The arrival of fall typically means cooler weather, and let me tell you, living in Texas it’s something I look forward to every year. But it also means pumpkin spice lattes and more opportunities to spend inside watching great movies. If you’re looking for a film that feels appropriate for the season, then I have 44 of the best. These movies will have you in the mood for the best season of the year in no time. So grab a latte or a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy…
1. Coco (2017)
Coco tells the story of Miguel, a 12-year-old aspiring musician, who embarks on a magical journey after he accidentally travels to the Land of the Dead. Along the way, he unearths a huge family secret in this Academy Award winner that celebrates Latino culture and features gorgeous visuals. The film is perfect for your Dia de Los Muertos celebration, which is celebrated on November 1st. Bonus: for setting the tone for your Dia de Los Muertos festivities, check out the wonderful soundtrack to the movie from Pixar Studios.
2. The Princess Bride (1987)
The beloved classic follows the adventures of a beautiful young woman and her one true love as they battle against the evil forces of the magical kingdom of Florin. It’s an essential movie for fall thanks to the abundant autumn foliage, and as you warm yourself by the fire, your heart will be warmed by true love. Remember, when your true love asks for this movie, the answer is “As you wish”.
3. Young Frankenstein (1974)
A friend of mine refers to this movie as the Monty Python of Halloween films and I would have to agree. Looking to get your Halloween off to a humorous start, this parody of the classic horror film genre is the perfect film. Mel Brooks’ masterpiece consistently finds itself ranked as one of the best comedy films of all time by the American Film Institute.
4. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
When Harry Met Sally… is the signature romantic fall film. Nostalgia is the key here as we follow the title characters from the time they first meet in Chicago before sharing a cross-country drive, through twelve years of unexpected encounters in New York City. Autumn’s beautiful scenery is on full display in this romantic of romantic comedies.
5. Knives Out (2019)
Knives Out is a great movie to watch with your friends as you celebrate the change of seasons. Amongst the side of fall foliage, lies this murder mystery with a star-studded cast that includes Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Ana de Armas. The modern whodunnit packs in witty dialogue, unexpected twists, and a fair amount of dark humor.
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Halloween Town, the ghoulish fairytale world, created by Tim Burton for his iconic animated film is both a little frightening and charming. The movie tells the story of Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town who discovers Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with celebrating Christmas. And obsessed is a great word, because upon one viewing, you may become obsessed as well.
7. Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
One of the greatest of all time, Cary Grant stars as Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic who discovers that his two seemingly wholesome aunts have a bad habit of poisoning their male house guests. This is the perfect movie for Halloween if you’re looking for more laughs than frights as Grant and cast are at the top of their game.
8. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Fantastic Mr. Fox follows a cunning fox, voiced by George Clooney, who hatches a daring heist to steal food from three of the meanest farmers around. A plan that sounds very similar to the one he has as Daniel Ocean in Ocean’s Eleven to knock off three casinos at one time. This delightful fall treat is brought to us from the mind of Wes Anderson, who creates for us a stunning world of fall color, witty dialogue, and humorous characters that will keep you amused all the way through the ending credits.
9. Remember the Titans (2000)
Fall means high school football and Remember the Titans is the perfect film for the season. Denzel Washington delivers the performance of a lifetime as the legendary Herman Boone, the tough-as-nails coach leading a newly integrated southern high school football team to the state championship. The movie will leave you feeling inspired and excited about the young football season.
10. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Staying in school, it’s nostalgia at its finest with this coming-of-age film that is a must watch for fall. The movie follows five high school students from different cliques that find themselves sharing a Saturday in detention as they are on a path to learn they are more alike than they thought.
11. Ghostbusters (1984)
Who you gonna call? Assuming you don’t have any actual ghosts living in your home, why not call over your friends for this classic comedy. Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson bring the laughs as the eccentric scientists known as New York City’s Ghostbusters. No matter your age, you will find yourself cheering the team on as they fight to free the city of ghosts, ghouls, and yes the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. (“Ray, What did you do”.)
12. About Time (2013)
As we get closer to the holidays, About Time is definitely a go-to-flick for my wife and I. It is certainly a perfect film for cozying up with a significant other under a blanket and sharing a nice warm beverage. The movie tells the story of Tim, who upon turning 21 learns he can travel in time. Unable to change the past, he learns to use his special ability to live every day to the fullest. Which is an extremely practical lesson for all of us as we head into the busy season.
