- Fantastic Mr. Fox
With a 93% in rotten tomatoes and a 7.90 out of 10 rating, this movie is the perfect autumn film. If director Wes Anderson’s signature autumnal color palette doesn’t get you in the fall spirit, then the family, friends, and feasting in this animated film will do the trick. After 12 years of happiness, Mr. Fox breaks his promise to his wife and raids their neighbors’ farms, endangering their lives and their animal friends. To survive, he and his company are forced underground, leading him to resort to his natural craftiness to rise above the opposition. The movie is good in terms of its background surroundings, setting, and storyline.
It was enjoyable seeing the characters in this film express such a range of complicated emotions. Personally, I consider it fantastic that Ash from the film could stand in for and support those who have always felt like outsiders from normalcy. Aside from the autumn theme, you’ll feel a connection to the film because of the portrayal of relationship dynamics.
- Gilmore Girls
“Gilmore Girls”, perhaps the coziest, most fall-like show in existence, checks off all the right boxes: a charming small-town setting covered in fallen leaves, fuzzy sweaters under nice coats. It is a drama and comedy television series that follows Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory as they navigate life in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. If you’re new to the series, don’t be surprised if after a few visits to Stars Hollow, you develop a craving for pumpkin lattes and begin speaking quickly. The show is very easy to love because of its simple premise and relatable characters, whose flaws reveal their complexity. Watching it will also allow you to enjoy things that would never happen outside of television, but are simply entertaining to watch. Making it an excellent escapism for letting go of your worries.
- Little Women
The story follows the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow from children to women. It is a reflective or semi autobiographical novel, loosely based on the author’s and her three sisters’ lives. With a 95% in rotten tomatoes with an 8.50 out of 10 rating, this movie is a bonefide classic. Gerwig’s Little Women stands out, nevertheless. The film finds its own unique way to tell the story of the March sisters’ lives while staying respectful and faithful to Lousia May Alcott’s – the author of “Little Women” – original telling. As an older sibling of two, I can relate to Jo’s reluctance to interact with any individual after dealing with my younger siblings all day. Despite their disagreements, the March sisters nonetheless captivate me with their bond. I’ve watched this movie more times than I can count because it sets the tone for autumn. Although historically inaccurate at times, the brightly colored costumes and cozy interiors exude the warmth associated with autumn, making it an excellent addition to your fall watch list.
- When Harry Met Sally
Set in New York City, with a warm, orangey color gradient filter, this film tells the story of Harry and Sally, two friends who are afraid that sexual intercourse will ruin their friendship but later realize they might be in love. The film features scenes of Harry and Sally walking through the park under falling leaves, as well as orange bursts of color. “When Harry Met Sally” is a classic romantic comedy directed by Rob Reiner and released in 1989. The film follows Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan), two University of Chicago graduates who meet and become friends before embarking on a turbulent journey to love.
You will not only fall in love with the relationship’s genuine chemistry, but with its heart and the witty and relatable writing that helps avoid many of the classic love story clichés. The film’s autumnal New York setting, sharp dialogue, and spot-on performances have cemented it as a timeless American classic.
- Over the Garden Wall
When the leaves start changing and the nights feel darker, there’s no better way to indulge in the season than watching “Over the Garden Wall.” The series follows two half-brothers as they travel through a mysterious forest to find their way home, encountering a variety of strange and fantastical creatures along the way. The show takes place in the fall and depicts New England’s fall foliage, which includes burnt-umber leaves, orange and red trees, and a paddle-wheel steamer. The music, composed and performed for the series by folk band the Blasting Company, is another factor that contributes to this show being the television equivalent of a mug of hot cider. It’s filled with enticing rustic fiddle sounds and plinky-plunky piano.
- Dead Poets Society
“Dead Poets Society” is a fall movie because it perfectly embodies the season’s atmosphere and themes of change and discovery. The film, blending beauty, melancholy, and personal growth, is ideal for autumn viewing due to its school setting, naturalistic landscapes, and color grading, creating a calming atmosphere. John Keating, an English teacher, navigates an all-boys preparatory school with high standards, employing unconventional methods to assist students such as Neil Perry and Todd Anderson in breaking free from parental expectations. Dead Poets Society acts as a love letter to the humanities, demonstrating the capabilities of critical thought to change the world.
Watching this will give you a sense of the incredible message it conveys about how society encourages students to question the status quo and reject societal norms. This film has an intriguing storyline that keeps viewers thinking long after they’ve finished watching it. In addition to its message of seizing the day and living life to the fullest, the film is described as transformative and inspirational.
- Anne of Green Gables (1985)
With a large portion of “Anne of Green Gables” set in the fall, if a vivid description of something as simple yet breathtaking as a September evening doesn’t put you in the fall mood, I don’t know what will. The story begins when Anne is mistakenly sent to live with the Cuthberts rather than the boy they requested, and Marilla is initially hesitant to keep her. However, Anne’s imaginative conversation and persistence win Matthew over, and Marilla eventually agrees to keep her on trial. Anne’s antics and misadventures cause her problems, but she also meets new people and discovers common ground. The central theme of Anne of Green Gables is how mistakes help people grow into decent people.
As you watch, you learn from watching her mistakes and see her grow into a better person. Presenting the symbolism of the autumn season could also help to depict the abundance of change as you adjust to its elements.
- Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Although “Edward Scissorhands” is not traditionally associated with autumn, some argue that it can be enjoyed during the holiday season. The film is about an artificial man with scissors for hands who is adopted by a family and delves into themes of discrimination, love, and familial relationships. An old woman tells her granddaughter “Edward Scissorhands” as a classic dark fairy tale on a snowy night. Others may classify it as a Halloween film, given the elements presented throughout. Though this movie recommendation is more of a Kitsch horror.
You’ll end up being entertained and empathizing with the metaphor about the hardships of living as “different” in a world that refuses to alter itself and accept something deemed wrong. Offering an affectionate and charming fable! With a character akin to a modern Frankenstein monster.
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” by Bill Melendez is a fall film and one of the most beloved movies to watch during autumn. The movie takes place during Halloween as Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin in a pumpkin patch. The plot follows as Linus works on a letter to the Great Pumpkin, which causes disapproval among the other characters. Sally Brown is intrigued by the idea, and Charlie Brown is invited to Violet’s Halloween party. The children prepare costumes for trick-or-treating, but Linus persuades Sally to join him due to her crush. Charlie Brown is disappointed and goes to Violet’s party.
Though simple in its plot, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” is the perfect watch! I find it exciting that the sincerity of the characters’ beliefs acts as what draws you into the film. And, as simple as it is, the special adds a little holiday cheer to a time when scares appear to be around every corner. Providing you with an additional warm and relaxing film to entertain yourself during the fall season.
- You’ve Got Mail
This autumnal rom-com classic, “You’ve Got Mail” makes for an ideal cozy film to watch this season. With its fall-inspired themes and activities, the film takes place between October and Spring. It follows the story of two people in an online romance who are unaware that they are also business rivals. Kathleen Kelly, a struggling bookseller, dislikes Joe Fox, a corporate store owner. They begin an anonymous online romance, unaware of each other’s true identities. Joe overcomes his dislike for her after learning she is his business rival. The theme was enough to get me in the mood for fall: the discussion of people having to give up their comforts in order to grow and discover new dimensions about themselves has always been an intriguing subject to explore.
If you enjoy the dynamic of two protagonists competing against each other, this film is a perfect fit for you as it successfully pits the two protagonists against one another in ideology, philosophy, circumstance, and economics rather than just one aspect. It’s cozy and has solid supporting characters, making it a pleasant and enjoyable film.
