Autumn is officially here, and I think its arrival has left a lot of us with the urge to find some cozy movies to watch this fall. So I’ve compiled a list of fifty-five fall(ish) themed movies that I think fit the vibe we’re all looking for.
So grab some popcorn and a few blankets, and let’s jump into the list…
1. Little Women (2019)
Little Women is a timeless classic with a lot of adaptions, but the newest movie (which was released in 2019) captures the fall aesthetic perfectly!
And let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with this story. Four sisters living in New England during the 1860s, all with different dreams and passions. It’s a classic for a reason…
2. Knives Out
When you first started thinking of movies to watch this fall, I’m sure a murder mystery isn’t what you were looking for… But rest assured that the location of this film, as well as the overall vibe, won’t disappoint you!
Plus, it’s just really fun to watch a dysfunctional family navigate a murder investigation (in which they’re the suspects)! And Chris Evans in his holiday sweaters is icing on the cake.
3. The Age of Adaline
A bittersweet romance between a woman that can’t age and a charming man she can’t seem to resist, this movie will have you equal parts enchanted and reaching for your tissues. Plus The Age of Adaline’s overall style and feel make it the perfect watch for autumn.
4. Sleepy Hollow
A little bit spooky, check… Features Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci, check… Shows off some seriously beautiful New England scenery, check… Has a massive visual appeal with very unique aesthetics, double check.
Add this movie to the lineup guys!!
5. Coraline
The first animated movie of this list, Coraline has more than earned its spot with its interesting look and fun animation style. Plus, the storyline of a little girl finding an alternate universe that turns out to have danger lurking beneath the surface is just creepy enough to watch around Halloween.
6. It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
If you have kids, or if you’re just looking for a little nostalgia, then a Charlie Brown film can be just the ticket. And since this particular movie is based around Halloween, it’s perfect to enjoy in the autumn.
(P.S. Did anyone else vaguely remember this movie but think it was about Thanksgiving at first instead of Hallowen? Or was it just me?)
7. Practical Magic
This movie follows two sisters that, although being born with magical gifts, didn’t choose to use them until one of their boyfriends died. Then, when they tried to use dark magic to bring him back to life, they accidently created a foe that would threaten their entire family line.
This is on my personal “movies to watch this fall” list, because it’s one that I haven’t seen it yet and I’m a huge Sandra Bullock fan.
8. Sweet Home Alabama
This romantic comedy is centered around a woman who’s torn between her future in the big city and the past that’s still waiting for her back home. It’s a story about love, family, and finding your roots again; which makes it more than heartwarming enough to watch this fall!
9. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus in undoubtedly a cult classic by this point. And the premise of a trio of long dead witches being awakened by a teenager in the modern day makes it perfect for spooky season, especially if you like horror mixed with a little comedy.
10. Harry Potter (The Whole Series, Or Just Your Favorite Installments)
The Harry Potter series has been a Halloween watch for many years now, but since it can take so long to make it through the series… If you time things right then you could end up with a little dose of magic (and Snape) all throughout the fall months.
11. Love & Basketball
Two childhood friends with the same passion for basketball, and a love for each other. It sounds like the perfect love story, but this movie thoughtfully explores how the passion that originally brought the characters together could ultimately tear them apart.
It’s a tear-jerker for sure, but one that I definitely plan to watch this autumn.
12. Good Will Hunting
Speaking of movies to watch this fall that will definitely make you cry… have you heard of Good Will Hunting? Because this movie, centered around an extremely intelligent (but struggling) young man who finds help in a professor and therapist who are determined to bring out the best in him, will definitely deliver.
13. Pride & Prejudice
The 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice is hands down my favorite Jane Austen movie adaption, and the love story between the stoic Mr. Darcy and extremely relatable Elizabeth never fails to hit me in the feels.
Plus, let’s be honest, that scene in the early morning fog couldn’t be more fall-core if it tried.
14. Twilight
Love it or hate it, Twilight is a movie that almost everyone has heard of at some point. And if you’re a fan of vampire love stories then this could definitely be a fall-friendly watch due to the rainy and foggy surroundings that are often seen in the film.
