The leaves are starting to turn red, and that means that the fall film season is upon us! Fall is my favorite season for watching movies, especially if I’m cuddled up in a blanket with a cup of tea. Whether you’re in a spooky mood or a cozy mood, with this list you’re bound to find the perfect film for an autumn evening.
Practical Magic (1998)
This is my all-time favorite fall movie! It follows the lives of two sisters as they both deal with their magical abilities and a terrible family curse. With magic, romance, the undead and a kick-ass cast of mostly women, this movie is the perfect blend of spooky and heartwarming. I recommend you watch with a brew that will keep you warm all night – after all, it’s the season of the witch!
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Speaking of witches, no Halloween is complete without Hocus Pocus. You just can’t go wrong with the hilarious trio of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. Plus, if you haven’t seen the adorable relationship between the boy-turned-cat Binx and little sister Dani Dennison, you’re missing out; seeing them together was the moment I knew I needed a black cat in my life.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Come on now, what is there left to say? Michael Keaton is a disgustingly perfect Beetlejuice, and Winona Ryder is the cutest, most petulant, most endearing Lydia Deetz. Plus, the fashion that Ryder and her on-screen mother Delia Deetz (played by Catherine O’Hara) bring is just impeccable. 10/10.
Coraline (2009)
Coraline Jones is the little adventurer I always wanted to be, and this film is a great mix of suspense and pure artistry. I’ve always loved Laika Studios, and this is their pièce de résistance. If you’re into animation but aren’t quite sure about puppets, this film is the perfect introduction.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Tired of spooky? Let’s dive into the world of dark academia! Dead Poets Society is a staple of the dark academia aesthetic, and the storyline is just beautiful. Be warned – this film does come with a trigger warning, so take care of yourself and read the reviews. Should you choose to proceed, you will be met with a lovely band of friends attending an all-boys boarding school, encouraged to flourish by their English teacher Keating (played by the incredible Robin Williams). This film is tragic, but it is also incredibly beautiful, and I highly recommend it if you’ve never seen it.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
If you’re looking for a movie in the academia genre with a lighter storyline, look no further than Mona Lisa Smile. The film follows art history teacher Katherine Watson at the formerly all-female Wellesley College as she teaches her students to dream beyond the lives that gender roles have dictated they should lead. This is the film that first alerted me to the concept of historically women’s colleges, as well as the reason I visited and eventually committed to Bryn Mawr College!
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
When Harry Met Sally is a romantic comedy where the main characters (Harry and Sally, of course) try to discover if a man and a woman can remain platonic. The film follows the two throughout the course of their lives as they navigate friendship and sex, and is perfect if you’re feeling the love this fall.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
A Wes Anderson film has the perfect amount of whimsy for a chilly autumn night, when all you want to do is curl up in front of a fireplace with a mug of something hot. Every scene features a lovely orange glow, the soundtrack is soothing, and there’s just enough action and humor to keep you wanting more.
Knives Out (2019)
Though this movie is not explicitly a fall film, the vibes are certainly present. I mean, if Chris Evans in that gorgeous cream sweater doesn’t convince you to watch this new favorite, I don’t know what will. There’s plenty of interesting clues to help you along if you want to solve the mystery before Detective Benoit Blanc, and a star-studded cast that fit their roles to a T. Plus, we love to see an underdog come out on top, and Ana de Armas is the cutest underdog you ever did see.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
If you don’t end your Halloween night with Hocus Pocus, this classic is a great alternative! I have many fond memories of sifting through my hard-won Halloween candy, searching for chocolate while poor Charlie Brown only got rocks. Bonus points if you also watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in November.
If I had to pick a top two, I would choose Practical Magic and Dead Poets Society, with Hocus Pocus as a close third. The fall vibes of these films simply can’t be beat. Happy watching!
This article was written January 29, 2022.
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