Skip home streaming for the big screen under starlight.
Long before we could binge K-Pop Demon Hunters two summers long, movie night was a proper occasion. The rise in popularity of outdoor movies in the 1920s inspired New Jersey businessman Richard Hollingshead to patent drive-in theaters in 1933. He advertised with the slogan, “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are”, and well, things certainly caught on. By 1958, there were over 4,000 drive-in theaters operating across the United States; however, advancements in home entertainment, such as cable TV and VHS rentals, soon triggered a decline. Drive-in numbers dwindled to less than 200 by the eighties.
Thankfully, a century on from drive-in debuts, we’re enjoying a (modest) resurgence. Families, couples, and film buffs are appreciating nostalgia, swapping streaming for big screen magic under starlight every once in a while. Whether you’re looking for a summer family activity, planning a romantic date night, or want to connect with the community, our 10 favorite drive-in theaters are the perfect excuse to take a break from HUNTR/X…just for one night.