15. Remember The Titans
For many people, football equals fall. So this movie, which is about the merging of an all-black school with an all white-one and focuses on the effects it has on the football team, is perfect for those football/fall fanatics out there. I see you guys!
Plus, this movie has a great message of teamwork and togetherness that I love.
16. Kiki’s Delivery Service
This adorable film has a wholesome storyline and an animation style that is sure to put you in your coziest of moods. So make sure to carve out some time this fall (See what I did there?) to watch Kiki and her cat explore the world via her trust broom as she delivers packages to the townsfolk.
17. Legally Blonde
I know that this is the second Reese Witherspoon movie to make it onto the list, but c’mon… this movie literally takes place in the fall! And who doesn’t love watching a charismatic boss woman do her thing and prove the haters wrong?
18. Don’t Worry Darling
I know this movie isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (*cough* I’ve seen Dylan Is In Trouble‘s review *cough*) but it was genuinely the first film I watched this fall; so I’m a little biased!
And although the movie is set in a hot climate, there’s something about the fashion and overall color scheme of the movie that makes it perfect for this time of year. At least to me!
Because Harry Styles and Florence Pugh playing a married couple in a suburban town with a lot of secrets… sign me up!
19. Dead Poets Society
A film that starts at the beginning of a fresh school year…. sounds like you can add it to the list of movies to watch this fall.
As long as you don’t mind another story that will pull at your heartstrings, because watching Robin Williams play a teacher that guides his students using poetry so they can start to achieve their dreams is… definitely on the emotional side.
20. If Beale Street Could Talk
If Beale Street Could Talk is a story of two lovers who are ripped apart when one of them is accused of a crime they didn’t commit, and the other has to work to clear their name so that they can be together.
And it all takes place in Harlem during the autumn, so it makes for an especially good watch during this time of the year.
21. Julie & Julia
I know I’ve suggested a few tear-jerkers in a row, so I’m going to throw a more lighthearted film into the mix by suggesting Julie and Julia as one of the additions to your list of movies to watch this fall.
It has a wholesome and entertaining energy about it, and is centered around two women. One (Julia) who paved her own path in the French cuisine industry; and the other (Julie), who is trying to cook every single recipe in Julia’s cookbook.
It’s giving… Thanksgiving vibes!
22. Far From Heaven
Far From Heaven is a romance/drama that’s set in the 50s, and is about a woman who ends up falling in love with her African American gardener after she turns to him for comfort when she finds out her husband is cheating on her with a man.
This movie delves into a lot of societal issues that were present in the 50s, like racism and homophobia. So it’s definitely not a light-hearted film to watch, but if you’re in the mood for a movie with a lot of meaning then you’ve found it!
And it takes place during the fall, so you’ll have plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy while you cry.
23. Matilda
Matilda, for those that aren’t familiar with this film, is a movie all about an extremely intelligent little girl who eventually develops telekinetic powers that she uses to fight the bad guys (aka her evil headmistress and cruel parents).
A classic like this is sure to put you in a nostalgic mood and provide plenty of cozy fall feelings.
24. Fantastic Mr. Fox
This whimsical movie is all about an adorable fox and his mission to save his marriage and family, after his decision to raid his human neighbor’s farm forces them to go into hiding.
Intrigued yet? Well you should be! And trust me, the color palette and animation of this movie makes it perfect for watching on a crisp autumn day.
25. Paddington
Oh, you thought we were done with talking animals? Not quite! Because this fun, lighthearted film about a small bear (with very human mannerisms) and his journey of finding a home with a British family is a must-watch.
And even though it was released around Christmas time, what could be more fall-themed than a cute, humanistic bear?
26. Sweet November
A movie all about two random people meeting in a DMV and starting a one-month trial relationship with no strings, AND it stars Keanu Reaves (love that guy). It’s giving situationship vibes, and I’m all in!
And I mean, November is literally in the name guys! We have to add it to the list.
27. Planes Trains and Automobiles
Finally, a movie that literally revolves around Thanksgiving, and as a bonus… it’s really funny! Don’t believe me? The premise is about a control freak trying to get home for the holidays, but having his plans ruined by weather and his polar opposite travel partner.
