List of IMAX Variable Aspect Ratio Movies

This post contains a reference list of movies that played in IMAX theaters with either a Variable Aspect Ratio (VAR) or otherwise alternate aspect ratio presentation that differed from their appearance on regular cinema screens, along with details of each title’s availability on home video.

As explained in Part 3 of my Philosophy of 2.35:1 Constant Image Height article series, director Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008) was the first mainstream Hollywood narrative feature film to mix regular widescreen photography with select sequences shot with IMAX cameras, for a special presentation format that changed aspect ratio from 2.35:1 in some scenes to a taller 1.43:1 in others. Since that time, a few dozen other movies have either copied Nolan’s VAR format or implemented some variation on it.

Although not all of these titles were shot with actual IMAX cameras (whether film or digital), they all do follow the same intent that the IMAX presentation should contain footage that expands in height to appear taller (not narrower) than traditional “scope” 2.35:1 photography. Movies with different types of Variable Aspect Ratio will be covered in another post.

When films like this eventually come to home video, some maintain the Variable Aspect Ratio format while others are transferred in 2.35:1 Constant Image Height form, as they appeared in all theaters other than IMAX. During production, the photography is composed with both presentations in mind. Some directors have strong preferences for one version over the other (and it can go either way). In other cases, we may never know who makes the decision.

This list will be updated as needed.

Last update: 10/10/2025.

Notes:

  • “VAR” = Variable Aspect Ratio.
  • “CIH” = Constant Image Height.
  • “TBD” = To be determined.
  • These charts are best viewed on a computer monitor. At the very least, try turning your mobile device to landscape orientation.

Variable Aspect Ratio

TitleYear of ReleaseBlu-ray3D Blu-ray4K Ultra HD Blu-rayStreamingAspect Ratios on Home VideoNotes
The Aeronauts2019N/AN/AN/AVAR2.35:1 / 1.90:1Amazon Prime streaming.
Alien: Covenant2017CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Alita: Battle Angel2019CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
The Amazing Spider-Man2012CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
Ant-Man and the Wasp2018CIHVARCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only 3D Blu-ray and Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option are VAR.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania2023CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is VAR.
Aquaman2018VARCIHVARVAR2.35:1 / 16:9
—
2.35:1		Only the 3D Blu-ray edition is 2.35:1 CIH.
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice2016CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice – Ultimate Edition2016CIHCIHVARCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.43:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only the 2021 “IMAX Enhanced” remastered Ultra HD and digital streaming editions are VAR with IMAX sequences taller than other scenes.

HBO Max streaming is VAR but with IMAX sequences pillarboxed as 1.90:1 within the 2.35:1 CIH frame.
Black Panther2018CIHVARCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 16:9		Only 3D Blu-ray and Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option are VAR.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever2022CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is VAR.
Black Widow2021CIHVARCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only 3D Blu-ray and Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option are VAR.
Blue Beetle2023CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Captain America: Brave New World2025CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is VAR.
Captain America: Civil War2016CIHVARCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only 3D Blu-ray and Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option are VAR.
Captain Marvel2019CIHVARCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only 3D Blu-ray and Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option are VAR.
The Conjuring: Last Rites2025VARN/AVARCIH2.35:1 / 16:9
—
2.35:1
Creed III2022CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
The Dark Knight2008VARN/AVARCIH2.35:1 / 16:9
—
2.35:1
The Dark Knight Rises2012VARN/AVARCIH2.35:1 / 16:9
—
2.35:1
Doctor Strange2016CIHVARCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 16:9		Only 3D Blu-ray and Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option are VAR.
Dune: Part One2021CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
Dunkirk2017VARN/AVARCIH2.20:1 / 16:9
—
2.20:1
Eternals2021CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1 / 16:9		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is VAR.

Film played in IMAX Laser venues as VAR 2.35:1/1.90:1/1.43:1.
Final Destination: Bloodlines2025CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
First Man2018VARN/AVARVAR2.35:1 / 16:9
Ghostbusters: Answer the Call2016VARVARVARCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1 / 1.90:1
—
2.35:1		Only the “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is VAR. Other streaming sources may be CIH.

