THEN AND NOW: 16 photos that show how drive-in theaters are making a comeback

Talia LakritzMay 26, 2020, 22:16 IST

A drive-in movie in 1948 (left) and in 2020.Allan Grant/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images, MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP via Getty Images

Drive-in movies, once popular in the 1950s and '60s, are making a comeback due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Many are operating at 50% capacity, giving out face masks, and enacting social distancing measures.
Traditional indoor theaters are still shuttered during lockdown.

There used to be thousands of drive-in movie theaters across the US. Now, according to the United Drive-in Theatre Owners Association, there are only 305 still in operation. But in 2020, business is booming.

A fixture of the 1950s and '60s, drive-in movies have made a comeback during the coronavirus pandemic. Since outdoor spaces are generally less risky, and each group can remain in their own car, drive-in movies have been allowed to open while traditional indoor theaters are still shuttered.

Many aspects of the drive-in experience have changed since they first became popular decades ago. Here's how drive-in movies have changed over the years.

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A sales manager named Richard Hollingshead opened the first drive-in movie theater in 1933.

A drive-in theater in the 1950s. Debrocke/ClassicStock/Getty Images

After Hollingshead's mother complained about uncomfortable theater seats, he came up with the idea for a cozier movie-watching experience. He opened his first drive-in theater in 1933.

With most regular movie theaters closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, drive-in theaters are seeing a resurgence.

Cars line up at the ticket booth to enter the Ocala Drive-in Theatre in 2020. Paul Hennessy/Echoes Wire/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

The coronavirus is primarily spread through person-to-person contact, putting large gatherings in places like traditional movie theaters on hold. But at drive-in theaters, it's easier to practice social distancing.

In the old days, signs at drive-in theaters advertised movie showings.

Curtis Field on the Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream was New York's first drive-in theater. Bettmann/ Getty

The outdoor theaters operated rain or shine.

Now, signs warn about the dangers of COVID-19.

The Warwick Drive-In in Warwick, New York. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo allowed drive-ins and other "low-risk" outdoor businesses to reopen on May 15 during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Warwick Drive-In in Warwick, New York, is operating at half its capacity to allow for social distancing between cars.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo allowed drive-ins and other low-risk outdoor businesses to reopen on May 15 during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Warwick Drive-In in Warwick, New York, is operating at half its capacity to allow for social distancing between cars.

Admission to drive-in theaters cost around 25 cents in the 1930s.

A drive-in theater in Los Angeles in the 1930s. Popperfoto/Getty Images

Hollingshead showed a British comedy called "Wives Beware" at the first drive-in.

Hollingshead showed a British comedy called Wives Beware at the first drive-in.

Today, drive-in movie tickets usually cost around $10.

A drive-in cinema in Essen, Germany, in 2020. Martin Meissner/AP

There are often discounts for children and seniors, or a flat price per car. The prices are lower than regular movie tickets, adding to the appeal even before the pandemic.

Concessions used to be brought to individual cars during screenings.

A carhop in 1948. Allan Grant/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

Carhops served trays of food and drinks to guests in their cars.

During the pandemic, staff are giving out face masks, instead.

A staff member distributes a protective face mask to drive-in theater guests. MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP via Getty Images

Face coverings help slow the spread of the virus.

Some drive-in theaters even featured full-service restaurants.

Concessions at Curtis Field. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

The All-Weather Drive-In in Copiague, New York, was one of the largest drive-in theaters. In addition to 2,500 parking spots, it also featured a playground for kids and a full-service restaurant, according to History.com.

At drive-in theaters today, concessions can be purchased at a stand from a safe distance.

People order food at the concession stand at the Warwick Drive-In in 2020. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Signs remind movie-goers that face masks and social distancing practices are required.

In the heyday of drive-in movies, young couples enjoyed the privacy of watching a film from their car.

A couple kissing in the front seat of a convertible car at a drive-in movie theater in the 1940s. American Stock Archives/Getty Images

It's much easier to steal a kiss in a car than in a crowded movie theater.

With face masks on, PDA becomes a little more difficult.

A couple waits for food at the concession stand at the Warwick Drive-In. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Coming up with safe date ideas during the pandemic can be challenging.

At their essence, drive-in movies haven't changed that much.

A family watches a movie at a drive-in theater. Francis Miller/Getty Images

They were a popular family-friendly activity.

Families can still enjoy films from the front seats of their cars.

A family watches drive-in movie at the Bel Aire Diner in Queens in 2020. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

With drive-in theaters operating at 50% capacity to allow for social distancing, the view of the screen is even better.

Their popularity waned as land costs increased and at-home movies became the norm, but they're experiencing a renaissance in 2020.

People watch a movie from inside their cars at the Whitestone Bridge Drive-in Movie Theater in the Bronx in 1951. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

There are now only 305 drive-in theaters left in the US.

Perhaps drive-in movies will remain a favorite even after it's safe to return to regular indoor theaters.

A drive-in movie screening in Bordeaux, France, in 2020. MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP via Getty Images

It's also possible that some movie theaters won't survive the financial losses incurred during lockdown.

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