28. Clue
Along the same lines as Knives Out, Clue is also a movie based around a murder mystery that’s somehow perfect for fall. Except, since this one came out in 1985, it’s a bit more retro.
I can’t give much more away, without risking spoilers. But rest assured that it’s an exciting watch that will have you trying to solve the mystery alongside the characters.
29. Where The Crawdads Sing
Mysterious, a bit eerie, and perfect to watch on a rainy autumn day; this movie is all about a young woman who raised herself in the marshes of the Deep South. She’s been judged and pointed at all her life by the nearby townspeople, but things worsen when she becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation!
30. The Craft
If you’re searching for more Halloween-themed movies to watch this fall, then The Craft is perfect for you. As it revolves around four teenagers who start to experiment with witchcraft and then face the fallout of their choice.
And c’mon, what’s more Hallowen-ish than a group of witches?
31. St. Elmo’s Fire
Another oldie/goodie is St. Elmo’s Fire, a movie that is centered around a group of friends who are trying to learn to navigate the adult world (relatable). And I personally love how each character has something different going on.
Plus, the fall vibes are VERY much present!
32. Election
I’m losing track of how many Reese Witherspoon movies is on this list, but it can’t be helped! Because this film, which is all about a high school election and the impact it has on a young overachieving student and a teacher who isn’t her biggest fan… has autumn written all over it!
33. When Harry Met Sally
This classic romantic comedy follows a relationship between two people who once discussed whether or not men and women could be friends without having sex, and later decide to test their own theory when they meet again as middle aged adults.
It’s cute, it’s funny, it’s full of fall energy!
34. Mystic Pizza
A movie with not one, not two, but three female leads! This film’s premise revolves around a group of young girls who are working at pizza parlor and trying to figure their lives out (love lives very much included).
And by the way… Mystic Pizza is set in Connecticut, and the location is serving fall just as hard as the girls are serving pizza… Ok ok, that wasn’t the best pun of my life but I’m rolling with it!
35. The Cider House Rules
A movie based off a novel, The Cider House Rules tells the story of an orphanage director and a young man who he’s played a big part in raising. A fight drives them apart, but the movie does a heartwarming job of showing how their lives continue on afterwards.
Overall the movie has a very nostalgic and cozy vibe about it.
36. Friday Night Lights
You might know Friday Night Lights as the television series, but it got its start with a movie. A movie that I think is perfect for the fall, and revolves around a new football coach reinvigorating his team after their star player is injured.
37. All That Heaven Allows
I know that a lot of people enjoy watching really old films, and if that’s you… then All That Heaven Allows is a great option! Released in 1955, a good portion of this movie takes place during the fall. And it’s the perfect backdrop for the story of a widow who falls in love with a younger man, and then goes on to face judgement from society because of that love.
38. Home For The Holidays
This movie is about a young, single mom who has to travel home for the holidays alone after her teenage daughter decides to skip Thanksgiving. There’s lots of family dynamics that the movie explores, but there’s a hint of romance as well…
And obviously, for maximum impact you should watch this movie right before Thanksgiving!
39. Mona Lisa Smile
This movie takes place at an all-girls college in 50s and follows a forward thinking art professor as she teaches the girls in her class to think for themselves and form their own dreams.
It has an inspiring message, a great cast, and a very fall-themed feel. So I know I’ll personally be watching it this autumn.
40. Rushmore
Rushmore is a comedy with an unconventional “love triangle” that consists of an awkward teenage boy, a teacher who’s a lot older than him, and a middle-aged man who’s friends with the boy but is secretly dating the teacher.
Hijinks obviously ensue when the secret relationship is discovered! And overall, this is just a really fun film to watch on a fall day.
41. Soul Food
With a main dish of wholesome and a side of comedy, this movie is all about family. And more specifically, a family who (despite having their fair share of discord) still comes together when it counts.
Side note, I think this movie is especially relevant around Thanksgiving because the Sunday dinners that are featured in the film often give that vibe.
