The first entry on our list is a drive-in located in New Braunfels, Texas, that brings a breath of fresh air to the industry, having opened its doors as recently as 2003. It features three screens, all of which play double features on weekends, as well as a ’50s-themed café snack bar with an extensive menu, serving everything from Frito Pie and Funnel Cakes to Mexican sandwiches and box dinners, such as steak fingers served with fries, corn fritters, and gravy.

Image: Josh Sanabria

The oldest operating drive-in theater in the country, Shankweiler’s opened in 1934 in Orefield and operates year-round—even in those tough Pennsylvania winters. The theater shows double features on weekends, has a decent snack bar, and even offers visitors two drive-up party rental spaces, each of which holds about 15 people, in case you were wondering if such a thing was possible.

Image: David Clode

Don’t let its 70 years of existence fool you, the Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In has one of the most modern and environmentally friendly features you could possibly find in an establishment of this kind: it is the country’s only wind-powered drive-in theater. The wind turbines power the theater’s screens, speakers, projectors, and snack bars. Additionally, the venue uses LED lighting and encourages recycling among its visitors.

It’s not often that one sees such a commitment to future generations from an establishment as old as this one!

Image: Tim Mossholder

Imagine going to the movies and being able to sleep right there if you are too tired. That’s exactly what the Fairlee offers. A combination drive-in and motel, this venue lets you watch a show and then stay overnight. The theater and the roadside motel have both been open since 1950.

The snack bar comes especially recommended by locals for its burgers made with beef raised on the property owners’ farm.

Image: Manuell Tony

If you’re in Marion, Virginia, and have a craving for a round of mini-golf, the Park Place Drive-In is a sure bet. This one-stop shop for family entertainment offers not only a night out at the movies but also access to an ice cream shop and a mini-golf course. Play 18 holes of putt-putt, grab a scoop or two of Hershey’s Ice Cream, and then head over to the theater for a movie.

Image: Pixabay

If a 1948 Art Deco-themed screen wasn’t appealing enough, the Rubidoux Drive-In also featured a petting zoo and a miniature railroad, among other family-oriented attractions. Alas, those two features have closed for the time being. Still, the drive-in theater offers plenty of amenities for families to enjoy on their visits.

The theater features two additional screens, aside from the Art Deco one, each of which plays double features on weekends.

Image: RDNE Stock project

If you’ve ever wondered how big the biggest drive-in cinema screen in the country is, this one takes the prize. Bengies Drive-In has a screen that measures 52 by 120 feet, making it the largest in the United States.

This is an important feature, not just because of the cool factor, but also because it means movies can be shown at their full theatrical size, allowing viewers to see all the details in the corners of the screen, just as the filmmakers intended.

Image: Jeremy Yap

A flea market, an 18-hole mini golf course, a cocktail bar, and the biggest screen in the New England area await you at Cape Cod’s Wellfleet, a local institution that has been entertaining moviegoers since 1957.

In recent years, the projection system was upgraded to digital with Dolby Digital sound, making the experience even more enjoyable for moviegoers.

Image: Maxim Benkendorf

This one is special, even among drive-in theaters. Alamo Drafthouse offers a unique screening of the classic thriller Jaws, where moviegoers watch the film from inner tubes on Lake Travis. This annual tradition provides a creative and immersive way to rewatch this iconic movie from a truly unique perspective. Would you dare to try it?

Image: Noom Peerapong

Embracing the idea that drive-in theaters are a nostalgic experience, the Mahoning dedicates its three screens to weekend-long themed festivals. For example, Zombie Fest takes place over three nights and screens cult horror films, with overnight camping allowed.

Second Chance Weekend features critically panned films that deserve a closer look, such as a pairing of Howard the Duck with Masters of the Universe. Last but not least, Bite Night showcases 35mm prints of Jaws and Jurassic Park, and in July, the theater celebrates Christmas in July with holiday films.

Image: Christian Wiediger