20 Films to Get You in the Mood for Autumn
It’s the season for cuddling up with your coziest blankets, sipping on hot apple cider and watching a movie. There are a few of my favorite movies that I watch every autumn like When Harry Met Sally and Hocus Pocus, but I also enjoy trying other seasonal pics. Lately I’ve been watching one fall flick every night in October to get into the spooky spirit. I decided to compile and share my favorite films that will get you in the mood for autumn.
I’m a classic film buff, so I’ve been enjoying several film noirs and old crime classics from the golden era of cinema. Although my boyfriend adores horror films, I’ll easily get nightmares from watching these scary movies and even non-horror films from my childhood like James and the Giant Peach and Jumanji. I’ve included some not-so-scary movies for scaredy cats like me. If you grew up watching Disney Channel, I’ve also added my favorite throwbacks that will spark total nostalgia.
Classic Fall Movies
Psycho. One of the most famous films in history, Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller Psycho is a must-watch movie for spooky season. It focuses on the encounter between Marion, an embezzler on the run, and Norman Bates, the shy proprietor of an old motel.
Arsenic and Old Lace. Cary Grant fans will adore this comedy about Mortimer Brewster who discovers that his two seemingly wholesome aunts have a habit of poisoning their male house guests. If you need more laughs than screams, Arsenic and Old Lace is a light-hearted flick.
Young Frankenstein. The Monty Python of Halloween films, Young Frankenstein is a parody of the classic horror film genre, in particular film adaptions of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. Mel Brook’s brilliant piece has also consistently been ranked as one of the best comedy movies of all time.
Double Indemnity. This film noir features Fred MacMurray as an insurance salesman who is plotting to murder his client and Barbara Stanwyck as a provocative housewife who wishes her husband were dead. It’s another highly acclaimed film that is a must-see especially during the fall season.
Modern Autumn Favorites
Harry Potter. Enter the wizarding world of Harry Potter with a movie marathon beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and finishing with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. These magical movies are a must-watch for fans of the highest-grossing film series.
Dead Poet’s Society. John Keating, a progressive English teacher played by Robin Williams, tries to inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. Set against the backdrop of an autumn in Vermont, Dead Poet’s Society is visually captivating amongst it’s inspiring plot and talented cast.
Silver Linings Playbook. After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, who offers to help him reconnect with his wife. Set during football season in Philadelphia, this film is the perfect fall flick.
Practical Magic. Two witch sisters, played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, move in with their eccentric aunts after the death of their parents and discover their hereditary gift for practical magic. Although this witchy rom-com received critical reviews, the New England backdrop and magical characters make it quintessentially autumn.
Romantic Fall Flicks
When Harry Met Sally. The romantic comedy follows the title characters from the time they meet in Chicago before sharing a cross-country drive, through twelve years of unexpected encounters in New York City. You’ll fall for the film’s romantic moments and the gorgeous autumn scenery.
The Love Witch. A tribute to 1960s horror and Technicolor films, The Love Witch follows Elaine, a beautiful young witch who is determined to find a man to love her. In her gothic Victorian apartment she makes spells and potions, then picks up men and seduces them. A visually mesmerizing movie that will bring out the inner witch in you.
The Princess Bride. Based on the William Goldman novel "The Princess Bride", the cult classic follows the adventures of a beautiful young woman and her one true love including their battles. against the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin. The abundant autumn foliage and heart-warming fairy tale escapes in The Princess Bride make this an essential film for fall.
Autumn in New York. Although it’s not the most highly acclaimed film, the lovely scenes of NYC in autumn make this movie ooze October. Autumn in New York tells the tragic tale of an 40-something playboy who falls for a terminally ill, young woman.
Not-So-Scary Halloween Movies
Ghostbusters. Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters follows three scientists who lose their jobs and start an establishment called Ghostbusters to fight the evil ghosts lurking in New York City. This supernatural comedy classic is undeniably one of the best Halloween movies.
It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. You’ve likely already seen this classic on cable at your parents’ house. Partake in the tradition wherever you are this autumn season by watching the heartwarming animated special. The adorable Peanuts characters will leave you feeling warm and nostalgic.
Death Becomes Her. Two frenemies played by Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep have a crush on the same man. They drink a miracle cure which promises eternal youth. Soon they discover that they have turned immortal. Magical potions + colossal mansions + talking corpses = perfect pick for October 31st.
Beetlejuice. When the deceased couple Adam and Barbara are unsuccessful in scaring away a family that has moved into their old home, they hire the malicious spirit, Betelgeuse, to drive them out. It’s a Tim Burton comedy classic that is delightfully ghostly.
Disney Fall Throwbacks
Halloweentown. If you’re searching for the ultimate Disney Chanel Halloween classic, then look no further than this enchanting fall flick. When Piper, a young girl living with her good-witch grandmother, learns she too is a witch, she must help save Halloweentown from dark forces.
Twitches. A DCOM classic starring Tia and Tamera Mowry as Alexandra and Apolla, twin sisters who were separated at birth reunite on their 21st birthday and discover they’re witches who must face an evil spirit to save their mother and kingdom from dark evil forces. It’s like Sister, Sister but the witchy version.
Hocus Pocus. This cult classic starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker tells the tale of three witches who resurrect after 300 years to exact revenge and begin a reign of terror. It’s not as scary as the plot might sound; you’ll likely be more enchanted by the nostalgic 90’s film than scared.
The Nightmare Before Christmas. The famous animated film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town who finds Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with celebrating Christmas. Tim Burton’s ghoulish fairytale world is both frightening and genial.