This list is all about the best fall movies and shows to make you feel all the cozy autumn vibes, with just a hint of spooky season mixed in.
MOVIES
1. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
While a good portion of this movie doesn’t actually take place in the fall (Christmas and New Year’s Eve make notable appearances), there is no denying that the New York City fall plays a prominent character in this adorable romantic comedy. Can a man and a woman truly ever be just friends? That’s what this smart character-driven comedy explores. Come for the famous deli orgasm scene, stay for the brilliant comedic timing of Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby.
2. Practical Magic (1998)
Truly one of the best fall movies I can image, this Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman film brings together all the best of spooky season. In a small coastal town, two sisters are raised by eccentric aunts, who just happen to be witches. This movie has love, comedy, and a few good scares. And this witchy delight also finishes with a fun Halloween scene.
3. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Not going to lie, I don’t think there’s a single changing leaf in this film. BUT, there are few things that have more of a fall feeling than college mathematics, MIT and Harvard, which are the backdrops for this sensational film. When an MIT janitor reveals himself to be a genius, he begins a journey of love and self exploration. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote and star in this brilliant film, alongside the incomparable Robin Williams. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll start speaking with a Southside Boston accent. How ya like them apples?
4. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Is there anything better than a Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan combo? I think not. And this film is truly the cream of the crop from the pairing. While this is another film that takes place over many months and many seasons, there is no denying that this film will get you in the fall spirit. From an almost bygone era of AOL emailing, two strangers virtually meet and begin to fall in love, with no idea that they are real life rivals. The New York City autumn acts as a beautiful setting for this near-perfect romcom.
5. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Robin Williams inspires in this movie about a group of teenage boys that are taught to “carpe diem” by their eccentric english teacher. This movie epitomizes coming of age drama, finding your voice and your passion and living by your own rules. The back to school setting will maybe even make you nostalgic for your own high school experience (if you had a teacher as wonderful as Keating).
6. StepMom (1998)
Go ahead and grab a cable knit sweater, fuzzy socks and a warm mug, curl up on the couch and get ready to cry with this tearjerker. Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon star in a movie about a mother and soon-to-be step mother going through growing pains as they figure out how to co-parent. The idyllic New York fall to winter setting, including the most gorgeous victorian house, make this one of the best fall movies. The sweaters and flannels alone will put you in a cozy mood.
7. october sky (1999)
A young Jake Gyllenhaal will capture your heart in this film inspired by a true story. In a small mining town, a young boy is inspired by the Sputnik launching and decides he wants to launch his own rocket, despite pushback from his father and the town. But the moody rural coal mining setting makes it a great fall watch.
8. sleepy hollow (1999)
One of the many masterpiece made by the Tim Burton and Johnny Depp combination, this film remakes the story of Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman. As always, Burton delivers the perfect dose of spooky in this retelling of a classic. The moody setting and mysterious story make it worthy of the best fall movie list.
9. Remember the titans (2000)
For many people, nothing says fall more than the start of a high school football season. And this Denzel Washington film about a newly integrated football team in 1971 Virginia, bring all the best of high school football. Coach Boone’s speeches will make you feel inspired, the music will make you nostalgic, and the human story will move you. Left side, strong side.
10. autumn in new york (2000)
Richard Gere and Winona Ryder star in this melancholy film about a man falling in love with a woman who has a terminal illness. How could this not be one of the best fall movies with a title like this. Watching the pair stroll through central park with the golden leaves will make you want to throw on a sweater and book a plane ticket to see some fall foliage.
11. knives out (2019)
The famous Chris Evans cable knit sweater. Need I say more? Fine, I will. This incredible whodunnit centers on a dysfunctional family of eccentric characters, all trying to grasp the fortune of the family’s recently deceased patriarch. Apart from this just being a good movie on its own, the moody setting and warm lighting make it one of the best fall movies to watch.
12. Special mention: hocus pocus (1993)
Do I really even need to explain? This movie is the ULTIMATE Halloween film, in my opinion. This Disney Channel Original Movie is an absolute fall film staple. The Salem setting alone makes it worth of an early fall watch, not just a Halloween viewing. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker delight as the Sanderson Sisters, back from the dead to “suck the lives out of the children of Salem,” but in a fun way.
TV SHOWS
13. Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
This story of eccentric mother and daughter, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, takes place in a goofy small town called Stars Hollow. The series begins with a new school year at a new school. Other than the back-to-school aspect, the town itself becomes a huge character. Nothing beats the vibe of the Stars Hollow fall festivals, Thanksgivings, and more. Also, this show is just an amazing watch any time of year. But if the title sequence doesn’t get you in the fall mood, I don’t know what will!
14. Friday night lights (2006-2011)
Another absolutely iconic high school football story is this TV show based on a movie of the same title. But this series brings the drama and realness to the next level. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton are brilliant as Coach Taylor and Tammy Taylor, not to mention relationship goals. But it is the ensemble cast of young football players and high school students that make the show. But the Texas fall setting draws you into the cozy fall vibes, with a side of high school drama.
15. Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
Nothing says spooky season like vampires. This high school drama series centers around the start of a new school year in Mystic Falls, Virginia. And with a name like that, you know there is bound to be some spooky vibes. The sets, mood, and characters in this show make for a thrilling show. It has everything you want from a high school classic: fun back to school traditions, football games, a love triangle, oh and vampires, witches and more.
16. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)
The beloved teenage witch gets a dark revamp in this Netflix series. Just before her 16th birthday, Sabrina is struggling with choosing between her witch side (her family) or her mortal side (her friends) as her “dark baptism” approaches. This show has the best vibes to get you ready for spooky season.
17. Charmed (1998-2006)
This show is an absolute staple for spooky season. Three adult sisters find out they are witches, The Charmed Ones, and they must come to terms with their fate fighting evil. This show is a 90’s classic: the fashion, the leading ladies, the cameos. It’s everything you could want for a spooky season watch.
18. Only Murders in the building (2021-)
This new Hulu show is amazing. It’s smart, funny and led by powerhouse performances. The show centers around an unlikely team, brought together by their mutual love of true crime podcasts, who band together to solve a murder in their New York City apartment building. Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez make a funny and dynamic sleuthing team. But it’s the fashion and setting that really make for a perfect cozy fall watch.
19. sleepy Hollow (2013-2017)
In the same way that the film has a spooky energy, this TV adaptation does the same. Ichabod Crane gets thrown for a loop, when he is brought into present day to fight the Headless Horseman. The leading duo of this show make for a funny and charming pairing. And the small town fall aesthetic really puts you in a cozy mood. It’s a great mix of autumn and spooky season watching.
20. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
Buffy is quintessential 90’s sci-fi in all the best ways. She’s “susie high school” by day, and vampire slayer and protector of the innocent by night. Throw in a tortured star crossed lovers storyline between vampire and slayer and its a recipe for tasty drama. The time spent in the library and in the graveyard will be more than enough to give you the fall feels.
21. One tree hill (2003-2012)
This show is a back to school classic. In a small beach town called Tree Hill, two half brothers compete over basketball, girls and their father’s attention. This show progresses through the whole school year, but there is something about being back in high school that feels like fall time. And there are a couple of quintessential fall episodes (the Tric Halloween party, and cabin weekend come to mind) that give you that fun fall feeling. Also it’s just a great comfort watch TV show.
I hope something on this list inspired you to curl up on the couch, open the blinds to the changing leaves and enjoy some of the best fall movies and tv shows around. Have a cozy, lovely, spooky season!
This post was all about the best fall movies and tv shows to watch this autumn!
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