Drive-in theaters were once a popular form of entertainment, allowing people to watch movies outdoors from the comfort of their cars. At their peak in the late 1950s, there were over 4,000 drive-in theaters across the United States. However, with the rise of indoor multiplex cinemas and changes in entertainment technology, drive-in theaters have dwindled significantly over the decades. Today, only about 300-400 drive-in theaters are still operating in the US.
The Heyday of Drive-In Theaters
The drive-in theater was patented in 1933 by Richard Hollingshead Jr. He opened the first drive-in on June 6, 1933 in Camden, New Jersey. It was an immediate hit, bringing in big crowds right from the start. The concept spread quickly nationwide, appealing to Americans’ love of cars and movies. By 1958, over 4,000 drive-in theaters had popped up across the country, mostly in suburban areas. At their peak, drive-ins made up around 25% of all movie theaters in the US.
Several factors contributed to the immense popularity of drive-in theaters in their heyday:
- Privacy and comfort – Unlike traditional theaters, drive-ins allowed people to watch movies outdoors from their cars, giving them more privacy and a cozy space.
- Room for the whole family – A single car could hold parents and children together, making drive-ins ideal for family outings.
- Convenience – Drive-ins eliminated the need to find parking or wait in lines. Snack bars delivered food right to the car.
- Affordability – Admission was cheap compared to indoor theaters. Some drive-ins charged per carload rather than per person.
- Novelty – The drive-in concept was new, unique and exciting in the 1930s-50s.
These advantages made drive-in theaters the hot new way to watch movies for decades. Their popularity also led to drive-in restaurants and churches.
The Decline of Drive-In Theaters
While drive-in theaters thrived through the 1950s and 60s, they started facing a slow decline in the late 1960s due to various factors:
- Land value – The suburban land occupied by drive-ins became more valuable over time as cities expanded. Owners sold to real estate developers.
- Indoor multiplexes – New multi-screen indoor theaters offered more choice, comfort and better sound/picture.
- Daylight savings – Evening daylight in summer cut into drive-in hours and attendance.
- Home entertainment – VCRs, cable TV and video rentals provided convenient at-home options.
- Maintenance costs – Keeping large outdoor screens, speakers and lots maintained was expensive.
By the late 1980s, drive-in numbers dropped below 1,000 nationwide. Many antique theaters were forced to close due to aging infrastructure, especially projection and audio equipment.
Drive-In Theaters Today
Only about 300-400 drive-in theaters are still operating today in the US. They are located mostly in smaller towns across the Midwest, South and along the West Coast. While the numbers may seem low, it’s impressive that drive-ins have managed to survive advances in technology and entertainment over the decades.
Some key reasons a few hundred drive-ins continue appealing to modern audiences include:
- Nostalgia – Many patrons visit out of fond memories and vintage love for drive-ins.
- Novelty for kids – Younger generations get to enjoy the unique experience.
- Retro-cool factor – Drive-ins now have a hip, retro vibe.
- Community events – Drive-ins host flea markets, concerts and other public events.
- Greater variety – Drive-ins show older cult films and new releases. Some show Netflix.
- Affordability – Admission is still relatively low, often less than $10 a person.
While most drive-ins follow the traditional model, some are also innovating to attract audiences, like broadcasting sound through FM radio rather than old speakers. Concession stands are now more elaborate, offering gourmet snacks and even full meals. Many drive-ins also allow patrons to bring their own food and drinks.
Notable Remaining Drive-In Theaters
Here are some of the most prominent drive-in theaters still in operation across the United States:
Shankweiler’s Drive-In – Orefield, PA
Shankweiler’s lays claim to being America’s first drive-in theater, opened in 1934. This single-screen theater continues showing first-run blockbusters and family films today.
Starlite Drive-In – Cadet, MO
Opened in 1952, Starlite Drive-In is one of a few drive-ins left in Missouri. Their three giant screens play new releases on weekends.
Skyvue Drive-In – Loudonville, OH
Ohio’s Skyvue Drive-In has been operating since 1948. They have two screens and show double features of current films, with kids under 11 free.
Blue Starlite – Austin, TX
This mini two-screen urban drive-in opened in 2009 to revive Austin’s drive-in culture. They focus on independent films and cult classics.
Hollywood Drive-In – Arundel, ME
First opened in 1948, the Hollywood Drive-In features retro novelty along with first-run movies on two screens.
Ford Wyoming Drive-In – Dearborn, MI
Located right next to Ford’s headquarters, this last remaining drive-in in Detroit suburbs is now community-owned by a non-profit group.
Paramount Drive-In – Paramount, CA
The Paramount hold the distinction of being one of the last drive-ins in the entire Los Angeles area. It has operated since 1947.