13. The Goonies (1985)
Fall just feels like the time for discovery. While you’re not creating your own adventure story, The Goonies are the perfect example for your inspiration. Upon finding a treasure map to a pirate named One Eyed Willie’s treasure, the group must dodge booby traps, keep a group of fugitives at bay, and stick together long enough to hopefully save their homes.
14. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a Thanksgiving tradition in my home. Director John Hughes nails the tone just right when Steve Martin’s wish for a simple flight home for Thanksgiving instead becomes a nightmare of hysterical proportion involving the three titular modes of transportation. The comedic geniuses, John Candy and Steve Martin, will have you belly laughing and rolling on the floor in joyful tears to cap off your wonderful day of thanksgiving.
15. The Harry Potter Series (2001)
The eight films in the Harry Potter series are perfect for fall viewing. As a matter of fact, though I’ve never taken part in one, I’ve heard tale of Potterheads turning an autumn weekend into a movie marathon by watching all eight films in the collection in Harry Potter-themed costumes. I don’t know, maybe this is the year! If you do this, feel free to let me know how it turns out.
16. Sabrina (1954)
Though it may lack the signature fall foliage, Sabrina has always felt like fall to me. Go for the 1954 film, not the 1995 remake. The film involves a love triangle of sorts between two wealthy brothers and their family’s chauffeur’s daughter. Linus (Humphrey Bogart) is the serious- minded brother, while David (William Holden) is the playboy and the lovely Audrey Hepburn is the woman who deserves their affection.
17. Rushmore (1998)
Interesting note, the film that feels like Boston in fall was actually primarily filmed in Houston. How director Wes Anderson produced the grey skies and drizzle into nearly every scene is just masterful. Rushmore tells the story of underachiever Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) attending the titular tiny private school on scholarship. And the charmingly quirky movie not only showcases the talent of Bill Murray as Max’s mentor, but it also has the best school play of all time in my humble opinion. Overall, Wes Anderson created a wonderfully cozy film that deserves to be called a fall classic.
18. What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
If you only know the beloved FX series, it’s time to change that. What We Do In The Shadows was first a mockumentary from the minds of Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. For the uninitiated, the film is a little more wry, a lot more dry, but just as funny and perfect for your fall viewing pleasure. “Leave it to me to do my dark bidding on the internet.”
19. Beetlejuice (1988)
Arguably Michael Keaton’s best performance and Winona Ryder’s breakout role headline Tim Burton’s second film. There’s no better way to spend your Halloween between the trick-or-treaters than cracking open the Handbook for the Recently Deceased and watching the maestro of mayhem come alive (so to speak).
20. Clue (1985)
Clue is an absolute blast of a whodunnit, the campy cult classic based on the Hasbro board game is perfect for the season. And it also has the delivery of one of my favorite lines in film history, thank you Mrs. Peacock in answer to The Chief, “Our lives are in danger, you beatnik.” Side note: If you haven’t already got your Halloween costume together, the Clue cast is perfect for a group costume.
21. Election (1999)
The kids have just gone back to school and it’s an election year, what better way to combine the two than this satire about high school and politics? Reese Witherspoon plays overachieving and high-strung high school student Tracy Flick who is suddenly faced with an unexpected obstacle in her quest to become class president when the popular football player Paul Matzler played by Chris Klein decides to run against her.
22. School of Rock (2003)
So you want to be in the band? Grab your guitar, your plaid, and get ready to shred…. Or you could just watch this school movie so perfect for the fall season. As a big fan of JB, I have to say this is Jack Black at his best.
23. Grease (1978)
Grease tells the story of Sandy and Danny who fall in love over one unforgettable summer, that is followed by an unexpected reunion in the fall, upon Sandy unknowingly enrolling in Danny’s school. “Reunited and it feels so good”, only at first it doesn’t. With its catchy tunes, awesome choreography, solid cast and a dose of nostalgia, enrolling at Rydell High could be the perfect decision to kickstart your fall.
24. The Lost Boys (1987)
”Sleep all day, party all night. Never grow old.” Sounds inviting, especially as the nights get longer. Joel Schumacher’s teen vampire flick with its thumping ‘80s soundtrack gave birth to a modern genre classic and it’s perfect for the Halloween season.
