Since I have two small children, we really only ever go to the drive in theater in the summer months, about an hour away. I'm sure with gas and mileage expense, it's not much cheaper than going to the local theater. But, I bring a folding table, camp chairs, and our own food to include popcorn and the kids love it. They wear pajamas and lay out in the back of the minivan and usually pass out before the movie is over. Sometimes we'll stay for the second feature but most times it's just a nice way to see a first run movie without disturbing everyone around us. It's like $11 per adult and $1 per kid, so $24 total to see two movies (again, if we stay for the second movie).
Recently I went to a church event for the men's ministry and saw Top Gun. But apparently I didn't show up early enough and was in the second row from the screen, and had to really crank my neck to see the screen. Fun movie, but yeah I really only like higher up seats in the theater. Looking forward to seeing that again when it comes to streaming/renting at home.