Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of by is already making waves with the announcement of a two-week global IMAX run in 2026, a rare move for a streaming giant. This unprecedented decision highlights the growing acknowledgment that certain stories, with their grand visuals and captivating narratives, deserve the complete cinematic treatment. The IMAX experience has been a favorite for filmmakers like and , transforming visually ambitious projects into must-see events. While Narnia is a fitting candidate for such a release, it raises the question: why haven’t other Netflix originals been given the same opportunity?

Many Netflix films boast blockbuster-level production values and breathtaking visuals that would shine on an IMAX screen. Movies like and bring epic worlds and emotional depth that cry out for a larger-than-life presentation. Yet, these films have been limited to home screens, denying audiences the chance to fully appreciate their artistry and scale. With Narnia blazing a trail, it’s time to look back at as well.

follows 13 (), a 17-year-old assassin working for a shadowy international organization. After a botched mission in Japan, where her lapse in focus leads to unintended casualties, 13 is placed under suspension and sent to Jakarta for psychological retraining. Abandoned by her organization, 13 decides to help a young boy, which pushes her to face the criminal network of Jakarta and find her identity.

The Shadow Strays is a film that , with its relentless action sequences and visually striking choreography. Critics and audiences praised its nonstop carnage and visuals, which blend gritty aesthetics with neon-lit backdrops and blood-soaked combat. The immersive soundscapes and massive visuals of IMAX would amplify the tension and artistry of its samurai sword fights and hand-to-hand combat. Directed by who directed celebrated action movies such as , an IMAX release would honor its ambitious vision, delivering .

Set in the year 2092, follows the crew of the spaceship Victory, who survive by scavenging space debris and selling it for profit. Their ragtag team consists of the resourceful Captain Jang, the skilled pilot Tae-ho, the witty engineer Tiger Park, and a robot named Bubs. They stumble upon a young girl hidden in a crashed shuttle, who turns out to be a humanoid robot with abilities sought after by a powerful corporation. What begins as a potential payday for the struggling crew quickly spirals into a dangerous mission to protect the child.

With an IMAX release, Netflix would be opening up new universes beyond Hollywood to audiences with Space Sweepers. This Korean production is a visual marvel that with its space adventure and explosive battles. Added with a cast of Korean superstars like () and (), the movie would connect with Korean fans from all over the world. From the dazzling space debris fields to the intense dogfights among the stars, Space Sweepers offers a visual feast that deserves to be experienced in IMAX.

follows the story of a rebellious young shapeshifter who becomes the unlikely sidekick to Ballister Boldheart, a knight framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Set in a futuristic, medieval world, Nimona’s wild antics and unpredictable powers challenge Ballister’s sense of order and justice as they team up to clear his name. The animated film features an impressive voice cast led by and .

Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars, Nimona deserves an IMAX release because of its , which combines futuristic and medieval aesthetics with a vibrant, kinetic energy. The stunning animation brings the sprawling cityscapes, action-packed sequences, and Nimona’s dazzling transformations to life in breathtaking detail, making it one of the greatest animated films to hit Netflix. After a tumultuous production that saw the film canceled and delayed numerous times, and an opportunity for the movie to be seen by as many people as possible.

, directed by , is a heavy metal space opera that sees a peaceful colony on the edge of the galaxy face annihilation when the tyrannical forces of Regent Balisarius descend upon them. Desperate for a chance to fight back, the colony turns to Kora () to rally warriors from across the galaxy and take a stand against the ruthless Admiral Noble (). Together, this motley crew of rebels combines their skills to take on an oppressive empire and ignite a spark of hope for freedom.

Regardless of the film's disappointing critical reception, Rebel Moon should have been released in IMAX. Zack Snyder's signature style of sweeping cinematography, paired with jaw-dropping battle scenes and intricately designed alien worlds, would be elevated on the massive screen. The movie’s gorgeous visuals, effects and craftmanship demand a cinematic showcase to . As Netflix's flagship film of 2023, an IMAX release would create the loudest buzz and ignite massive interest for the subsequent director's cut.

’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece, , follows Cleo, a live-in housekeeper for a middle-class family. Through her eyes, audiences witness the joys and struggles of the family she serves alongside her personal challenges, all unfolding against the political and social turmoil of Mexico in the 1970s. Shot in stunning black and white, Roma is an intimate and deeply personal story about resilience, family, and sacrifice.

