As much as we try to avoid it, the truth is that in Los Angeles we pretty much live in our cars. We constantly find ourselves along the 405, 101, and 10. We spend hours going back and forth from Pasadena, Santa Monica, Burbank and countless other greater Los Angeles cities. Due to this, our cars often serve as more than just transportation. When need be, they are transformed into our dining rooms, closets, conference rooms, and even private clubs to practice our DJing skills. So why not add something else to that list? Movie theater! And I don’t mean hoping in the backseat and watching a DVD. We’re talking actual drive-in here. You probably thought this was an archaic form of entertainment, gone away with the glitz and glam of old Hollywood. Surprising, that’s not the case.  In fact, there are a quite a few drive-in options in LA alone.

I must forewarn you that in going to one of these drive-ins you shouldn’t expect a scene fromGrease. Sadly, the innocence of the drive-ins is long gone along with teenagers sneaking out to them simply to “neck” and hold hands. But don’t let this deter you- as long as you’re prepared it can be a really fun alternative to the Arclight or Hollywood Forever Cemetry screenings.

Drive-In option one is The Vineland Drive-In in the City of Industry. Okay, so yeah, there are a lot of degenerates and punk kids smoking up the place and being obnoxious. Luckily, they seem to stick to the back of the “theater.”  So long as you park closer to the screen this shouldn’t be a problem. This minor inconvenience is completely worth it if you’re on a tight budget because here you can see two movies for $8 and bring all the food you want! Now through September 3 G.I. Joe is playing along with Transformers. Other double features include Final Destination with District 9, and Halloween andInglorious Bastards

If you’re more interested in re-watching old classics, The Devil’s Night Drive-In is probably more your speed. This drive-in located on the roof of a building in DTLA shows films like Clue, Spinal Tap, andGremlins. They’re even letting the people vote for their Halloween screening (choices are Nightmare On Elm St.,
Psycho,
The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari,
Rosemary’s Baby, and 
From Dusk Till Dawn). It’s a bit pricier - $10 for just the one film but it’s got its advantages as well. Food and popcorn is provided by Angel City Derby Girls, there’s a pre-feature DJ, and it’s open to walk/bike-ins as well.

These drive-ins might have a few drawbacks and not be the best if you require a perfect movie going experience, but they’re certainly one of those “LA” experiences that you’ll never forget.