10 Missouri Drive-Ins Still Rolling Movies (And 4 That Shut Down)

Picture this: warm summer nights, car speakers crackling with movie magic, and the smell of popcorn wafting through open windows. Missouri’s drive-in theaters have been serving up this nostalgic experience for decades, and many are still going strong today.

I’ve rounded up the most amazing spots where you can still catch a flick under the stars, plus some that sadly closed their gates forever. Buckle up for a tour of the Show-Me State’s most beloved outdoor cinemas!

1. Starlite Drive-In, Cadet

Down in Cadet, something magical happens when the sun sets. The Starlite Drive-In fires up its twin screens, giving moviegoers twice the entertainment options every single night.

Families pile into their vehicles, tuning radios to catch crystal-clear sound while munching snacks from the concession stand. It’s not just about watching films, it’s about making memories that stick around longer than any streaming subscription.

Kids can run around before showtime while parents relax in camping chairs. This place proves that old-school fun never really goes out of style, no matter how fancy technology gets.

2. 66 Drive-In, Carthage

Sitting right on historic Route 66, this Carthage gem carries the spirit of America’s most famous highway. Travelers and locals alike flock here to experience movies the way their grandparents did decades ago.

The location itself tells stories of cross-country adventures and simpler times. You can almost hear the echoes of classic cars rumbling past while James Dean flickered on screens long ago.

Today’s visitors get that same authentic vibe with modern movie selections. Watching films here feels like stepping into a time machine, except you get to keep your smartphone for those Instagram-worthy sunset shots!

3. Sunset Drive-In, Aurora

Since 1951, Aurora’s Sunset Drive-In has been lighting up screens for three generations of movie lovers. That’s over seventy years of continuous operation, talk about staying power in an age when most businesses barely last a decade!

Grandparents bring their grandkids to the same spot where they once had first dates. The tradition keeps rolling forward, creating new stories every weekend under Missouri’s starry skies.

What’s their secret? Simple: great movies, affordable prices, and that irreplaceable feeling of outdoor cinema magic. Some things really do get better with age, like fine cheese or your favorite pair of jeans.

4. Barco Drive-In, Lamar

Hold onto your popcorn buckets, Barco Drive-In has been Missouri’s longest continuously running drive-in since around 1950! That’s practically ancient history in entertainment years, yet this place refuses to quit.

While other theaters closed their gates and sold out to developers, Barco kept those projectors humming. Locals treat it like a community treasure, showing up religiously for double features and special event screenings.

You won’t find fancy reclining seats or gourmet coffee bars here. Instead, you get authentic drive-in culture served straight up, no frills attached. Sometimes the best experiences are the ones that never tried to change.

5. 21 Drive-In, Van Buren

After sitting dark and silent, the 21 Drive-In roared back to life following a complete renovation. Van Buren residents celebrated like their favorite band just announced a reunion tour, because essentially, that’s exactly what happened!

The renovations brought updated equipment while preserving that classic drive-in charm everyone remembers. Fresh paint, improved sound systems, and a revitalized concession stand make visits feel both nostalgic and contemporary.

It’s proof that communities can save their beloved landmarks when they work together. Now families have reclaimed their weekend tradition, parking under the stars just like the good old days returned brand new.

6. Rock ‘N’ Roll Drive-In, Chaffee

When 2020 rolled around, most entertainment venues were closing doors, but Chaffee’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Drive-In did the opposite! This rebellious theater reopened right when people needed outdoor entertainment most desperately.

The name alone tells you this isn’t your average cinema experience. Music-themed decorations and a fun-loving atmosphere make every visit feel like a mini festival on wheels.

Timing couldn’t have been more perfect for socially-distanced entertainment. Folks discovered that watching movies from their cars wasn’t just safe, it was actually way more fun than crowded multiplexes. Rock on, Chaffee!

7. Lakeside Drive‑In, Ashland

Located just outside Ashland, Missouri, this venue offers a modern twist on the classic drive‑in experience: you can park your car in VIP front‑row spots, or pull up a blanket or lawn chair on the grass for a movie under the stars.

Outside food and drink aren’t permitted, but the on‑site concessions and beer window keep things convenient.

