Drive-ins are often seen as nostalgic things of the past. Many are surprised to hear that they still exist. They’re treated as quaint and obsolete.

This is a damn shame because drive-ins are the best places to go to see a movie. If they were to go extinct it would be a great loss.

Don’t believe me? Here are a few reasons you should go to your nearest drive-in next time you want to see a movie.

1. More bang for your buck

Drive-ins almost always show double features for about the same price as the average movie ticket. Concessions are often cheaper as well, not to mention the fact that you can bring more food.

2. Fewer crowds

A crowded theater can sometimes be a great experience, but not when one crying baby sets of a chain reaction of screaming children during the most suspenseful part of the movie. With a drive-in, there’s more elbow room; people can even bring their dogs without bothering anyone!

3. So many seating options

I usually watch movies in the front seat of the car or from the open trunk. I’ve seen people fill the back of a pickup truck with pillows and use that.

I’ve also seen lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and even beanbags on the grass.

You don’t have to sit still either. You can get up and walk around as long as you do it courteously. No squeezing past people or having to stand up to let people through.

4. Volume control

Not everyone likes loud noises, and movie theaters can be annoying or terrifying depending on one’s noise tolerance.

With drive-ins, however, you can control the volume of the movie. You can set it to whatever volume is comfortable without having to wear earplugs or cover your ears.

You can also turn it down if you want to talk to a friend.

5. Being outside

You don’t have to be outside; you can stay in the car. However, being able to watch movies under the stars adds something to the experience that movie theaters just cannot replicate.

In between movies, I’ll often pass the time by looking for constellations or watching fireflies.

There is still a place for drive-ins in America’s present and future. To help secure the future of drive-ins, support your closest one.

Go as often as you can and spread the word about its existence. A lot of drive-ins are having a hard time making the switch from film to digital projectors because of the cost.

Some, like the Mahoning Drive-In, have adapted by focusing on retro movies. Others are still struggling to stay afloat. America would lose a lot if it lost drive-ins.