Notable Drive-In Theater Closures
Hundreds of iconic drive-ins have shut down over the past few decades as the industry contracted. Some notable closures include:
- De Anza Drive-In (Tucson, AZ) – Opened in 1965, closed in 2000
- Springmill Drive-In (Mansfield, OH) – Opened 1960, closed 1999
- North Star Drive-In (Copiague, NY) – Opened 1956, closed 1984
- Sunset Drive-In (Martinsburg, WV) – Opened 1948, closed 1989
- Readington Drive-In (Readington, NJ) – Opened 1949, closed 2000
- Bel-Air Drive-In (Las Vegas, NV) – Opened 1950, closed 1990
- Laurel Drive-In (Laurel, MD) – Opened 1956, closed 1981
Drive-In Theaters by State
Currently, outdoor theaters are clustered mostly across Midwest and Southern states. Here is an approximate breakdown of existing US drive-ins by state:
| State | Estimated Drive-Ins |
|---|---|
| New York | 20 |
| Ohio | 25 |
| Pennsylvania | 20 |
| West Virginia | 10 |
| Michigan | 15 |
| Illinois | 15 |
| Missouri | 10 |
| California | 15 |
| Texas | 10 |
| Oklahoma | 5 |
| Others | 150 |
California once had over 200 drive-ins in the 1950s and 60s but now only has around 15 remaining. Texas peaked at over 100 drive-ins but today hosts just 10. These numbers illustrate the broad decline over time in states that once had thriving drive-in cultures.
Why Have So Few Drive-Ins Survived?
It’s estimated that only about 5-10% of original American drive-in theaters still remain in business. What has caused the extensive shuttering of drive-in theaters over the decades?
- Land value – Real estate used by drive-ins skyrocketed as cities grew around them.
- Maintenance costs – Drive-ins required constant upkeep of big outdoor screens, speakers, snack bars, and large lots.
- Storm damage – Bad weather, winds, and rain easily damaged components. Expensive to continually fix.
- Projection upgrades – Theaters went digital but many drive-ins couldn’t afford expensive new projectors.
- Competition – Multiplex theaters offered more choice, comfort and better picture/sound.
- Home entertainment – Movies became readily available on cable TV, VHS/DVD, and streaming.
Most drive-ins simply could not keep up with the high costs of operation and constant facility upgrades needed to remain viable entertainment venues. The conversion to digital projection in the 2000s forced mass closures of theaters unable to fund $70,000+ digital projectors. While drive-ins saw renewed interest around 2010, the numbers continue dwindling except for a hardy few.
Drive-In Theater Chains
Unlike indoor movie theaters, drive-ins have traditionally been independent mom-and-pop type operations. However, some small regional drive-in chains have emerged over the decades. Two of the largest remaining drive-in chains are:
DeAnza Land & Leisure Corporation
Based in Indiana, DeAnza owns five drive-ins – Chief in Arizona, Holiday in Colorado, Midway in Minnesota, Starlite in Indiana, Starlight in Georgia.
West Wind Glendale
Headquartered in California, West Wind runs six drive-ins including Sacramento 6 (CA), Glendale 9 (AZ), Lake Havasu (AZ), Van Buren 3 (MO), Winfield/Walnut Valley (KS), Highway 18 (CA).
A few other mini-chains with 2-4 theaters include Showboat (MD, PA), S&G Theatres (AL, GA, FL), NCG Theatres (KY, TN), and Ma and Pa Theatres (MD, VA). However, most remaining US drive-in theaters continue to be independently owned and operated as single units.
Can Drive-In Theaters Make a Comeback?
The remaining drive-ins show dedication and nostalgia are keeping the industry alive, though just barely. Is there hope drive-in theaters will ever regain their previous popularity across America?
Their revival faces substantial challenges:
- High operation costs make profitability difficult.
- Limited screens can’t compete with multiplex variety.
- Picture and sound remain inferior to indoor digital projection and surround sound.
- Lower capacity per screen than traditional theaters.
- Prime real estate costs make expansion financially risky.
However, drive-ins also now benefit from some key advantages:
- Greater rights to show studio films than before.
- Ability to partner with studios for big premieres and split box office.
- Can tap into lively community event and program niche.
- Younger patrons nostalgic for retro experiences.
- Digital conversion makes niche programming more feasible.
Drive-ins will likely never again reach their heyday numbers. But with perseverance, innovation and clever community engagement, they may continue clinging to life as beloved Americana novelty attractions.
Conclusion
Drive-in theaters rose to immense popularity in the mid-20th century, offering families a novel way to experience movies without leaving their cars. At their peak, over 4,000 drive-ins operated across America. But from the 1970s onward, rising land values, high maintenance costs, multiplex competition and home entertainment led to a massive decline. Today, only around 300-400 drive-in theaters survive, mostly as community curiosities showing first-run blockbusters as well as older and independent films.
Drive-ins now face major challenges in turning a profit and competing with indoor megaplexes. But with pluck and clever programming, they continue persevering as beloved American cultural icons. While the numbers may never recover, drive-in theaters seem poised to stick around offering their special brand of nostalgic outdoor entertainment.