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

Official Website: BFI IMAX Theatre

Fee: Yes

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

Phone: 020 7960 2102

Official Website: BFI IMAX Theatre

Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5BFI IMAX Star Rating

4 Star Rating Superb cinema! The screen is huge and the sound quality is amazing. We travelled quite a distance to watch the new Transformers movie with our son. The only reason it doesn't get 5* is the fact that the subway tunnels accessing the venue are dark and intimidating at night time. They need to be better lit and maybe some visible CCTV to reassure people.
Gary Sutton - 5 months ago

2 Star Rating Watched oppenheimer there. Giant screen and sound all was good but other than that everything was disappointing. Though we were in the vip seats but it was so much uncomfortable. Seats were so packed with very little hand rest space. Only positive thing was enough leg room. Popcorn was below average. And the most creepiest thing was the blue tunnel which is super dirty. Moreover there is no indication sign about how to enter the building.Ticket price is too much. Really disappointed
Sumaiya Khatun - 22 days ago

5 Star Rating Excellent cinema in the middle of the roundabout at Waterloo. It has the biggest screen in the UK. We visited to see Stop Making Sense, Jonathan Demme's marvellous film of Talking Heads in concert at a Hollywood theatre over four nights in 1983.
John Carr (Corinne and John) - 2 months ago

5 Star Rating The cafe inside was amazing the selection for vegan items was very varied 4 different type of sandwiches and some selection of cake all reasonably priced, the screen was amazing it was so big and the speakers made the audio phenomenal the popcorn and drink were good as well again very well priced I got a large combo (popcorn and drink) for about a tenner so pretty good overall amazing experience and can't wait to go again. The only thing I will say is as it was my first time going there it was a little confusing getting there (you had to go under the underpass bit)
Richard Curson - 3 months ago

4 Star Rating Expensive popcorn/snacks. Screen is great, but only for special IMAX movies. Seats have a good rake so the people in front shouldn't get in the way, but you HAVE to get up if anyone on your row needs to pass, which is very annoying. Armrests are wide and seats (particularly premium) are very comfy and clean. The photos are from Row L by the way.
Dhaval Panchal - 2 months ago

Accommodations near BFI IMAX Theatre:

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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Photo Gallery

Video


Watch this fascinating video about replacing the screen, the largest in Britain, in the London BFI IMAX
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