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Frequently mentioned in reviews: screen (35) experience (23) seats (21) IMAX (20) cinema (18) film (18) sound (16) movie (11) great (11) watch (9)
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  • 4/5 Timea S. 2 years ago on Google
    With biggest screen in the U.K. you experience the movie quite close up. In my opinion the seats are too close even the furthest one. Your eyes can’t possibly focus on the whole screen and with shaky camera effects it’s really disturbing to watch. However it’s still a great experience nevertheless, I’d just prefer to sit further away. Also there’s only cupholder for every second seat, which is really annoying if you’re three people all having drinks.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vishnu N. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best IMAX screens in the UK. I recently saw Avatar and really appreciated the screen size. The premium seats are comfortable but lacks under thigh support. There is enough leg room. The tricky thing is getting the right seats to enjoy the benefits of the massive screen and sound effects. My top tip would be to choose seats around P10 - P15. They are perfectly placed and will give you the best experience.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tem de Tudo em em L. 2 years ago on Google
    The BFI London IMAX is the largest cinema screen in the UK. With 20 m high by 26.5 m wide with a total screen size of 520m². There are 498 seats and only 2 wheelchair spaces. If three test chair friends go to the cinema together only 2 can enter if you have not already occupied the vacancies. It is located in the centre of a roundabout junction with Waterloo Road. You can walk from Waterloo station to there. Admission costs £22.50 per person without discount. There is the Costa café with tables and other shops.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gary S. 9 months ago on Google
    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.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Austin R. 8 months ago on Google
    Love the big screen and amazing sound quality here. Of course, we came to see Oppenheimer as you can see it in 70mm film. Only negatives here are the legroom in the seats and the entrance to the theater. Legroom is very tight. It’s like sitting in a cramped airplane with your knees. The seat cushions are also somewhat hard. Can be uncomfortable for a long move. It also makes it difficult when someone needs to use the toilet during the film as everyone has to stands up to let them walk by. The entrance walking in from the outside is also somewhat sketchy at night. Very dim lighting from the entrance we took and some homeless people with tents. Definitely could use some improvements here. Overall, still a great place to see a film with friends.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Malcolm C. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited Imax to watch Avatar 2. An iconic cinema to come to and had a fantastic time there. The place is kept clean and as alot of people were waiting to go into the auditorium, the Bar & Cafe area's were well worth a visit. When we went up there was another area to relax before the movie & buy some drinks, food & snacks before going into the cinema hall. The staff were very friendly & helpfull. The Imax cinema experience is really fantastic & a must see. All areas of the Imax were kept clean & tidy & the toilets were kept clean too. A great way to watch a fantastic movie 👍😁
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James W. 2 years ago on Google
    Biggest screen in the UK, comfy seats and staff who seem to genuinely love films. Tickets are reasonably priced in comparison to other IMAX screens, and you're getting the best AV mix here. One of the first things I did once Covid restrictions allowed it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Damian Lopez (. 1 year ago on Google
    The BFI Imax is reborn. The 12 channel sound system does wonders for surround even if the sound reverberation hasn't been improved and the surround effect itself isn't as effective as Dolby Atmos. The new laser system is nice and sharp even if it isn't as bright as Imax Dual Laser or Dolby Cinema. The biggest upgrade for me though is the seating. The old red seats were rubbish and tightly packed but these new ones are much wider and better padded. It is a shame though that the armrests aren't padded unless you go for the premium seats with wider legroom. I feel that it should be a given with how much you pay for Imax to at least get padding on armrests. Overall some very nice and overdue upgrades to the cinema make it a worthy place to go for those big releases. Personally however, I believe that the best overall cinema experience without visual, sound or comfort compromise can be found in a Dolby Cinema.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 C K. 8 months ago on Google
