A chill is in the air, and it’s time to get cozy with a good movie or TV show! Here’s a list of the best movies for fall and some television series perfect for autumn.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy favorite or a cult-classic horror movie, we’ve got recommendations for you!
Cozy Movies for Fall
This list contains the perfect fall films ranging from heartwarming romances to whimsical and charming adventures! These are largely family-friendly and may have some spooky vibes, but are overall more cozy and fun than scary.
1. Practical Magic (1998)
A magical romantic comedy with a touch of witchcraft, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star as two sisters from a long line of witches. As they navigate love, loss, and family curses, the quaint New England town and warm fall aesthetic will give you all the autumn feels.
2. October Sky (1999)
This heartwarming true story of a small-town boy who dreams of building rockets is set against the backdrop of autumn in a coal-mining town. The movie’s themes of hope and perseverance make it a perfect fall watch.
3. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
This classic romantic comedy follows the evolving friendship and romance between Harry and Sally over the years, from chance meetings to deep conversations about life and love. The crisp New York autumn backdrop, cozy sweaters, and heartwarming moments make it the perfect fall movie.
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Hogwarts in the fall, with its grand feasts and magical atmosphere, is a perfect setting to transport viewers into a cozy, whimsical world. This film captures the magic and wonder of autumn in the wizarding world.
5. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Set against the beautiful backdrop of New York City in the fall, this love story between two bookstore rivals (played by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan) who unknowingly connect via email has all the ingredients for a cozy autumn romance. The warm tones and pumpkin-filled scenes add to its charm.
6. Twilight (2008)
Set in the misty, overcast town of Forks, Washington, Twilight exudes autumn vibes with its gloomy weather and Pacific Northwest setting. This fantasy romance film follows Bella Swan and Edward Cullen’s supernatural love story. Watch it for the fantastic soundtrack!
7. Coraline (2009)
A whimsical yet spooky animated film, Coraline features a young girl who discovers a parallel world that’s both fascinating and frightening. Its eerie charm and autumnal tones make it a perfect fall movie.
8. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Set in the vibrant fall of Boston, this drama tells the story of a genius janitor, Will, as he navigates life and love. The beautiful campus backdrops and life-changing conversations make it an emotional fall watch.
9. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wes Anderson’s stop-motion animation bursts with warm autumnal colors and quirky charm. It’s a whimsical and visually stunning film about a clever fox who tries to outsmart local farmers.
10. Knives Out (2019)
This modern whodunit is set in a cozy mansion during fall. It has a star-studded cast and a gripping mystery. Its rich autumn aesthetic and clever twists make it a perfect fall watch. Watch it for Chris Evans and his cable-knit sweaters!
11. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The journey begins in the lush, autumnal landscape of the Shire, making The Fellowship of the Ring a wonderful fall adventure. The film’s epic quest and deep bonds of friendship evoke the spirit of adventure in the crisp fall air.
12. Mean Girls (2004)
While more synonymous with “October 3rd” than Halloween, Mean Girls has some iconic fall moments (like the Halloween party) that make it a funny and quotable movie to revisit in the autumn months.
13. Dead Poet’s Society (1989)
Set at an all-boys preparatory school during the fall semester, Dead Poets Society tells the story of an English teacher (played by Robin Williams) who inspires his students to embrace poetry, passion, and individuality. The film’s New England setting, with its crisp autumn leaves and ivy-covered buildings, creates the perfect backdrop for this moving and introspective tale about finding one’s voice and the power of literature. It’s an emotional and uplifting watch, ideal for the reflective mood of fall.
14. The Princess Bride (1987)
A fairytale romance full of adventure, wit, and charm, this classic is perfect for a cozy fall movie night. Its timeless love story, set against rolling landscapes, is an ideal escape for cooler weather.
15. It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
A nostalgic classic, this animated special follows Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang as they prepare for Halloween. It’s simple, sweet, and perfect for autumn, with its beautiful fall visuals and themes of hope.
16. The Royal Tennenbaums (2001)
Another Wes Anderson gem, this quirky family drama is set in New York City and exudes cozy fall energy with its muted color palette and eclectic characters.
17. Remember the Titans (2000)
This inspiring sports drama follows a high school football team during a pivotal season of racial integration. The film’s heartfelt story and autumn football season make it a great fall watch.
18. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
This hilarious road trip movie, set around Thanksgiving, follows two men trying to get home for the holiday. It’s filled with autumnal vibes and laugh-out-loud moments, perfect for fall.
19. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
A heartfelt romantic dramedy about mental health, love, and second chances, set against the backdrop of the Philadelphia fall. The film’s mix of emotions and themes of family and hope are perfect for the season.