Film also includes frame-breaking VFX that intrude into the letterbox bars.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire2024CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Guardians of the Galaxy2014CIHVARCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 16:9		Only 3D Blu-ray and Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option are VAR.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 22017CIHVARCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 16:9		Only 3D Blu-ray and Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option are VAR.

Film also includes frame-breaking VFX that intrude into the letterbox bars.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 32023VARVARVARVAR
—
Open-Matte		2.35:1 / 1.90:1Film had a VAR presentation in “premium” cinemas outside of IMAX.

IMAX venues played the film opened to constant 1.90:1.

On home video, only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is constant open-matte 1.90:1. Other editions (including the “Widescreen” option on Disney+) are VAR.
Him2025VARN/AVARVAR2.35:1 / 16:9Opening scene is full-screen 16:9. Remainder of film is 2.35:1. Not CIH safe.
How to Train Your Dragon2025VARN/AVARVAR2.35:1 / 1.90:1
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes2023CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire2013VARN/ACIHCIH2.35:1 / 16:9
—
2.35:1		American Blu-ray edition is VAR but Ultra HD and streaming are CIH.

A CIH Blu-ray was released in Australia.
Interstellar2014VARN/AVARCIH2.35:1 / 16:9
—
2.35:1
Iron Man2008CIHN/ACIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 16:9		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is VAR.

Film only played as VAR in IMAX theaters during a re-release in 2018.
Joker: Folie à Deux 2024VARN/AVARVAR2.35:1 / 2.20:1 / 1.90:1 / 4:3Some 4:3 footage in a 2.20:1 container and others in a 1.90:1 container.
Kantara: A Legends – Chapter 12025TBDN/ATBDTBDTBD
Kingsman: The Golden Circle2017CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Lightyear2022CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 16:9		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is VAR on home video.

Film played in IMAX theaters as VAR 2.35:1/1.90:1 or VAR 2.35:1/1.43:1 depending on venue.
The Lion King2019Full-frameFull-frameFull-frameFull-frame16:9Film played in IMAX Laser venues as VAR 1.85:1/1.43:1. Home video editions are all full-frame 16:9.
The Little Mermaid2023CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Lost in Russia2020TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
The Mandalorian and Grogu2026TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
The Marvels2023CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is VAR.
Megalopolis2024TBDN/ATBDTBDTBDFilm played in selected IMAX theaters as VAR 2.00:1/1.43:1
Mission: Impossible – Fallout2018VARVARVARVAR2.35:1 / 1.90:1
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol2011CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning2025VARTBDVARVAR2.35:1 / 1.90:1
Mojin: The Lost Legend2015VARN/AN/AVAR2.35:1 / 16:9
No Time to Die2021CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Nope2022VARN/AVARCIH
—
VAR		2.20:1 / 16:9
—
2.35:1		Film played in IMAX theaters as VAR 2.20:1/1.90:1 or VAR 2.20:1/1.43:1 depending on venue. The Blu-ray and Ultra HD editions, as well as Peacock streaming, are VAR 2.20:1/16:9. Other VOD Streaming options are CIH 2.35:1.
Oppenheimer2023VARN/AVARCIH2.20:1 / 16:9
—
2.20:1		Film played in IMAX theaters as VAR 2.20:1/1.90:1 or VAR 2.20:1/1.43:1 depending on venue. The Blu-ray and Ultra HD editions are VAR 2.20:1/16:9. VOD and streaming options are CIH 2.20:1.
Project Hail Mary2026TBDN/ATBDTBDTBD
Riddick2013CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Seventh Son2014CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Sinners2025VARN/AVARVAR2.76:1 / 16:9Film played in IMAX theaters as VAR 2.76:1/1.90:1 or VAR 2.76:1/1.43:1 depending on venue. Other theaters were 2.76:1 CIH.
Spider-Man: Far from Home2019CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is VAR.
Star Trek into Darkness2013CIH
—
VAR		CIHVARCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 16:9		Standard Blu-ray edition, 3D Blu-ray, and most streaming options are CIH.