    Incredible cinematic experience every time I visit. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, world class IMAX projection including 15/70mm film, I always seek out the BFI IMAX for showings where I can. Visited on this occasion to see Oppenheimer with a sold out 8am screening on opening day.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darren H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great picture and sound, best in the UK. Seating though could be better Avatar was over 2 hours 40 minutes will only go in the future if the film is under 2 hours. Update 19/12/22 seats and screen have been updated, new seats are really comfy watched Avatar 2 and the seat was comfy throughout.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erick P. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best IMAX screen in Europe. 20 meters by 25 meters. Leg space is reduced but gives you the best stadium style.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Gualberto R. 1 year ago on Google
    Really nice cinema and super friendly and well informed staff. The theater in general was very clean and well maintained. I was surprised there weren't any reclining seats and I was also surprised how expensive the snacks are. I would recommend going to Swiss Cottage for the IMAX experiment instead. It's a less busy side of town too if you want to avoid the Southbank crowds.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aldo A. 1 year ago on Google
    Really great experience at the BFI IMAX! The screen and the facilities will definitely take your movie experience to the next level. It is premiers-worthy (after all it's Britain's biggest screen) and the fact that is an independent cinema again after 10 years is a plus as you would be supporting the British Film Institute. Some warnings though: 1) the paths that can take you to the BFI IMAX are not the nicest. The theatre, just between Waterloo station & Waterloo bridge's streets, can only be accessed through a number of humid, dirty and poorly illuminated tunnels that always give you the impression you took the wrong turn somewhere. Once you enter the building though, the experience improves. 2) The IMAX is -obviously- quite a big screen (around 4 stories tall), so be mindful on where you decide to seat. Somewhere after H row should be comfortable enough for your neck & eyes. Overall, great screen, great facilities & really nice staff
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Razik D. 2 years ago on Google
    I have been coming here since I was about 12 years old and its easily become my favourite cinema and thats saying a lot since I consider myself a movie connoisseur and have been to all the best cinemas in London. Due to covid, I haven't been here since 2019 and was ecstatic to visit once again for Spider-man: No Way Home. The premier seats were extremely comfortable and the sound quality is perfect. I also enjoy that there is an announcer/speaker before the film begins. It gives the whole experience a premium feeling. I definitely recommend visiting. I will be back for 'The batman'!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Noor P. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience to watch a movie. The experience is awesome when watched in the biggest screen. Big movies like The Batman needs to be watched in Imax. Must visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John Carr (Corinne and J. 6 months ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dipak M. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this place but it is looking a bit dated. Also, I thought all films shown were made of the IMAX screen ,but not so. I watched the new Batman. Sound and vision absolutely great, but the whole screen was not used. A slight disappointment but otherwise word still highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard C. 7 months ago on Google
    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)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Sumaiya K. 4 months ago on Google
    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
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ian M. 1 year ago on Google
    They weren’t kidding saying this is the biggest and most luxurious cinema in all of UK. Got to experience Black Panther 2 here. First Cinema experience in UK.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex A. 2 years ago on Google
    This is not a cinema.... it is an experience! Nowhere better to watch a film in all of Europe! If you have never been, do yourself a favour and book the next marvel film. You won't regret it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Val K. 2 months ago on Google New
    Great experience in immersive cinema where you feel as part of action on the screen. Sitting was comfortable, but be worn that there is only one toilet at the top of the auditorium if you need to visit it during the movie. We were sitting slightly off centre but it wasn't really matter during the movie, but it definitely worth to get figher sits if possible.