20. The Blind Side (2009)
This uplifting story of a family who takes in a homeless high school football player is a feel-good fall film, with football games and autumnal scenes setting the tone for this inspiring true story.
21. Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the classic novel is filled with warmth and nostalgia. Its beautiful fall and winter scenes evoke the coziness and togetherness of the season.
22. Rudy (1993)
A heartwarming underdog story, Rudy follows a young man with dreams of playing football for Notre Dame. The autumn football backdrop makes it a perfect fall watch for inspiration and feel-good vibes.
23. Halloweentown (1998)
A Disney Channel classic, Halloweentown follows a young girl who discovers her magical heritage. This family-friendly movie is full of Halloween charm and whimsical adventure.
24. Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Set at an all-women’s college in the 1950s, Mona Lisa Smile is a thought-provoking drama about societal expectations, individuality, and independence, with beautiful New England fall scenery.
25. Mystic Pizza (1988)
Set in a quaint New England town during fall, this coming-of-age romance follows three young women navigating life and love while working at a pizza parlor. It’s a charming and heartwarming movie for autumn.
26. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
This animated Studio Ghibli film about a young witch starting her own business has a cozy, autumnal charm. It’s full of warmth, whimsy, and beautiful fall landscapes as Kiki learns about independence and friendship.
27. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
A hilarious mockumentary about a group of vampire roommates navigating modern life. Though spooky, it’s more funny than scary, and its quirky humor and vampire theme make it perfect for fall.
28. Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
This whimsical Disney classic combines magic, music, and a bit of adventure as a witch sweeps away three children on a magical journey. The film’s mix of charm and fantasy makes it a cozy fall treat.
Spooky (But Not Too Scary) Movies for Fall
These movies offer a perfect balance of spookiness, humor, and fun, making them ideal for a cozy, not-too-scary fall movie marathon!
1. The Craft (1996)
A group of high school girls discovers witchcraft and forms a coven, leading to both empowerment and darker consequences. With its eerie, moody atmosphere and iconic ’90s vibes, this movie is perfect for a spooky fall night without being too terrifying.
2. The Addams Family (1991)
This quirky classic introduces us to the creepy but lovable Addams family. With its morbid humor and gothic charm, the film offers laughs and spooky fun without crossing into full-on horror territory.
3. Hocus Pocus (1993)
A lighthearted Halloween favorite, this film follows three witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) who are resurrected in modern-day Salem. Full of magical mishaps, humor, and playful spookiness, it’s a go-to for a family-friendly fall movie night.
4. Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton’s eccentric, dark comedy about a mischievous ghost named Beetlejuice offers plenty of spooky visuals and quirky humor. The film’s otherworldly, surreal atmosphere makes it a fun, spooky watch without being overly scary.
5. Young Frankenstein (1974)
A hilarious and spooky homage to classic horror films, Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein follows Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson as he revives a monster. Full of witty jokes, slapstick humor, and gothic sets, it’s a perfect blend of spooky and funny.
6. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Another Tim Burton favorite, this dark reimagining of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow stars Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane, investigating the legend of the Headless Horseman. It’s atmospheric, moody, and full of eerie fall imagery, but it doesn’t rely on intense scares.
7. Ghostbusters (1984)
This iconic supernatural comedy follows a group of eccentric scientists who become paranormal exterminators. With its blend of spooky ghosts and hilarious antics, Ghostbusters is a timeless, feel-good, spooky movie that’s perfect for autumn.
8. Casper (1995)
A gentle ghost story about a friendly spirit, Casper follows a young girl who moves into a haunted mansion and befriends the title character. It’s a charming, lighthearted movie with just the right amount of spooky vibes for fall.
9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This stop-motion animated classic by Tim Burton is a visual feast, blending Halloween spookiness with Christmas cheer. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, tries to bring Christmas to Halloween Town in this whimsical, spooky adventure that’s perfect for the fall season.
10. Death Becomes Her (1992)
This dark comedy follows two women who discover an immortality potion—with some unexpected side effects. Starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis, the film is full of spooky fun, bizarre twists, and over-the-top campiness, making it an excellent choice for those who like their spookiness with a side of humor.
Scary Movies for Fall
This list offers a range of terrifying experiences, from slasher classics to psychological horror, body horror, and folk horror, perfect for those who want a truly scary Halloween movie marathon!
1. Scream (1996)
This meta-horror classic revived the slasher genre, following a group of teens as they’re targeted by a masked killer. With its witty dialogue and suspenseful kills, Scream delivers both frights and fun, making it a must-watch for Halloween.
2. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
This Netflix series (or its 1963 film version, The Haunting) offers an emotional and terrifying look at a family haunted by the ghosts of their past—both literal and psychological. Its gothic atmosphere and slow-burn scares make it perfect for fall.
