German here. I have never not had popcorn when going to the movies in my younger days. It is just part of the experience.

But in my days it was around 12€ for a ticket, popcorn and a coke. And there were cinema days with special deals. Or cheap sneak previews.

I would never go when paying for me and my SO is equivalent of one of my subscriptions for a year.

I don't think that math checks out as the subscriptions got way more expensive as well.

I did the math. Works out fine for me.

Good point! At home you can watch a movie without being judged on your choice of snacks.

There's nothing unhealthy about plain popcorn with a little salt. The added "butter" or other toppings may be problematic.

I mean you can stay home and have zuchini slices with cottage cheese instead of nachos too; that's not really the point.

Do Europeans know you can watch soccer without drinking beer? It's cheaper and healthier. Absolutely bizarre obsession you lot have with it.

Europeans don’t watch soccer. They watch football.

It’s a communal thing. It’s more than just the sport it’s also about being out with other fans, showing support and usually friendly ribbing of the opposing teams fans from time to time.

That is how it was explained to me when I said something similar

beer is way cooler than popcorn

Soccer without beer would be like college basketball without the gambling.

Honestly the stench of theatre popcorn, and all the masticating around me, grosses me out. Fortunately it usually subsides.