It wasn’t that long ago that drive-in theatres were a major part of the American movie landscape, giving people the chance to watch movies on the big screen from the comfort of their cars. While many of them closed, they have begun to make something of a comeback in recent years.
And, now that movies are once again hitting theaters exclusively, it’s a good time to think about which of the modern movies released over the past several years would make for a good viewing experience at a drive-in theatre.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Drive-ins have always excelled at showing science fiction features - many of which are low-budget - so it would make sense that they might want to show something like Guardians of the Galaxy, which has a more relaxed and funny tone than many of the other entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It would be the perfect movie to laugh along and enjoy, all while sitting in the comfort of one’s car, particularly since it trades so much on nostalgia (most notably in its soundtrack).
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Mad Max: Fury Road was one of the best offerings from the Mad Max franchise, featuring as it did a kinetic power in its cinematography and powerful performances from both Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron. Once again, it is fitting that this should appear in a drive-in, because its pulpy approach to its story - including its gruesome and excessive villain Immortan Joe and its action-packed narrative - is very much in keeping with the types of movies that were often shown in these kinds of venues in previous periods of movie history.
Halloween Kills (2021)
Even though drive-ins showed many different types of movies in their golden age, there were some that proved especially popular, and one of those was the horror movie. While there have been a number of very popular and successful horror movies over the last decade, there are two things that stand out about Halloween Kills. First, it is yet another successful entry in a long-running franchise and, of course, it also stars Jamie Lee Curtis. Seeing it in a drive-in would be a nice homage to the original movie (itself a popular drive-in attraction).
In The Heights (2021)
The last few years have seen a surge in movie musicals, and that includes In the Heights, the successful adaptation of the stage musical of the same name (written by Lin-Manuel Miranda).
It’s the perfect type of movie to be seen in a drive-in theater, both because the song and dance numbers are expertly done but also because the intimate setting of a car, particularly one that has a decent sound system, would allow for an immersive experience in the utopian world of the musical.
Birds Of Prey (2020)
Even though the DC Extended Universe has struggled somewhat to attain the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, movies like Birds of Prey show that it does have a lot of potential. Like Guardians of the Galaxy, there’s a pulpiness to this movie that makes it stand out from the other entries in the DCEU, most of which tend to be pretty grim in their outlook and their aesthetic. Birds of Prey, by contrast, is a fun (and funny) movie, making it a good fit for someone going to a drive-in for a bit of entertainment.
The Suicide Squad (2021)
Even though some fans debate as to whether first or second versions of The Suicide Squad is the better movie, there’s no question that James Gunn’s interpretation of the material is a bit on the lighter side. It has many strong performances - including from both Idris Elba and John Cena - and has the pulpy appeal that has always been a signature part of these particular superheroes. This in turn would make it an excellent fit for the drive-in theater crowd, who would appreciate its send-up of the classic superhero formula.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
There are only a few video game franchises that have proven to be as long-lasting as Mortal Kombat, which has been going for several decades. Thus, there was quite a lot of anticipation for this new version of the movie, which sets the stage for many sequels to come. Like the other entries in the series, it includes quite a lot of violence and stylized fighting and this, combined with the nostalgia factor, makes it just the type of movie that would be a perfect fit for a drive-in theater.
Godzilla Vs. Kong (2021)
Like Mortal Kombat, both Godzilla and King Kong are both well-established figures, and each of them have a claim to being the most famous monster of the big-screen. Ever since the launching of the MonsterVerse, a clash between these two titans was inevitable. The newest movie is, at times, a bit ridiculous, with twists and turns and illogical happenings, but that’s precisely what makes it so much fun.
What’s more, it would be just the kind of old-fashioned movie that would be solid fare for those who enjoy the drive-in experience.
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021)
The MCU continued its dominance of the box office with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which broke new ground for its incorporation of Asian mythology into its universe. In addition, it has some of the best action sequences to have been created in the recent entries of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As a result, it captures just the right mix of action and adventure, making it just the kind of movie that one would enjoy seeing in a drive-through atmosphere.
Spencer (2021)
Even though Spencer is a biopic about a pivotal weekend in the life of Princess Diana, it is also a gothic horror movie that documents her gradual descent into a form of madness. The estate at Sandringham is just the type of place that makes a sinister setting for horror movies of this type. Given that, historically, drive-in theaters have been a perfect setting for those who want to experience the atmosphere of a brooding horror movie, this would be just the type of movie that would be sure to appeal.