3. Halloween (1978)
The quintessential slasher film for the Halloween season, Halloween introduced audiences to Michael Myers, one of horror’s most iconic villains. The setting of small-town Illinois during Halloween night makes this film essential for viewing in any fall horror marathon.
4. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
A cult favorite anthology that weaves together multiple stories set on Halloween night, Trick ‘r Treat perfectly captures the spooky essence of the holiday. It’s a fun, creepy, and visually rich film that will put you right in the Halloween mood.
5. The House of the Devil (2009)
Set in the 1980s, this slow-burn horror film follows a college student who takes a babysitting job in an isolated mansion. The film’s retro aesthetic and mounting tension make for an unsettling and eerie fall experience.
6. Cobweb (2023)
In this recent horror thriller, a young boy hears strange noises in his walls, leading to chilling discoveries. Set during Halloween, Cobweb builds its scares slowly, culminating in a terrifying climax perfect for a spooky fall night.
7. Houses October Built (2014)
A found-footage horror film about a group of friends who document their trip through various haunted attractions, only to find that some of the haunts are too real. The setting of Halloween haunted houses makes this a fittingly terrifying movie for fall.
8. The Guest (2014)
This slick thriller follows a mysterious man who shows up at a grieving family’s doorstep, claiming to be a soldier who served with their deceased son. As strange and violent events unfold, the film masterfully blends action, horror, and dark humor. Its small-town setting, suspenseful atmosphere, and Halloween backdrop make it a perfect pick for a fall thriller with a twist.
9. Halloween Party (2019)
This underrated horror gem centers around a deadly college prank involving a cursed Halloween-themed computer virus. As two students try to uncover the sinister origins of the virus, they find themselves entangled in a dark supernatural mystery. With plenty of Halloween imagery and creative scares, Halloween Party delivers an eerie and fun experience for the spooky season.
10. Pilgrim (2019)
Part of the Into the Dark series, Pilgrim is a Thanksgiving-themed horror film where a historical reenactment goes horribly wrong. With its unsettling and violent take on tradition, this movie delivers disturbing horror with a holiday twist.
11. The Faculty (1998)
In this sci-fi horror mash-up, a group of high school students discovers that aliens are taking over their teachers. The film blends teen drama with paranoia and body-snatcher horror, making it a fun, creepy choice for fall.
12. Donnie Darko (2020)
A mind-bending cult classic, Donnie Darko follows a troubled teen as he experiences apocalyptic visions and a strange man in a rabbit suit. Its moody, eerie atmosphere and themes of fate and time make it an excellent fall watch for those who enjoy psychological horror.
13. Dark Night of the Scarecrow (1981)
This made-for-TV horror film centers around a small town terrorized by a vengeful scarecrow. Its rural setting and slow, creeping terror make it a perfect atmospheric pick for fall horror.
14. Silent Hill (2006)
Based on the popular video game Silent Hill follows a mother who searches for her missing daughter in a fog-covered, deserted town. Its nightmarish visuals and eerie atmosphere create an unforgettable descent into psychological and supernatural terror.
15. The Ritual (2017)
A group of friends goes hiking in the Scandinavian wilderness, only to be stalked by an ancient and malevolent force. This folk horror film is full of dark forests, tension, and terrifying folklore—perfect for an eerie autumn night.
16. The Invisible Man (2020)
A modern take on the classic monster, The Invisible Man stars Elisabeth Moss as a woman trying to escape an abusive ex who may or may not still be haunting her. The tension, paranoia, and chilling psychological horror make it a standout fall thriller.
17. Candyman (1992)
This supernatural slasher, centered around an urban legend of a hook-handed ghost, is both a chilling horror film and a deep exploration of race and trauma. Its eerie atmosphere and haunting score make it a must-watch for horror fans in the fall.
18. The Ring (2002)
This American remake of the Japanese horror film Ringu follows a journalist investigating a cursed videotape that kills its viewers in seven days. The bleak, rainy setting and unsettling imagery make it one of the scariest films of the 2000s, perfect for a fall night.
19. The Fly (1986)
David Cronenberg’s body horror masterpiece follows a scientist who slowly transforms into a grotesque human-fly hybrid after a botched experiment. The film’s themes of decay and transformation are as terrifying as they are thought-provoking.
20. It (2017)
This adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel follows a group of kids in a small town who must confront an evil, shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise. Its creepy, autumnal setting and terrifying encounters make it an ideal fall horror movie.
21. Ginger Snaps (2000)
A unique werewolf movie that blends coming-of-age drama with supernatural horror, Ginger Snaps follows two sisters dealing with transformation, puberty, and lycanthropy. Its dark humor and terrifying scenes make it a perfect Halloween watch.
