The tickets don't need to be that expensive, movie theaters are the cheapest group human experience possible since all you are doing is providing a room, electricity and a movie. If you don't count the human labor, I guessss live theater or standup comedy is cheaper?

Every other type of entertainment including serving alcohol or food to people is actually much much more complicated and costly.

People, including introverts, desire being around humans and experiencing genuine human group interaction even if it isn't direct. People often describe it as people watching or going out to dinner alone, don't make the mistake of people only desiring one kind of direct connection with socialization.

A movie provides a context for people to come together and it is a very open and inviting context that doesn't pressure you into uncomfortable situations while still letting you experience something together with other people, that hasn't changed.

The major thing that has changed is again, people are falling apart and so have cut out going to the movies.

How can I enjoy company with my friends more than seeing a movie we were both hyped for in theaters and hollering or gasping along with the rest of the crowd? If I am into movies, that is like the prime movie experience, and newsflash a WHOLE LOT of people are into movies.