“Compendium” box set Blu-ray, Ultra HD, and “IMAX Enhanced” streaming are VAR.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens2015CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
Taklee Genesis x Worlds Collide2024TBDN/ATBDTBDTBDFilm played in IMAX theaters as VAR 2.35:1/1.90:1.
Tenet2020VARN/AVARCIH2.20:1 / 16:9
—
2.20:1
Thor: Love and Thunder2022CIHTBDCIHCIH2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 1.90:1		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is VAR.
Thor: Ragnarok2017CIHVARCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 16:9		Only 3D Blu-ray and Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option are VAR.
Thunderbolts*2025CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Top Gun: Maverick2022VARN/AVARVAR
—
CIH		2.35:1 / 1.90:1
—
2.35:1		Netflix streaming is CIH 2.35:1. Other home video editions (including most other streaming) are VAR.
Transformers: Age of Extinction2014CIHVARCIHCIH
—
VAR		2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 16:9		Only 3D Blu-ray and “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option are VAR.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen2009CIH
—
VAR		N/ACIHCIH2.35:1
—
2.35:1 / 16:9		Standard Blu-ray editions are CIH.

Walmart-exclusive “Big Screen Edition” Blu-ray is VAR.
Tron: Ares2025TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Tron: Legacy2010VARVARN/AVAR
—
CIH
2.35:1 / 16:9
—
2.35:1
Disney+ streaming, iTunes, and VUDU/Fandango at Home are VAR. Other streaming services many be CIH.
Uncharted2022CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
The Wandering Earth II2022VARN/AVARVAR2.76:1 / 2.35:1
—
2.76:1 / 2.11:1		Movie is primarily 2.76:1 with some scenes a taller 2.35:1.

In IMAX theaters, the 2.35:1 footage was further opened to 2.11:1.

Chinese Blu-ray and 4K UHD releases present the IMAX VAR version of the movie.
Wonder Woman 19842020VARVARVARCIH2.35:1 / 1.90:1
—
2.35:1
A Writer’s Odyssey2021VARN/AN/AN/A2.35:1 / 1.85:1A.K.A. Assassin in Red.

Theatrical release was VAR in regular theaters, fully open-matte in IMAX. Blu-ray is VAR.

Open-Matte (Full Length of Movie)

TitleYear of ReleaseBlu-ray3D Blu-ray4K Ultra HD Blu-rayStreamingAspect Ratio on Home VideoNotes
19172019CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Alien: Romulus2024CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom2023Open-MatteN/AOpen-MatteOpen-Matte16:9
Avatar2009Open-MatteOpen-MatteOpen-MatteOpen-Matte16:9
Avatar: Fire and Ash2025TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Avatar: The Way of Water2022Open-MatteOpen-MatteOpen-MatteOpen-Matte1.85:1
Avengers: Doomsday2026TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Avengers: Endgame2019CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
Open-Matte		2.35:1
—
1.90:1		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is open-matte 1.90:1.
Avengers: Infinity War2018CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
Open-Matte		2.35:1
—
1.90:1		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is open-matte 1.90:1.
Avengers: Secret Wars2027TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Baahubali: The Epic2025TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion2017CIHN/AN/ACIH2.35:1
The Battle at Lake Changjin2021TBDN/ATBDTBDTBD
The Battle at Lake Changjin II: Water Gate Bridge2022TBDN/ATBDTBDTBD
Beauty and the Beast2017CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
Blade Runner 20492017CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
The Bride!2026TBDN/ATBDTBDTBD
Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force2025TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Death Whisperer 22024TBDN/ATBDTBDTBD
Death Whisperer 32025TBDN/ATBDTBDTBD
Detective Chinatown 32021TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness2022CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
Open-Matte		2.35:1
—
1.90:1		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is open-matte 1.90:1.
Dune: Part Two2024CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1Film was projected open-matte constant 1.90:1 in most IMAX locations. Select laser and 70mm IMAX theaters had a VAR 1.90:1/1.43:1 presentation. Home video releases are 2.35:1 CIH.
Dune: Part Three2026TBDN/ATBDTBDTBD
The Eight Hundred2020CIHN/AN/ACIH2.35:1
F1: The Movie2025CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
The Fantastic Four: First Steps2025CIHTBDCIHCIH
—
Open-Matte		2.35:1/4:3
—
1.90:1/4:3		Film was projected open-matte 1.90:1 in most IMAX locations, with select scenes windowboxed 4:3. Laser and 70mm IMAX theaters had a VAR 1.90:1/1.43:1 /windowboxed 4:3 presentation.

