Performance & Direction: Drive-In Review
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Drive-In (1976) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Drive-In features a noteworthy lineup led by Glenn Morshower . Supported by the likes of Billy Milliken and Lisa Lemole , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Drive-In (1976) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Drive-In
Quick Plot Summary: Drive-In is a Comedy, Drama film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Drive-In
Ending Breakdown: Drive-In attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Drive-In reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Drive-In?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Drive-In
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Drive-In Online?
Streaming HubDrive-In Parents Guide & Age Rating
1976 AdvisoryWondering about Drive-In age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Drive-In is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, Drive-In stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1976 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drive-In worth watching?
Drive-In is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 4.9/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Drive-In parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Drive-In identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Drive-In?
The total duration of Drive-In is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.
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Critic Reviews for Drive-In
**_Drive-in shenanigans in the mid-70s_** Several different sets of people, young and older, go to a drive-in outside of Dallas on Friday night. Some just want to enjoy a cheesy 70’s disaster flick while others want to romance or rumble. A couple even want to rob. “Drive-In” (1976) is basically “American Graffiti” set at a drive-in in Anytown, USA, except that it throws in some hammy humor, unlike that more popular coming-of-age flick. I had a ‘meh’ attitude for the first half hour, although it wasn’t bad; I just had a bad attitude. However, when people started to arrive at the drive-in in their vehicles there are three laugh-out-loud jokes one after the other, which won me over. From there on, I just rolled with what the movie had to offer and had a good time. The leader of the wannabe thieves is reminiscent of Brian Johnson, who would go on to helm AC/DC less than five years after this was shot in mid-October, 1975. Meanwhile Glenn Morshower emerges as the main protagonist, Orville. This was his first feature film and he went on to a prolific second-tier acting career. Brunette Lisa Oz (Glowie) and redhead Michelle Franks (Omalee) stand out on the beauty front. Blonde Linda Larimer is also worth a mention as the cashier at the entrance to the drive-in. At the end of the day, I’d watch this over the overrated “American Graffiti” any day. It runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in Terrell, Texas, which is a half hour drive east of Dallas. GRADE: B
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
