2 Illinois Drive-Ins Ranked Among America’s 5 Best

The zenith of the era of drive-in movies has unfortunately long since passed, but there are two drive-ins in Illinois that were just voted among the 5 best remaining in America.

This isn't just the opinion of some lone writer putting together another infamous internet top 10 list. This is a new ranking that was voted on by the readers of USA Today who declared the 10 best drive-in movie theaters in America. Two of the top 5 are still showing outdoor movies in Illinois.

#5 - Skyview Drive-In Theater - Belleville, Illinois

#3 - Harvest Moon Drive-In Theater - Gibson City, Illinois

Both of these Illinois drive-in theaters are full of history. The Skyview Drive-In Theater in Belleville started showing movies way back in 1949. The Harvest Moon Drive-In Theater in Gibson City has been in business since 1954 and hosts quite a few non-movie events in central Illinois. It's become almost like a city park in the middle of Illinois that is often the site of fun things happening.

Why have so many Illinois drive-in theaters closed?

The main culprit is the cost of converting many of these older drive-in theaters up to modern standards so they can show current movies. I've heard that the cost can easily get high into the six figures to make a classic drive-in digital-capable. It's too bad, really, as there are few experiences that are more Americana than watching a movie in your vehicle with the windows down. Illinois is fortunate to have many drive-ins not just surviving, but thriving.