Aspect Ratios
Most Common Aspect Ratios
4:3 / 1.33:1
4:3 was primarily used in the past as it represents a frame from a 35mm film. Today, it is used only as a stylistic choice, causing black bars on the left and right sides of the screen.
Movies in 4:3:
- How the West Was Won (1962)
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) (partially in 4:3)
16:9 / 1.77:1
This is now the standard TV format, a compromise between 4:3 and 21:9. Most cinema films are not shot in 16:9.
Movies in 16:9:
- Monsters, Inc. (2001)
- Various TV shows
1.85:1
1.85:1 is slightly wider than 16:9 and is often used in cinema films. It fits well on TVs but still looks more cinematic than 16:9.
Movies in 1.85:1:
- The Lion King (2019)
- Wolkenbruch (2018)
2.35:1 / 21:9
21:9 is commonly used for cinema films. In the past, this ratio was achieved using anamorphic lenses to compress the image. Today, it’s still popular because it looks “epic.”
Movies in 2.35:1:
- Inception (2010)
- Drive (2011)
2.39:1 / 2.40:1
2.39:1 (rounded to 2.40:1) is very similar to 2.35:1 but slightly wider.
Movies in 2.39:1:
- 007 No Time to Die (2021)
- Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Uncommon Aspect Ratios
1.66:1
Historically used in Germany and Sweden.
Movies in 1.66:1:
- The early 007 films (but only in Europe)
2:1
A compromise between 21:9 and 1.85:1. Considered the “best” balance between width and height.
Movies in 2:1:
- Blackberry (2023)
- Various series (House of Cards, Stranger Things)
IMAX
IMAX Digital
Often uses a 1.89:1 aspect ratio, which is wider than the standard TV format (16:9), offering a larger image area for the audience.
IMAX 70 mm (Analog)
Uses a ratio of 1.43:1, offering a massive screen area that fills the viewer’s entire field of view.
IMAX Laser
The IMAX laser projection system supports various aspect ratios depending on the theater configuration. It can be 1.43:1 or 1.89:1, depending on the technical specifications of the IMAX laser system.