London BFI IMAX Theatre

London BFI IMAX Theatre provides a very immersive movie experience

Glass exterior of the London BFI IMAX Theatre
Glass exterior of the London BFI IMAX Theatre cc licensed photo by Lawrie Cate

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: Yes

Address: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk South Bank, London SE1 8XR, UK

Phone: 020 7960 2102

Official Website: BFI IMAX Theatre

BFI IMAX Theatre Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating 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 - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating The only 70mm imax in Europe (September 2024). Great venue. Confortable seats. Good service. Access is easy. Worth visiting when visiting London . Hopefully with a great movie ( we have to come back 😄)
THX 1138 - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Wow. I haven't been to any kind of cinema in years. I've always wanted to visit the imax. And at last, a film worth waiting for was showing at the imax. The Joker folie a deux. What a brilliant place to watch this epic film. The pre movie ads for future movies was long and boring and annoying and I could really have done without that. I would have arrived at exact time of the start of movie had I known. We were like trapped victims being forced to watch a bunch of stuff that wasn't part of my expectations. Spoiled the experience somewhat. The seats are amazing. Ultra comfort. Ergonomic, and well designed for human spines as opposed to seats in the past that were designed for triangular robots 🤖 🤣. I felt so comfy. No aches and pains afterwards. The sound system is loud but not painfully so. Appropriate loudness. The screen is so gigantic I didn't need to wear my prescription glasses 😳. Infact I couldn't wear them as everything was way too close with them 😅. An absolutely fabulous cinematic experience. Except for the far too long pre - movie ads for more movies.
Elizabeth - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating 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 - 6 months ago

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5 Star Rating Best cinema experience in London. A 4 Story tall screen, sounds that makes you feel like you are part of the film and great seats with unobstructed views. The staff are always friendly and helpful.
Eben Smith - a month ago

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Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Northern, Bakerloo and Jubilee LinesWaterloo Station2 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.

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