This visually stunning film is a cinematic masterpiece that deserves an IMAX debut. Featuring sweeping, meticulously composed long takes courtesy of Cuarón, who won an Oscar for Best Cinematography, Roma captures the beauty and complexity of everyday life with unparalleled detail. The immersive sound design and visuals—whether it’s the chaos of street protests or the quiet vulnerability of a seaside scene—would be amplified on an IMAX screen. A film with such emotional resonance demands .

follows a group of six highly skilled individuals from around the world, each chosen for their unique talents and brought together by a mysterious billionaire known only as One. After faking their deaths to operate under the radar, the team embarks on a high-stakes mission to take down a brutal dictator. Directed by , the film features an exciting cast made up of , , and .

Right from its explosive opening chase scene in Florence, it is obvious that this Michael Bay Bayhem spectacle was supposed to be watched in IMAX. Bay's signature style of , offering an adrenaline-fueled experience unlike any other. The jaw-dropping set pieces and explosive stunts demand the kind of immersive visuals and booming sound that only IMAX can deliver. 6 Underground finds Michael Bay without any restraints, deserving of the biggest and loudest screen possible.

picks up where the first film left off, following Tyler Rake (), a black-ops mercenary specializing in seemingly impossible rescue missions. Recovering from his near-fatal injuries, Rake is thrown back into action when he’s tasked with rescuing a family imprisoned by a ruthless Georgian gangster. The film boasts an impressive 21-minute continuous shot that frames the relentless action in real time for the audience.

The energy and masterful choreography of Extraction 2 make it a perfect candidate for an IMAX release. The action movie's ambitious long take would shine in the large-scale format. Coupled with stunning cinematography that captures sweeping landscapes and claustrophobic combat in equal measure, IMAX would . The first was a pandemic-era hit for Netflix, and Tyler Rake should have had his big return through IMAX screens.

follows Sierra Six (), a former CIA operative, as he becomes the target of a global manhunt led by psychotic mercenary Lloyd Hansen (). Six teams up with fellow CIA agent Dani Miranda () and aims to uncover a conspiracy while evading elite killers on their tail. Directed by , the film also stars , and .

As one of Netflix's most expensive productions, The Gray Man should have been a prime candidate for an IMAX release. From meticulously choreographed fight sequences to adrenaline-pumping chases in globe-trotting locations, IMAX provides. As The Russos' big movie after the success of , an IMAX release would've made it a moviegoing event. With Gosling and Evans facing off, audiences would flock to their nearest IMAX theatres for this and create substantial buzz for its sequels and spinoffs.

is a harrowing adaptation of ’s classic anti-war novel, brought to life through a German production. The story follows Paul Bäumer (), a young soldier who enlists in the German army during World War I, filled with idealistic patriotism. However, the brutal realities of trench warfare and the horrors of combat quickly shatter his illusions. Directed by (), the film won four Oscars at the 2023 ceremony.

This emotionally charged, visually stunning film is an ideal candidate for an IMAX release, especially with its status as one of the best war movies in modern times. Its breathtaking cinematography captures the bleak expanse of war-torn landscapes, while its unflinching portrayal of battlefield chaos demands a large screen presentation. , from the deafening roar of artillery to the haunting silence of post-battle devastation, . By amplifying the film’s raw intensity and emotional depth, an IMAX release would and connect it to a wider audience.

In , detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns to unravel another intricate puzzle, this time on a lavish private island owned by tech mogul Miles Bron (Edward Norton). Bron has invited a group of his closest friends for a murder mystery party, but things take a dark turn when the game leads to a true crime on the island. Like its predecessor, the film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Janelle Monae, Kate Hudson and Kathryn Hahn.

The first Knives Out film was a massive success in theatres, which made it peculiar that Netflix decided to keep the movie to themselves. The limited release was quite lucrative and could lead the charge to return to cinemas during the post-pandemic reopening times. An IMAX release would have honored the film series, elevating the immersive experience of this sharp and stylish whodunit and making the unraveling of its many mysteries all the more thrilling. Netflix could still right their wrong by releasing the third film, Wake Up Dead Man, in wide release and IMAX.

NEXT: The 10 Best Netflix Original Movies, Ranked