WE Drive-Ins - Santa Monica, California

Nick C.

Terrible waste of time and money! The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the event seemed well organized, BUT the screen was heavily obstructed because of the layout. We tried a couple different spots, but the fact is that unless you are front and center or in the very back (with a sufficiently high car) your view will be severly impaired by the cars around you and by your car's interior. Wherever you are, you will be packed so close to your neighbors that you will not be able to open your doors.

I'm pretty sure both of these problems could be resolved if the organizers just parked cars on an angle to the screen, rather than perpendicular to it. Whoever set this up clearly didn't test it before launch.

Neither my girlfriend nor I could see much of the screen regardless of where we parked, how we adjusted our seats, or what crazy sitting positions we contorted ourselves into.
Ultimately, we decided that the view was so poor it would render the movie a waste of time and a source of severe neck pain, so we left before it even started.

We requested a refund and were denied it by the organizer. Who just said "You need to arrive early if you want an unobstructed view." which is total nonsense because there are maybe four unobstructed views in the entire venue.

Save yourself the time and money. There are other drive-in movie pop-ups in the area that actually offer an excellent experience.

Cole R.

I enjoyed the experience overall. My only real complaint is the phony “vip” cash grab. $30 for “premium refreshments”. It’s a bottle of water and a bag of gas station pop corn.
It might be important to note that once we arrived and checked in there is no distinction between VIP and not. You just get placed to park first come first serve.
I think that the view was okay and not obstructed. The location has a lot going on and atmospheric noise and traffic, so if you need to crack a window (it gets steamy) you’ll question if the sirens are in the movie or just SM traffic.
I would maybe go back, sans VIP package, but more intersected in seeking out other drive in experiences.

Tony T.

VIP. Not really. 2 waters, 2 kettle corn bags for 3 paid tickets VIP. Good if you have a convertable. Literally, was told the spot we reserved was for handicap. Then told to position our vehicle to the far right. When we couldn't see the screen my wife asked me to request another spot and we were positioned behind the spot we originally booked. Only to have another car from that had a convertable with colorful-haired girls take our (handicap) spot so the company could have a photo-op with them getting there popcorn. The whole scene made the experience less than what I would call VIP.

David J.

My wife and I were at the opening night to celebrate our wedding anniversary ... it couldn't have been a more enjoyable experience. Screen and sound quality were great, but more importantly it felt like a warm, celebratory, neighborhood event - a perfect antidote to Covid blues! Nancy and her team were wonderful, personable hosts.

Jess C.

Perfect size drive in, on the smaller size for parking but this guarantees every parking spot has a great view! This is awesome place to catch a movie !! I suggest the back row so that you can pop open the trunk and lounge in the back . Bring your own boombox so battery is not drained . Note that in both e and f rows can have trunk open. Great spot would come back again !

Mila S.

This was a lovely experience for my boyfriend and me. We actually had a little ticket time confusion and the WE Drive-In team accommodated us so graciously, we felt so taken care of. The experience came complete with a goodie-bag delivered to our car by a team member who also instructed us on the how the evening would unfold. I was worried about sound quality but the tune-in station came in crisp. I highly recommend!

Jennie S.

Absolutely love We Drive-Ins! Having a reserved spot is such a relief, no more waiting in line to try and get the "best" spot. The owners and employees are all incredibly kind, plus We Drive-Ins supports numerous non-profits! The snack menu is insanely affordable (2.50 for candy, say what!!) and each ticket comes with a small snack bag of popcorn, a fancy icelandic water, and some coupons/offers from local businesses. My boyfriend and I saw both Minari and Nomadland here, and we just bought our tickets for Raya! Can't wait to continue supporting this awesome westside business.

Tina L.

I'm going to keep it simple, short, and sweet. If you want my more detailed review, check out my yelp review. If you're looking for the VIP, Covid-19 safe celebratory movie experience, I 100% recommend We Drive-Ins. Their staff and team is phenomenal, their services are prompt, and food is great. Movie on a stretchy screen is good, not pixelated, bright, and the sound isn't staticky. 5/5 would watch another movie with We Drive-Ins again.