London BFI IMAX Theatre
London BFI IMAX Theatre provides a very immersive movie experience
Located on the Southbank, right in the middle of a roundabout, just north of Waterloo Station, the London IMAX theatre is operated by the British Film Institute in partnership with Odeon.
The London IMAX Theatre's giant 20 metre high by 26 metre wide screen (the largest in the UK) combined with a 14,000 watt digital surround sound system results in a very immersive experience - almost like being there in person. Each frame of film is over 10 times larger than a normal 35mm film making the pictures extremely large and crystal clear. The surround sound adds to the realistic effects drawing you completely into the movie. The video at the bottom of this page is very interesting to watch. It goes into detail about the new screen, projectors and sound system that combine to give you a breathtaking experience you won't soon forget. The IMAX theatre features plush seating that can accommodate nearly 500 viewers. Most days there are multiple show-times and many of the movies are now in 3D.
The London IMAX Theatre is located close to a number of other London theatres and attractions including the Old Vic Theatre Southbank, Royal Festival Hall, Royal National Theatre and The London Eye
For more information about the London BFI IMAX Theatre as well as shows and schedules visit their official website link below.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesAddress: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk South Bank, London SE1 8XR, UK
Phone: 020 7960 2102
Official Website: BFI IMAX Theatre
BFI IMAX Theatre Reviews
Rated out of 5
As pricey as the ticket might be, if you're looking for a HUGE screen and incredible sound experience then do just come! A nice spacious environment, quite easy to get to from Waterloo. Has a coffee shop and bar inside on ground floor (with Ben & Gerrys parlour), with ice cream and sweets upstairs. Lots of people choose the middle seats which I get but I have always sat in the side blocks and have never been disappointed. Quite good legroom (I'm 6ft 1). Seats are comfortable.
Colin Hall - a month ago
Great screen size and quality. Nice bar downstairs. Staff very friendly. Before the movie starts, the member of staff greets the audience and makes an original speech, related to the movie you’re about to watch. The introduction before Dune part 2 was amazing and the lady who greeted the audience was brilliant. It made my experience so much better and memorable. If I could change/improve something, it would be the spaciousness of the sits, the distance between them, as I felt a bit like a sardine… And also I wouldn’t allow people to eat and drink during the show as it ruins the experience for the others… But I suppose this will never change…
Kml Myszakowski - 5 months ago
It was my first IMAX experience and I think I picked a good spot. Spotted a signed poster at the bar area from Christopher Nolan which was a great conversation starter. The staff was exceptional and I loved the screen. The sound was slightly quieter but had more clarity than lesser cinemas I've been to. Maybe a coincidence but this was the quietest and nicest bunch of couple hundred people I've encountered in such a setting.
Frank “The Tank” Ricard - 2 months ago
Finally managed to book Dune 2 with a decent seat in late April at BFI. If you wanna each an imax movie. This is the place to be.
The tickets are not cheap but once a while a treat is worth it. The whole place is massive. It is easy to get to from Waterloo station.
The seats are relative comfortable. The screen is massive. sometimes you can see the bugs on the screen. The sound system is very loud but good, which makes your seat vibrate.
I would recommend the seat in the back and middle.
J. Q - 4 months ago
My first visit to the BFI IMAX for the Inside Out preview and Q&A.
Great location and amazing screen.
Clean toilets and little cafe on the ground floor, kiosks on the first floor before you enter the IMAX screen too.
Well organized event, I'll definitely visit again. The only thing which wasn't ideal is that there isn't much leg room. The IMAX wasn't originally built for full length films so it is a little cramped.
Donna - 2 months ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Northern, Bakerloo and Jubilee Lines | Waterloo Station | 2 Minutes |
How to get to BFI IMAX Theatre by Tube
Located in the middle of a round-a-bout, The London BFI IMAX Theatre is just a brief walk via underground walkway from Waterloo Station. Just watch for the signs and don't make the mistake of trying to access it from street level, as there is no entrance on the street - you must use one of the underground walkways that lead to the centre of the round-a-bout.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near BFI IMAX Theatre:
Photo Gallery
-
View of the London BFI IMAX Theatre at night cc licensed photo by Elsie esq.
Video
Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.