It’s part of a larger event‑venue setup with amenities like zip‑lining and walking trails (so it delivers a full outing, not just a film).

8. Twin Crescent Drive-In, Buffalo

Brand spanking new, the Twin Crescent Drive-In opened its gates in 2022, proving that drive-in culture isn’t just surviving, it’s actually growing! Buffalo residents welcomed this addition like a celebrity moving into their neighborhood.

Everything here gleams with that fresh-out-of-the-box shine. Modern projection equipment delivers stunning picture quality while maintaining that classic drive-in vibe everyone craves on summer nights.

Starting a new drive-in theater in the 2020s takes serious courage and vision. The owners clearly believe in outdoor cinema’s future, and judging by the packed parking lots, their gamble paid off beautifully.

9. Pine Hill Drive-In, Piedmont

After years of abandonment, Pine Hill Drive-In got a second chance at life in 2022. Piedmont’s community rallied to restore this forgotten treasure, transforming a crumbling relic into a functioning entertainment hub once again.

Restoration projects like this take incredible dedication and resources. Volunteers and investors worked together, believing that their town deserved a place where families could gather under the stars.

Now the screen glows bright again on weekend nights, filled with laughter and movie magic. It’s a feel-good story that proves nostalgia isn’t just about remembering the past, sometimes, it’s about rebuilding it for future generations.

10. Moberly Five & Drive, Moberly

Can’t decide between plush theater seats and your car’s familiar comfort? Moberly Five & Drive eliminates that dilemma entirely with its clever indoor-outdoor combo setup that offers five screens worth of choices.

This multiplex approach means you can catch the latest blockbuster inside during winter, then return for outdoor screenings when weather cooperates. It’s flexibility meets nostalgia in one convenient location.

Having multiple options under one management keeps the business thriving year-round. Smart business meets smart entertainment, giving Moberly residents the best of every possible movie-watching world imaginable.

11. Twin Drive-In, Independence (CLOSED)

November 2024 brought heartbreaking news to Independence when the Twin Drive-In rolled its final credits. Just months ago, families were still parking there for weekend entertainment, completely unaware the end was coming.

Closing so recently makes the loss feel especially sharp and painful. People still have ticket stubs in their glove compartments from their last visits.

The property now sits empty, waiting for whatever comes next, probably a shopping center or apartment complex. It’s a reminder that even beloved community gathering spots aren’t guaranteed to last forever, no matter how much we cherish them.

12. I-70 Drive-In, Kansas City Area (CLOSED)

Back in 2018, the I-70 Drive-In near Kansas City shut down permanently, leaving a hole in the local entertainment landscape. Commuters now pass the empty lot daily, some barely remembering the giant screen that once towered there.

Urban development pressures often claim these vintage venues. Land becomes too valuable for single-use seasonal entertainment when developers wave big money around.

Former patrons still share memories online about date nights and family outings spent there. Those stories keep the spirit alive even though the physical place has vanished, replaced by whatever modern construction deemed more profitable.

13. Owen Drive‑In, Seymour (CLOSED)

The Owen Drive‑In in Seymour, Missouri, was a beloved small-town theater that captured the nostalgic charm of classic drive‑in moviegoing. Known for its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, it offered locals a place to gather on weekend nights for double features under the stars.

Though modest in size, it featured a large outdoor screen, ample parking for cars and trucks, and a simple concession stand serving popcorn, candy, and soda. The theater was operated for many years by Harold Owen and became a community staple, hosting generations of moviegoers.

Sadly, it closed around 2013–2014, marking the end of an era for drive-in enthusiasts in the region, but it remains fondly remembered by residents who cherished its unique, nostalgic experience.

14. North Twin Drive-In, Jennings (CLOSED)

September 2001 marked the final curtain for Jennings’ North Twin Drive-In, which was subsequently demolished completely. Not even the screen remains standing, it’s gone without a trace, erased from the landscape entirely.

Demolition represents the ultimate ending, unlike closed theaters that sit hoping for revival. Once bulldozers finish their work, there’s absolutely no chance of resurrection or restoration projects.

The timing was particularly unfortunate, happening right when America faced other major challenges. This small community loss got overshadowed by bigger events, making it feel like a footnote in history rather than the significant cultural loss it truly represented.