FAQs
The movement peaked in the late '50s, when there were over 4,600 different drive-in locations, and suffered a precipitous decline starting in the 1980s. Today, there are just 336 left in America, all of which are cataloged in the very busy map below, via braid.io, using data from drive-ins.com.
Does Michigan have any drive-in theaters? ›
At the peak of drive-in popularity in the late 1950s, Michigan was home to 110 outdoor theaters. Today, that number has dwindled to nine.
Why did drive-ins go away? ›
Slowly, drive-ins began to lose their appeal. To have an effective drive-in, it had to be on at least 15 acres of land. Economically speaking, it became more practical for owners to close their drive-ins in order to sell their land to developers to build malls or multi-building complexes.
What state has the most drive-ins? ›
According to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association, there were 305 drive-in theaters in the U.S. with 549 screens as of October 2019. New York (49), Pennsylvania (45), Ohio (44) and California (44) offer the most drive-ins, according to the association.
Do drive-in movie theaters make money? ›
Drive-in theaters are niche markets. They can make a profit, but success is not guaranteed. You must carefully research the market and consider all financial and legal aspects before opening your own drive-in movie theater. This article will guide you through how to start a drive-in movie theater business.
Where is the biggest drive-in theater? ›
The largest drive-in cinemas by car capacity were the Troy Drive-In, Detroit, Michigan, USA and the Panther Drive-In, Lufkin, Texas, USA. each able to hold 3,000 cars.
What is the oldest drive-in in Michigan? ›
Hi-Way Drive-In Theater – Carsonville
Opened in 1947, Hi-Way Drive-In is Michigan's oldest remaining drive-in movie theater. The box office opens at 7:30 and the movies start at dusk.
Where is the oldest drive in theater in the US? ›
Shankweiler's is the oldest drive-in movie theatre in America and has been in continuous operation in Orefield, Lehigh Valley, Pa., since 1934.
Where is the biggest drive in theater? ›
The largest drive-in cinemas by car capacity were the Troy Drive-In, Detroit, Michigan, USA and the Panther Drive-In, Lufkin, Texas, USA. each able to hold 3,000 cars.
How many drive-ins are left in Tennessee? ›
Seventeen drive-ins operate in Tennessee today.
Arizona's down to a single theater: the West Wind 9 Glendale Drive-In.
