I mean, especially in movies where someone is hiding or running away from someone else (often some kind of horror movie), public toilets are a beloved place. but why?

edit: just realized it's pretty much the same in games

Because after watching 1892 episodes of Star Trek, directors realized they never saw one?
They also never showed the huge room where all the empty coffee mugs were stored after they were replicated for tea/coffee by just about every crew member...

maybe they fill the empty mugs with what they would normally "bring" to the toilet?

it's how they make fanta and chocolate mousse in the future.

Where do you think screenwriters find their inspiration?

Dishes disappear the same way as they appear: through the replicator. They showed it.

Lol, it's true for games but movies? Not as much, right?

Because public bathrooms are already on the set