I think it's a holdover from when movies were 1) cheap, and 2) a warm place to make out in the dark for singles who lived at home or in small rented rooms that didn't allow guests. People do it now because they're told it is a thing that is done.
They're also good as a lead-in to a dinner date, or drinks. Gives you conversation material.
This isn't really true. Movie tickets (in the US) are a classic example of a cost that is rising faster than inflation (although as noted, movie popcorn is rising even more)
They're also good as a lead-in to a dinner date, or drinks. Gives you conversation material.