Oklahoma still has drive-ins where the movie plays on a giant outdoor screen and your seat is the one you drove in on. Some of these theaters have been running for decades, and a few date back to the 1940s.
They offer cheap double features, burgers from the snack bar, and a night out that kids actually remember. From Oklahoma City to the far western town of Shattuck, here are six spots where you can still catch a film under the open sky.
1. Winchester Drive-In, Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City’s oldest drive-in is still showing movies on South Western Avenue. The Winchester Drive-In holds up to 475 cars, so there is room for a big Friday night crowd.
It opens seasonally, and current hours list Friday and Saturday nights from 7 PM to midnight. Schedules can shift, so check the website before you load up the car.
The setup is classic. You tune in and hear the movie inside your car, while the big screen and clear sound do the heavy lifting.
Pickup owners have a real advantage here. A truck bed packed with pillows and blankets turns into a comfy viewing spot under the sky.
The snack bar keeps things simple with candy, burgers, and fries. For OKC families who want a nostalgic night without a long drive, this one sits right in town.
2. Admiral Twin Drive-In, Tulsa, OK
Fans of The Outsiders already know this name. The Admiral Twin is the Tulsa drive-in tied to that classic story, and it still draws crowds on weekend nights.
Two screens stand about nine stories tall, and each one shows a double feature. That means two movies for one admission, which makes it one of the better entertainment deals in Tulsa.
You listen through your car radio. A small tip worth knowing is to keep an eye on your battery during a long double feature.
Restrooms and concessions sit right beneath the screens. The full kitchen turns out burgers and more, and the prices on snacks stay friendly to family budgets.
Current hours run Friday through Sunday, 7 to 11 PM. Showtimes change with the season, so peek at the website first.
3. Chief Drive In Theatre, Ninnekah, OK
Built in 1949, the Chief has been lighting up the prairie along US-81 for more than 75 years. That kind of staying power says a lot about a small-town theater.
Weekend double features are the main event. Current hours list Thursday through Saturday starting at 6:30 PM.
Show up early and there is more to do than wait for dark. The property has mini-golf and a playground, which helps burn off some kid energy before the first film.
The snack shop matters here for a reason. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, so plan to buy dinner on site.
Tickets are inexpensive, and there is a date night deal for couples. Ninnekah sits a short drive south of Chickasha, making it an easy evening trip from the OKC metro.
4. Poteau Tower Drive-In, Poteau, OK
Movies are not the only thing on the big screen in Poteau. The Tower Drive-In also shows live NFL games, which is a fun twist for football fans in southeastern Oklahoma.
This locally owned theater has a huge screen and loud speakers. You can watch from inside the car or sit outside and enjoy the evening air.
There is a big open area where kids can run before the show. Parents will appreciate that it stays clean and well kept.
The grill serves burgers and more, and prices stay reasonable. I would save this one for a weekend trip through the hills of LeFlore County, when you want an easy night after a day outdoors.
Hours are not posted in a set schedule, so call or check the website before you go.
5. Tee Pee Drive-in Theater, Sapulpa, OK
Pull in, back up onto one of the grass mounds, pop the hatch, and settle in. That is the move at the Tee Pee in Sapulpa.
The mounds tilt your vehicle toward the screen, so hatchbacks and SUVs make great viewing spots. Some folks skip the car entirely and bring chairs and blankets to sit up front.
The picture is sharp, and the speakers are loud enough that you may not even need the radio. A playground and a park area give kids room to play before the movie starts.
Burgers and fries are the go-to order. Restrooms are kept clean, which matters on a long double feature night.
Located on Ozark Trail west of Sapulpa, it is a quick drive from Tulsa. Check the website for current show nights and prices.
6. El-Co Drive-In Theatre, Shattuck, OK
Out in western Oklahoma near the Texas line, Shattuck keeps the drive-in tradition going on Main Street. The El-Co is proof that small towns still love a night at the movies.
The season runs May through September. That makes it a summer staple for families in Ellis County and the surrounding area.
You get a choice in how you listen. Tune in on the radio or use the outdoor speakers, and either way the picture and sound are clear.
A concession stand covers the snacks, and pricing stays reasonable. The staff are friendly, and the movie lineup leans toward picks that work for kids and adults.
It also makes a sweet date night spot for busy couples. Call ahead or check the website for current showtimes before making the drive.
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