Once a staple of American life, the drive-in movie was all but extinct ten years ago. Then something unexpected happen, drive-in movies became viable entertainment options once again thanks to their family friendly appeal as well as venues who would use their outdoor screens to show repertory films — such as Pennsylvania’s Mahoning Drive-In, a success story that was chronicled in the acclaimed 2017 documentary At the Drive-In. Since smaller theaters are unable to afford to give their projectors a digital makeover (which is both time/labor intensive and expensive), drive-ins across the country have become an oasis for retro film fanatics who are desperate to see their favorite flicks projected out in nature. As a result, a community of movie lovers has once embraced the drive-in to take part in events like theme nights and all-night film festivals. In our socially distanced times, the drive-in is back and bigger than ever. Today we want you to share your drive-in memories with us. What movies do you remember seeing at the drive-in? (My parents told me they took my siblings and myself to see Jaws when I was little, an experience that I wish I could recall). What do you love about going to the drive-in? What don’t you like? Below is a space to discuss all things drive-in related. So have fun, but first, let’s all go to the lobby…
(This article originally ran in 2020 and is being reprinted as part of our Summer of Blockbusters celebrations).