25. Pitch Perfect (2012)
Though this may be nothing like the college you attended or are attending, you can still get into the school spirit this fall with freshman Becca Mitchell and her university’s all-female a cappella group, the Barden Bella’s, as they prepare to compete against their rivals in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella Regionals.
26. Booksmart (2019)
Fall and back-to-school are practically synonymous with each other and Booksmart focuses specifically on senior year. Director Olivia Wilde’s coming-of-age tale follows two best friends who attempt to make the most of their final year at high school, even if that means discarding their academics to focus on their social lives. So take a cue, put this aside for the moment and give Booksmart a watch.
27. Matilda (1996)
No one has ever endured as bad of a first day at school as Matilda does in this classic based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel of the same name. The film revolves around a young girl with a brilliant mind, one that is undervalued in a family of underachievers. However, everything changes when she enrolls in a new school and uses her telekinesis powers and provokes the evil principal, Miss Trunchbull. Just a word of warning, your view of chocolate fudge cake could forever be altered by this movie.
28. Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
Maybe slightly overshadowed by the legend of Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a film that fans of the former will definitely find a treat. Set during the Blitz in 1940, Miss Eglantine Price, a young woman who learns witchcraft, enlists the help of three young children as she sets out to defeat the Nazis with her newfound powers. Whatever you’re looking for in a fall film, Bedknobs and Broomsticks has you covered as it’s a solid musical that combines live-action and animation.
29. A Knight’s Tale (2001)
Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is the perfect setting for fall and 2001’s A Knight’s Tale is your film if you’re looking for a movie that uses modern music to tell its enjoyable medieval comedy story. This is not your traditional knight’s tale (pardon the pun). This rock and roll coming-of-age romp tells the story of the born poor William Thatcher (played by the sorely missed Heath Ledger) and his quest to earn the hand of the fair maiden Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon). The jousting good time of a film is exactly what you need if you’re of the Renaissance Fair mentality.
30. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Are you ready for a hilarious night of chaos? That’s exactly what you get with the box office bomb turned Disney cult classic. While out trick-or-treating with his younger sister on Halloween, Max resurrects the Sanderson sisters, a trio of 300-year-old villainous witches. Now the three sisters must suck out the soul of at least one child before sunrise, or they’ll turn to dust.
31. The Addams Family (1991)
The Addams Family is a spooky, super quotable (“I would die for her. I would kill for her. Either way, what bliss.”) must watch film for fall. The titular family is delighted to be reacquainted with Gomez’s missing brother, Fester. But is Fester really who he says he is or is he a fraud? Among the many standout performances of the movie is the wonderfully portrayed Morticia Addams (Anjelica Huston).
32. Clueless (1995)
Clueless may not seem like fall fair, but remember it spans an entire school year. Okay, maybe it’s the Southern California vibe that detracts from the autumnal feel, but it’s back to school nonetheless and if fall means you would rather view something warm, Clueless is your movie. In this modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, Alicia Silverstone’s Cher considers herself an excellent matchmaker. But as things begin to unravel due to her meddling, she learns she’s…. well, clueless.
33. Working Girl (1988)
Working Girl is the definitive movie to get you excited about pulling out your fall and winter clothing for the season. With all the coats and the ski vacation that sets the whole plot in motion, you will be motivated to plan your winter vacation in no time.
34. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
In just the first ten minutes of this wonderful film, the autumnal setting is set. “Don’t you love New York in the fall?” Tom Hanks contemplates via email to Meg Ryan in the opening scenes of You’ve Got Mail, the Nora Ephron classic romantic comedy. He goes on, “Makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” And as “Dreams,” the amazing song from the Cranberries gives way to a brisk morning in New York, leaves are gathering on city sidewalks, and big, bright pumpkins sit on risers outside storefronts. Suffice to say, this is the cozy, cool weather movie you can enjoy just right about now.
35. Death Becomes Her (1992)
October 31st is fast approaching and you need a film with magical potions, colossal mansions, and talking corpses and this dark comedy has you covered. Two frenemies (Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep) are vying for the same man when they drink a miracle potion that promises eternal youth, instead they soon find they have been turned immortal. If you like dark comedic flicks, this is the perfect pick for your Halloween.
36. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
If you prefer for your witches to come as a trio, then the combo of Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Surandon, and Cher will do just fine. The man of the hour here, is Jack Nicholson, in full flamboyance and mystery. The Witches of Eastwick is a horror-comedy based on the John Cheever novel. The film is more comedy than horror, though there are some gross-out moments that could scar younger viewers or put them off cherries for a very long time. Director George Miller’s creation is massively entertaining, extremely enjoyable, and possesses lots of energy, especially from the leads.
37. Legally Blonde (2001)
Harvard Law School is the setting for this feel-good romantic comedy that warms the heart the way a fall movie should. Legally Blonde revolves around the lovable Elle Woods portrayed by Reese Witherspoon as she goes from having it all (or so it seems) to getting dumped by her boyfriend for not being “serious” enough for him. Determined to win him back, Elle follows her ex back to Harvard Law School, but once there, she soon discovers she’s meant for so much more. Finding a passion for the pursuit of justice, she carves out her own path, while staying true to who she is.
38. Practical Magic (1998)
Hard to believe, I know, Practical Magic bombed in theaters, but the now cult classic is tops on several lists for autumn movie favorites. Nicole Kidman might be at her hottest, Sandra Bullock is absolutely lovely and the witchcraft vibes are off the charts, with everything from black cats to curses to ex-lovers showing up. And the eccentric aunts portrayed by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest are just, well, enchanting. It’s time you put this down and give it a watch.
39. Scary Movie (2000)
The late ‘90s saw a rejuvenation in the horror genre and so it was only a matter of time before we saw a parody of those films. And 2000’s Scary Movie brought us a truly laugh-out-loud series of gags that took it shots at the contemporary teen slasher movies of the time from Scream to I Know What You Did Last Summer. Stars Anna Faris and Regina Hall are a great one-two punch of hysterical proportions here.
40. Mystic Pizza (1988)
Mystic Pizza stars a pre-Pretty Woman Julia Roberts alongside Annabeth Gish and Lili Taylor as teenagers working at the pizza parlor in their sleepy coastal Connecticut town. In one of the scenes featuring Kat (Gish), she looks up at the sky for a constellation of stars that are apparently a sign of fall. So you too, could also use your annual viewing of this film to signify autumn is at hand. The movie packs in a lot of delightful performances, including early supporting work from the young Vincent D’Onofrio and Matt Damon in this delicious ‘80s ensemble comedy guaranteed to please.
41. Casper (1995)
Casper is the heartwarming movie that is the perfect antidote to all the spooky chills delivered this time of year. Christina Ricci stars as a young girl who befriends Casper, a friendly ghost yearning for a true connection. The film’s surprisingly sweet message makes it a wonderful choice for a Halloween night with your friends and/or family.
42. Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
If you and your significant other are up for a romance that will help you unwind on a chilly fall day, Sweet Home Alabama is the light-hearted romantic faire ideal for the situation. Reese Witherspoon stars as newly engaged New York-based fashion designer Melanie, who believes she has it all. But before she can say “I do” she has to return to her charming Alabama hometown to get divorced from her childhood best friend.
43. Son in Law (1993)
On original glance, it appears to be every parents’ worst fear: Good girl heads to college and brings home a party boy. But Son in Law is out to prove that old adage correct, you don’t judge a book by its cover. This is the lesson in store for the Warner family when daughter Becca invites her classmate Crawl (Pauly Shore) home over Thanksgiving break. To protect Becca from an off-the cuff proposal from her hometown boyfriend, Travis, Crawl announces that he has already popped the question, and Becca said yes. Now, comedy ensues as Crawl must now win over the Warner family.
44. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Jennifer’s Body is the masterpiece of writer Diablo Cody and director Karyn Kusama. Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried star in your new Halloween favorite that takes its cues from the wonderful film Heathers, plus the killer soundtrack is a perfect addition to any fall playlist.
There you are, 44 great fall movies to get cozy with this season. Whether your mood is heartwarming romantic comedy, spooky, or feel-good favorites, this list will help you curate the perfect autumn evening with friends and family.
While I do think this list covers all the bases, I know you will have favorites that I missed. So do all of the movie fans a favor and drop a comment below and share your favorites as well. Until next time, happy movie watching!