22. The Village (2004)
In this period thriller, a small, isolated village lives in fear of mysterious creatures lurking in the woods. M. Night Shyamalan creates a haunting atmosphere with fall colors and eerie suspense that make The Village a creepy, slow-burn film for autumn.
23. The Witch (2015)
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch follows a Puritan family isolated from society who face supernatural forces in the surrounding woods. Its slow-burn horror, historical setting, and eerie atmosphere make it a perfect fall film to terrify and unsettle.
24. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
One of the most iconic found-footage films, The Blair Witch Project follows a group of filmmakers who venture into the woods to investigate a local legend. The movie’s minimalist approach, intense atmosphere, and psychological terror make it a gripping watch, especially for those who enjoy slow-burn horror. The ominous forest setting and escalating dread make it perfect for a fall scare.
TV Shows to Watch in the Fall
These shows each bring their own blend of warmth, nostalgia, humor, and spooky elements, making them perfect for curling up with during the fall season.
1. Gilmore Girls
Set in the charming small town of Stars Hollow, Gilmore Girls is a quintessential fall show with its scenic New England backdrop, cozy coffee shops, and charming festivals. The witty banter between Lorelai and Rory, combined with the warm community vibe, makes every episode feel like a comforting cup of tea on a crisp autumn day. Plus, so many pivotal episodes take place in the fall, capturing the season’s magic.
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Set in the eerie town of Sunnydale, Buffy follows a high school student who is also a vampire slayer. The show blends high school drama with supernatural elements, making it spooky and fun. Its Halloween episodes and battles with vampires, demons, and other creatures are perfect for the lead-up to Halloween, offering just the right amount of action, humor, and eerie atmosphere for fall.
3. Only Murders in the Building
Set in a cozy New York City apartment building, this murder mystery series stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as three unlikely sleuths investigating a murder in their building. The show’s blend of mystery, quirky humor, and classic NYC autumn vibes—complete with stylish coats and brownstone backdrops—makes it an ideal fall binge.
4. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
This dark and modern retelling of Sabrina the Teenage Witch has a moody, gothic aesthetic that fits perfectly with the fall season. With its witchcraft, eerie atmosphere, and a storyline steeped in Halloween lore, the show captures the spirit of the spooky season. Sabrina’s adventures in the supernatural world, filled with dark forests, creepy rituals, and haunting spells, make it an atmospheric watch for autumn nights.
5. Wednesday
Wednesday, a Netflix series following Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family, is steeped in gothic charm and supernatural intrigue. Set at Nevermore Academy, a dark, mysterious school, the show’s gloomy fall scenery, eccentric characters, and Wednesday’s deadpan humor make it a wonderfully spooky and fun series for the autumn months, especially with Halloween around the corner.
6. Stranger Things
Set in the 1980s, Stranger Things blends nostalgia with horror and adventure as a group of kids confront supernatural forces in their small town. Its autumnal settings, including haunted woods, eerie labs, and terrifying monsters, capture the eerie feeling of fall. With its blend of friendship, suspense, and paranormal elements, it’s the perfect mix of cozy and creepy for fall, especially leading up to Halloween.
7. Friday Night Lights
Centered around high school football in small-town Texas, Friday Night Lights captures the heart and soul of fall football season. The crisp air, floodlit games, and emotional highs and lows of the characters’ lives make it a great feel-good (or feel-everything) show for the season. The show’s focus on community, teamwork, and perseverance makes it heartwarming and inspiring.
8. Gossip Girl
Set against the glamorous backdrop of New York City, Gossip Girl is full of stylish fall fashion, iconic cityscapes, and drama-filled storylines. The show’s Thanksgiving episodes are particularly beloved, combining family tension, friendship drama, and cozy holiday vibes. With its blend of scandal, romance, and rich visuals, Gossip Girl is a perfect show to dive into during the fall.
9. Friends
Friends is the ultimate comfort watch, and its many fall-themed episodes—especially the beloved Thanksgiving episodes—make it an ideal show for the season. Whether it’s the group gathered around Monica’s apartment, Ross trying to teach about “Unagi,” or Joey’s iconic Thanksgiving turkey, Friends provides lighthearted fun, cozy friendships, and lots of laughs, making it a go-to show for autumn relaxation.
10. Derry Girls
Set in 1990s Northern Ireland, Derry Girls is a hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age series following a group of teens navigating life, school, and mischief during a turbulent time. The show’s quick wit, eccentric characters, and cozy small-town setting give it a nostalgic, warm feel, making it an ideal series for those looking for a fun, light-hearted, and cozy fall watch.
What’s your favorite movie to watch in the autumn? Let us know in the comments below.
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