CIH 2.35:1/4:3 on Blu-ray and 4K UHD. Open-matte VAR 1.90:1/windowboxed 4:3 only on Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming.
Flight Crew2016N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Flying Swords of Dragon Gate2011CIH
—
Open-Matte		Open-MatteN/ACIH2.35:1
—
16:9		American Blu-ray release is 2.35:1.

Hong Kong Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray Limited Edition releases are open-matte 16:9.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 32023VARTBDVARVAR
—
Open-Matte		2.35:1 / 1.90:1Film had a VAR presentation in “premium” cinemas outside of IMAX.

IMAX venues played the film opened to constant 1.90:1.

On home video, only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is constant open-matte 1.90:1. Other editions (including the “Widescreen” option on Disney+) are VAR.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey2012CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies2014CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug2013CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
I, Frankenstein2014CIHCIHN/ACIH2.35:1
The King’s Man2022CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil2019CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
Maze Runner: The Death Cure2018CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Mercy2026TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Mortal Kombat II2026TBDN/ATBDTBDTBD
Nomadland2020CIHN/AN/ACIH2.35:1
Oblivion2013CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
The Odyssey2026TBDN/ATBDTBDTBD
One Battle After Another2025Full-ScreenN/AFull-ScreenFull-Screen16:9Played theatrically at 1.85:1 (most cinemas), 1.50:1 (VistaVision 35mm), or 1.43:1 (IMAX GT and IMAX GT Laser). Home video editions are 16:9.
Only the Brave2017CIHN/AN/ACIH2.35:1
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales2017CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
Prometheus2012CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
The Rescue2021TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
RRR2022CIHTBDOpen-MatteOpen-Matte1.90:1Netflix streaming and Japanese 4K Ultra HD disc are open-matte to approximately 1.90:1.
Saaho2019CIHN/AN/ACIH2.35:1
Skyfall2012CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Spider-Man: No Way Home2022CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
Open-Matte		2.35:1
—
1.90:1		Only “IMAX Enhanced” streaming options are open-matte 1.90:1.

Movie also has some 16:9 segments windowboxed within the 2.35:1 area.
Sully2016CIHN/ACIHCIH2.35:1
Tomorrowland2015CIHN/AN/ACIH2.35:1
Underworld: Awakening2012CIHCIHCIHCIH2.35:1
Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon2013CIHCIHN/ACIH2.35:1
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings2021CIHCIHCIHCIH
—
Open-Matte		2.35:1
—
1.90:1		Only Disney+ “IMAX Enhanced” streaming option is open-matte 1.90:1.
Titanic1997CIHOpen-MatteTBDCIH2.35:1
—
16:9		Only 3D Blu-ray is open-matte 16:9.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League2021Open-MatteN/AOpen-MatteOpen-Matte4:3

Related Articles

6 thoughts on “List of IMAX Variable Aspect Ratio Movies”

  2. This list is not updated with all 2025 movies published in IMAX. Superman, Thunderbolts, Freaky Tales and etc. Please update the list.

    Like

    1. This page only lists movies that played in IMAX theaters with a variable or open-matte aspect ratio. Superman (2025) played in most theaters at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and in IMAX slightly cropped to the 1.90:1 IMAX standard. The difference between those two numbers is so small as to be unnoticeable. They are effectively the same thing.

      Thunderbolts was already listed on this page, alphabetically right below Thor: Ragnarok.

      Freaky Tales did not play in IMAX. That one is listed on the following page instead:
      List of Other Variable Aspect Ratio Movies (Not IMAX)

      If you just need a list of everything that’s ever played in IMAX, see this entry on Wikipedia:
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_released_in_IMAX

      Like

  3. Hey thank you for your reply. I was looking for a list where the film has sequences in IMAX aspect ratio. This list is great and I hope is fully complete. I thought Superman was in full IMAX aspect ratio. Thanks for clearing that. Yeah when I saw Freaky Tales I thought it was Imax aspect ratio.

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment