduring success of the franchise: “As James Cameron continues to break new ground with *Avatar*, the indelible connection between IMAX and this one-of-a-kind franchise endures, with IMAX delivering an outsized share of the box office across virtually every market worldwide.”

Regional Highlights

The performance of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" varied significantly across different regions:

North America: IMAX grossed an impressive $13 million, contributing 14.8% of the film’s domestic debut. This achievement ranks as the fourth highest IMAX indexing ever for a domestic opening surpassing $85 million.

International Markets: The film earned an additional $30.6 million internationally, marking the third-highest IMAX international opening of all time.

Record Openings: Several countries recorded their largest IMAX opening weekends ever, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Belgium, France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Romania, Switzerland, and Turkey.

China: In one of the most lucrative markets, "Avatar: Fire and Ash" generated $13.5 million in IMAX, accounting for 23% of the film's overall debut in the region.

An Unprecedented Release Strategy

"Avatar: Fire and Ash" debuted with the widest IMAX global release to date, featuring 1,703 screens and is exclusively available in IMAX 3D. The film is set to screen across the IMAX network through January in most global markets, allowing fans ample opportunity to experience the cinematic spectacle.

2. Looking Ahead

With an "A" CinemaScore, IMAX anticipates that "Avatar: Fire and Ash" will continue to attract audiences throughout the holiday season and beyond. The film's strong opening and positive reception reflect both the ongoing popularity of the *Avatar* franchise and the innovative technology that IMAX offers.

About IMAX Corporation

IMAX Corporation stands at the forefront of entertainment technology, combining proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to provide immersive experiences. Filmmakers and studios are increasingly utilizing IMAX systems to create connections with audiences, establishing IMAX as a vital distribution platform for major event films worldwide.

As of September 30, 2025, IMAX operates 1,829 systems across 89 countries and territories. The company, headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, continues to expand its global footprint, enhancing the cinematic experience for moviegoers everywhere.

The astounding success of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" serves not only as a testament to the franchise's enduring appeal but also highlights IMAX's pivotal role in shaping the future of cinematic experiences. As the film continues to draw audiences worldwide, the prospects for IMAX in the coming months look exceptionally bright.

Original press release