(And by the way, I’m so sorry for the meal puns in this description. I couldn’t resist.)
42. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
This movie, which is based off a book, is a fun and lighthearted watch; in which you follow a teenage girl’s journey after the love letters she wrote to all her crushes get sent to them by accident! As you can imagine, this means that there’s a lot of hilarious fallout to enjoy here.
And everything transpires as school is starting, so aka… during the autumn!
43. Moonstruck
A romantic movie through and through, this film takes place in November and is about a woman who’s being seduced by her fiancĂ©’s brother! Plus, it stars Cher… so it can’t really get any better.
44. Lady Bird
Taking place in Sacramento during the fall (yes, this means you can count on plenty of beautiful scenery), Lady Bird is a coming-of-age story that emphasizes the tense mother-daughter relationship between the main character and her mom.
It’s funny, heartfelt, and features very unique characters.
45. Autumn Sonata
And speaking of tough mother-daughter relationships, Autumn Sonata (which as you can guess by the name, takes place in the fall) is about a mother who attempts to reunite with her daughter after being estranged for many years due to her choosing her career over motherhood.
It’s an emotional one, so make sure you’ve still got those tissues ready.
46. Silver Linings Playbook
The plot of this movie is a bit hard to explain, but essentially it’s about two broken people who fall in love with each other and find healing through that process. And it involves football, dancing, and lots of fall vibes along the way.
And the chemistry between the leads is immaculate!
47. Dan In Real Life
A romcom that takes place on Thanksgiving, Dan In Real Life tells the story of a man who’s raising three children alone after losing his wife.
When he goes home to visit his family for Thanksgiving, he ends up meeting and flirting with a charming woman. But there’s a twist, because that woman turns out to be his brother’s girlfriend…
48. The Village
Not only does this movie embrace the autumn through its gloomy aesthetic, but it’s also pretty creepy since the story revolves around a village that’s been living in fear of what lurks in the surrounding woods…
Just be sure to watch it before Halloween for maximum effect!
49. The Princess Bride
A tale as old as time; a beautiful princess is whisked away by a villain and the hero (her one true love) comes to save her. And no, I’m not talking about Princess Peach and Mario. I’m talking about the characters of The Princess Bride, which are almost as cute together.
And not only is this a classic that can be rewatched at any time, but the aesthetic of the film makes it especially perfect for fall.
50. Autumn In New York
Autumn In New York quite literally has “autumn” in the name. So you couldn’t hope for a more fall-themed movie than this bittersweet romance; which features Richard Gere as a playboy that finally learns to love when he meets Winona Ryder’s much-younger character… Only to find out she has a terminal illness…
51. The Edge of Seventeen
Ah, a coming of age drama. We know them well… But they never cease to entertain us, and this movie lives up to that expectation with it’s quirky and comedic way of showcasing the main character as she makes her way through high school, and through her older brother dating her best friend!
The fall vibes are here folks, trust me.
52. You’ve Got Mail
This romantic comedy features one of my favorite tropes of all time, enemies to lovers! But… there’s a special twist; as two business rivals end up hating each other and loving each other at the same time when they start talking online without knowing who each other is in real life.
And it’s set in the fall, so you can’t ask for much more!
53. The Devil Wears Prada
You know you’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to watch this movie again, so I’m handing it to you!
Because even though the central storyline of a non-fashionable girl getting a job for a fashion magazine doesn’t necessarily scream fall (although it does scream entertaining), the scenery and mood of the movie still fits all the cozy criteria.
54. Anne of Green Gables
This heartwarming classic has a story than spans through several seasons, as we watch Anne (of Green Gables) grow up in a charming house with an equally charming, and elderly, brother and sister duo. But the fall scenery in the movie is beautiful, and this movie has a way of making you feel instantly cozy; even in the summer scenes.
55. The Lord of the Rings (The Whole Trilogy)
I know that sitting down to watch the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy is quite the commitment. But what could be better on a chilly, rainy day than watching a band of misfits travel through a fantasy world to destroy an ugly ring?
Absolutely nothing!
And by the way, if you throw in The Hobbit trilogy then you’ll have three more movies to watch this fall!