  • 5/5 sabina d. 2 years ago on Google
    this imax is huge, lots of food and drink options. sound and video quality is really good. to enter the cinema you need to walk down stairs or down a ramp on the street.

  • 5/5 Imad Al H. 5 months ago on Google
    Striking IMAX screen - biggest in the UK! The staff are very friendly and the premium seats are worth the extra quid. I recommend row L. Must try if you're thinking about seeing a showing!

  • 5/5 Richard C. 3 months ago on Google New
    A colossal screen with very steeply tiered seating so that you'll practically never have someone's head in the way. Excellent sound and picture quality. One gripe is that the seating is very cramped. As a 184cm tall person I was pretty happy to be standing up after a two hour film, having had no way or space to stretch my legs without nudging the seat in front. Other than that it's a pretty great place to see a movie!

  • 5/5 Ahmed K. 5 months ago on Google
    Amazing unforgettable experience at BFI IMAX, had the opportunity to watch Oppenheimer in 70mm. I'm still blown away by the sound and visuals. Definitely will be visiting again in the near future!

  • 4/5 Sean C. 2 months ago on Google New
    Great film experience. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Film goers were also good and watched the film without being disruptive. Minus one star because I don’t think the film I watched The Boy and The Heron was in HD. Bit confused by the reduced picture quality, couldn’t have been a studio choice as even the trailer online is in HD? I might need to come here again to watch a different film, I kind of felt Cineworld’s IMAX screen in Leicester Square was better quality.

  • 5/5 Sutheswaran R. 2 months ago on Google New
    It was dream to reach here and I did last Xmas eve. All the words I heard about this place was true to my eyes. Such a wonder to be seating inside. Unfortunately went out earlier as I hated the film in screening 🧜🏻‍♂️. Hope to return for a Nolan 1570mm one day.

  • 4/5 Dhaval P. 6 months ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 cat p. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to watch Avatar 2, the new sound system & laser imax screen is out of this world. The seats are a bit small leg room wise even the premier one's.

  • 5/5 Maria O. 1 year ago on Google
    We went to the IMAX today to see the Avatar 2. Amazing 3 D experience that did justice to a great film. We had VIP seats with plenty of leg room and very comfortable. The place is a vwry short walk from the underground station. There is a cafe place downstaits that sels nice cakes and another one on the first floor that sells all the usual pop corn and other cinema snacks. The place was clean and staff helpful.

  • 5/5 kishore j. 1 year ago on Google
    Get there and dive into mesmerising experience of IMAX screen and precision sound. Soke yourself with new dimension of director’s imagination. Feel alive again and try to adjust with real life and wait for another magic to appear on magical screen….!!! Loved every bit of Avatar, gave the inspiration to second generation to take it further with her life…!!!

  • 4/5 Mark C. 1 year ago on Google
    The UK's biggest screen with excellent picture quality and sound. Be prepared to pay top price for the best seats as you need to sit as far away from the screen as possible to get the best experience. These will cost £29.50 yes that's £29.50 A word of warning, for that price leg room is not great.

  • 5/5 Southlondonsteve 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to see Imax movies if you are a movie buff. Easy location to get to and modern. Cafe is a bit pricey, but that is London for you.

  • 4/5 Ştefan-Vlad I. 1 year ago on Google
    Comparing it to the IMAX in Leicester Square - a tad larger screen (as advertised) sound system amazing - basically IMAX level as expected. For some movies the staff member giving the speech before the beginning writes in a lot of cool puns and references that are truly awesome - was the case for 'Batman' not really at other showings. There's a Costa downstairs which offers good service but are oftentimes out of some drinks. Cons: giving it 4/5 stars simply because the toilets are definitely not suited for the number of customers and the queues are always there when you 'don't' need them to be. Hoping they sort this out somehow...

  • 5/5 james t. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely love this place. Felt really Covid-safe (well-spaced seating, masks in public area) plus a nice freebie on the way out (a mini poster for Black Widow). Brilliant screen, but the seats are a little uncomfortable. Love the little intro that the BFI makes before the film too.

  • 3/5 Bharat M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice big screen, but very tightly packed, which is a worry in covid times. Parking is next to impossible so public transport is the only viable option.

  • 5/5 dave p. 2 years ago on Google
    A fantastic IMAX cinema, huge screen and amazing audio system. Comfortable seating. Easy access from tube and main line station (Waterloo)

  • 3/5 Darren B. 2 years ago on Google
    Staff were really friendly and helped us carry our snacks. But the angle of the seats to the screen and the lack of leg room was awful. Not the staff's fault but did ruin the experience a bit, I'd recommend a different Odeon as it'll probably have more room. The film was really good too!


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Food
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Assisted listening devices
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible lift
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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