IMAX Cinemas and Showtimes in the Philippines
IMAX in the Philippines uses 4K laser projection with 12-channel immersive audio. SM Cinema completed a 10-location Laser upgrade program in 2024–2025, with CoLa systems at the largest screens (MOA, Evia) and Laser XT at all other locations. All local screens project at 1.90:1 — true 1.43:1 IMAX requires dual GT Laser projectors, which no Philippine cinema currently has.
3 movies · 4 cinemas · 4 citiesWhere to watch IMAX
All cinemas use IMAX 12-channel immersive audio and project at 1.90:1 aspect ratio (standard widescreen IMAX, not the taller 1.43:1 "full frame" IMAX seen abroad).
Available at these chains
Top cities for IMAX
Mandaluyong (1)Pasay (1)Quezon City (1)Taguig (1)
The End of Oak Street4 cinemas · 28 showtimes
SM City North Edsa
SM Cinema · Quezon City
SM Aura Premier
SM Cinema · Global City Taguig City 1630
SM Mall of Asia
SM Cinema · Pasay City
The Odyssey4 cinemas · 25 showtimes
SM City North Edsa
SM Cinema · Quezon City
SM Mall of Asia
SM Cinema · Pasay City
Dear You3 cinemas · 4 showtimes
SM Mall of Asia
SM Cinema · Pasay City
SM Aura Premier
SM Cinema · Global City Taguig City 1630
SM Megamall
SM Cinema · Mandaluyong City
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cinemas in the Philippines have IMAX?
In Metro Manila: SM Mall of Asia (Pasay), SM Aura Premier (BGC), SM North EDSA (QC), SM Megamall (Mandaluyong), SM Southmall (Las Piñas), and Vista Mall Evia (Las Piñas). Regional locations include SM Seaside Cebu, SM Lanang Premier (Davao), and SM City Clark. All have been upgraded to IMAX with Laser as part of SM Cinema's 10-location laser program (2024–2025).
How much do IMAX tickets cost in the Philippines?
IMAX tickets typically range from P850 to P1,000 depending on the cinema, location, and whether it's a standard or premium screening. Prices are shown alongside each showtime above.
What's the difference between CoLa and Laser XT?
Both are IMAX 4K laser systems, but they differ in scale. CoLa (Commercial Laser) is a single-projector, dual-lens system designed for the largest screens (used at SM MOA and Vista Evia). Laser XT is a more compact single-lens system optimized for medium-sized retrofit screens (used at SM Aura, North EDSA, Megamall, and all regional locations). Both deliver 4K resolution and 12-channel audio — the main difference is lumen output for larger screens.
What's the difference between IMAX and A-Giant?
IMAX uses proprietary 4K laser projection and 12-channel immersive audio, with screens up to 24 meters wide. A-Giant is Ayala Malls Cinemas' own premium large format — screens are 4x standard size with Dolby Atmos object-based audio. IMAX emphasizes scale and bass-heavy immersion, while A-Giant at locations like TriNoma is preferred by some for Atmos clarity on dialogue-heavy or musical films.
Is MOA IMAX better than Evia IMAX?
SM MOA has the largest screen in the country (24m wide, 570 seats) and is the consensus choice for sheer scale — it was the first IMAX in the Philippines (2006) and even screened Interstellar in 15/70mm film. However, MOA's screen was built for 1.43:1 but the current CoLa projector only fills 1.90:1, leaving unused screen area. Vista Evia (also CoLa) was the first IMAX with Laser in Southeast Asia (2018) and is praised for sharper image quality and higher maintenance standards. The choice comes down to screen size (MOA) vs image quality (Evia).
What's 1.90:1 vs 1.43:1 IMAX?
1.43:1 is the original tall IMAX aspect ratio — nearly square, filling your entire field of vision. 1.90:1 is the standard widescreen IMAX format used in all Philippine cinemas. The difference is about 26% more image height with 1.43:1. Films like Oppenheimer and Interstellar were shot in 1.43:1 IMAX but are shown cropped to 1.90:1 here. True 1.43:1 digital projection requires the dual-projector GT Laser system, which no Philippine cinema currently has.