
Given the current need for social distancing, the overwhelming desire to get out of the house, and the fact that many people are Netflix and chilled out, drive-ins are once again seeing a surge in popularity and this list of 18 highlights some of the best theaters across the country for bucket seats, buttered popcorn, and big screens. Some even add concerts, games, and giveaways to the program. Others were built in the digital decade and tricked out with distractions like mini-golf, barbecues, and playgrounds to help pass the time until the sun goes down. Many are historic with retro refreshments, flashback features, and original screens, befitting a nostalgic night at the movies under the stars. These days the number is closer to 300, according to, which has a searchable database that makes it easy to find out what's playing (and where) near you. In the heyday in the '50s and '60s, there were about 4,000 permanent drive-ins.

The concept took off, especially after Hollingshead's patent was overturned in 1949, and sound technology allowed audio to be played through a car's radio. As the Los Angeles area's nearest operating drive-in, it can get. The Vineland is a classic drive-in that was expanded to 4 screens, with an overall capacity of 1500 cars, which still draws fantastic crowds on most weekends. This swap meet is open 7 days each week year-round.


#Vineland drive in movie
Since 1933 to be exact when Richard Hollingshead tinkered with a sheet and a Kodak projector in his driveway until he perfected and patented his light-bulb moment and opened the original outdoor cinema in Camden, N.J. About Vineland Drive-in The Vineland Drive-in is a four screen drive-in movie theater located in Industry, California. This Drive-in movie theatre has been open nearly 50 years with the swap meet opening in 1984. Don't call it a comeback drive-in movie theaters have been here for years.
