PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1750975
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1750975
A drive-in movie theater is an outdoor cinema where viewers watch films from their vehicles on a large screen, with audio typically transmitted through radio signals. It offers a nostalgic and social setting, allowing audiences to enjoy movies in a comfortable and private environment. The primary aim is to deliver a unique outdoor movie experience that blends convenience with a sense of community.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The main types of drive-in movie theaters include classic drive-ins, pop-up drive-ins, and multiplex drive-ins. Classic drive-ins evoke the charm of mid-20th century outdoor theaters or car-service restaurants, where patrons could enjoy films or meals without leaving their cars. Drive-in screen sizes vary from small to medium and large, and the business models range from single-screen operations and multi-screen setups to franchise models and independent theaters. These theaters employ different technologies, including two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) formats, and are often located in restaurant or theater parking lots.
The drive in movie theater market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides drive in movie theater market statistics, including the drive in movie theater industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the drive in movie theater market share, detailed drive in movie theater market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the drive in movie theater industry. This drive in movie theater market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The drive in movie theater market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from$4.17 billion in 2024 to $4.54 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the expansion of family-friendly activities, the rise in sustainable and eco-conscious entertainment, higher disposable incomes, increased demand for winter glamping, and a growing population.
The drive in movie theater market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to$6.29 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%. The growth projected for the forecast period can be attributed to several factors, including increasing demand for outdoor leisure activities, a growing interest in nostalgia-based entertainment, the rising trend of social dining and food truck culture, increasing demand for luxury outdoor experiences, and a shift toward sustainable and eco-conscious entertainment options. Key trends expected during this period include the integration of advanced technology in film screenings, seamless connectivity with digital platforms, adoption of technology-enhanced projection systems, the implementation of smart parking systems for improved convenience, and innovations such as silent movie zones to create more inclusive and versatile viewing environments.
The growing demand for outdoor leisure activities is expected to drive the growth of the drive-in movie theater market in the coming years. Outdoor leisure activities refer to recreational pursuits in open-air environments, enabling individuals to enjoy nature while relaxing or being physically active. As people become more health-conscious, many are turning to outdoor activities to stay active and enjoy fresh air. This trend has contributed to the resurgence of drive-in movie theaters, which provide a safe, nostalgic, and socially distanced form of entertainment. Their family-friendly atmosphere also makes them a popular alternative to traditional indoor cinemas. For example, in June 2024, the Outdoor Industry Association, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, reported that in 2023, a record 175.8 million people in the U.S. participated in outdoor activities, accounting for 57.3% of the population aged six and older-a 4.1% increase from the previous year. Therefore, the increasing interest in outdoor leisure is fueling the growth of the drive-in movie theater market.
Key players in the drive-in movie theater market are forming strategic partnerships to incorporate advanced technologies and strengthen community involvement. Strategic partnerships involve collaborations between companies that leverage each other's strengths to achieve shared goals. For instance, in April 2024, the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA), a U.S.-based non-profit organization, partnered with Mobile Moviegoing, LLC, a U.S.-based entertainment company, to launch DriveInsNearMe.com. This new website aims to rekindle interest in drive-in theaters as valuable community gathering spaces. It offers a comprehensive directory of nearly 300 drive-in theaters, complete with showtimes and ticket purchasing options. Additionally, the platform promotes community engagement through fan clubs, social media interactions, and updates on special events and promotions related to drive-in cinemas.
In January 2022, EVO Entertainment Group, LLC, a U.S.-based entertainment and leisure company, acquired ShowBiz Cinemas for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition was aimed at strengthening EVO's position as the largest operator of cinema entertainment centers in the U.S. and expanding its presence while enhancing customer experiences. ShowBiz Cinemas, a U.S.-based entertainment company, includes drive-in movie options at select locations, further supporting EVO's goal of diversifying its entertainment offerings.
Major players in the drive in movie theater market are Barco NV, Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas LLC, Malco Theatres Inc., Christie Digital Systems USA Inc., West Wind Drive-In, Aut-O-Rama Drive-In Theater, Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater, Frontier Drive-Inn, Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre, Skyline Drive-In, South Drive-In Theater, The Moonlite Drive-In, Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In, Coyote Drive-In LLC, Paramount Drive-In, Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre, Delsea Drive-In Theatre, Galaxy Drive-In Theatre, Hi-Way Drive-In Theatre, Parkway Drive-In, and Tee Pee Drive-In.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the drive in movie theater market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in drive in movie theater report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the drive in movie theater market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The drive in movie theater market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as outdoor movie screenings, event hostings, car audio transmission, parking and seating arrangements, and carhop service. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The drive in movie theater market also includes sales of projection equipment, concession items, ticketing and access control systems, automotive accessories, and lighting and security systems. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Drive In Movie Theater Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on drive in movie theater market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for drive in movie theater ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The drive in movie theater market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.