300 Drive-In Theaters Still Operating in USA 2026

Currently, approximately 300 drive-in theaters remain in the USA, according to the United Drive-In Movie Theater Owners Association. Most Theaters are in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and other states.

There used to be 4000 drive-in movie theaters. The concept of outdoor drive-in cinemas has taken a back seat since the late 1950s. 

Their popularity began to wane as the in-house movie gained traction and land prices rose. They are coming up with unique ideas to retrieve their former glory. Like weekend swap markets, cafes, and community music shows. 

This year, approximately 300 drive-in theaters are left in the United States, with about 177 operating in 25 states. Despite the rise of at-home streaming services and the high cost of switching to digital projection, these nostalgic movie venues continue to entertain audiences in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

The Largest and the Smallest Drive-in Movie Theaters in the USA

Many outdoor theaters are under West Wind and Starlight, making them some of the USA’s most popular drive-in theater chains. The largest one in America is the Ford Wyoming Drive-in movie theater in Dearborn, Michigan. 

The place has the space to accommodate 3000 cars. The smallest one is the Spud Drive-in movie theater in Driggs, Idaho, which can accommodate only 75 cars. 

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States with the highest number of Drive-in movie theaters in the USA

With 30 outdoor movie theaters, New York leads the United States in drive-in theaters. Pennsylvania and Ohio rank second and third, with 29 and 24 drive-in movie theaters, respectively. 

These states are followed by Indiana and Texas, with 19 and 18 outdoor drive-in theaters. On the other hand, there are zero drive-in cinema theaters in states like Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, and Louisiana. 

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Drive-in movie theaters in California

California is sixth on the list of states with the most drive-in theaters. There are nearly 14 active theaters. Famous drive-in theaters in California are the Highway Drive-in of Santa Maria, Mission Tiki Drive-in of Montclair, West Wind Sacramento 6 Drive-in of Sacramento, Solano Drive-in of Solano, South Bay Drive-in of Imperial Beach, etc.

Drive-in movie theaters in Indiana

Indiana is another state on the list of states with the most Drive-in theaters. Famous drive-in theaters of Indiana are 13-24 Drive-in of Wabash, Auburn Garratt Drive-in of Garratt, Bel-Air Drive-in Theater of Versailles, Cinema 67 Drive-in of Spencer, Holiday Drive-in of Mitchell and Rockport, Melody Drive-in of Knox, and many more. 

Drive-in movie theaters in Colorado

Unlike California and Indiana, Colorado has fewer drive-in theaters. There are 7 or 8 famous outdoor drive-in theaters here. In Colorado, 88 Drive-in of Commerce City, Comanche Drive-in of Buena Vista, and Star Drive-in of Montrose are present. 

Drive-in movie theaters in Oregon

Like Colorado, Oregon has only a few drive-in theaters. The most notable ones are the 99W Drive-in in Newberg, the La Grande Drive-in in La Grande, and the M&F Drive-in in Milton-Freewater. 

Drive-in movie theaters in Illinois

Unlike Oregon and Colorado, Illinoisans enjoy drive-in theaters. There are nearly ten drive-in movie theaters in this state. The notable ones are the Route 34 Drive-in in Earlville, the Route 66 Drive-in in Springfield, the Oasis Theater in Marion, and the Harvest Moon Drive-in in Gibson City. 

Drive-in movie theaters in Kansas 

Five active drive-in theaters across the Sunflower State—in Wichita, Paola, Kanopolis, Dodge City, and Kansas City, Kansas. A new drive-in is being developed in Trego County. Those theaters bring a fresh dose of retro charm to western Kansas.

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Conclusion

Drive-in movie theaters have changed a lot over time. However, the thrill and comfort of watching a movie from the car seat are the same as in old times. People have started to like the concept of drive-in theaters again. In some cities, people organize drive-in outdoor movie nights in their neighborhoods to encourage community culture.