Top 10 Fall Movies
The weather has cooled (at least this week). Starbucks has their pumpkin spice drinks (my wife told me that). Spirit Halloweens are starting to appear (they’ve actually been here since July). So all that means, it must be fall right? (No, fall doesn’t officially start for about another month so this list is probably premature). But we’ll highlight the Top 10 Fall Movies anyways, so you can start enjoying them now! I’m excluding movies specifics to holidays, because I did lists last year for both Halloween & Thanksgiving. As is the case with most of my lists, I’m only including films I’ve seen.
Dead Poets Society - To me, this is my first thought when it comes to fall movies. The combination of the back to school premise & the New England setting are the two key factors I’d attribute to considering this a fall film, but it’s also just a vibe. That’s the case with a lot of these movies, and although a ‘vibe’ is a loose definition and almost cop out explanation, I’m confident you’ll understand what I mean. As of writing, this film is rentable on the usual services (YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Prime, & Fandango at Home).
Good Will Hunting - Maybe Robin Williams’ presence is actually what gives a movie fall vibes? With a similar New England setting, this one takes place in Boston, and I’ve personally never been to Boston in the fall. I think it’s the look of the film, that just feels so autumn. Stream it on Peacock or free on Pluto TV.
Stepmom - So far, I’m 3/3 on movies that will also make me cry being my fall movies. Don’t worry that changes soon. A good chunk of this movie does take place in the fall & though it has some sad moments, it also has some joyous moments, making it a great movie to cozy up on the couch to watch while sipping some apple cider of a pumpkin spice latte. Rent it on the usual services.
You’ve Got Mail - First it was back to back New England films, now its back to back New York films. Is New York part of New England? Hold please. Google says no. This rom com shouldn’t make you cry like the first three films (though no judgement if it does), though it does have some heartwarming moments. Also a lot of frustrating moments as Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks are pretty mean to one another. Stream it with a premium subscription on YouTube TV, or rent it on the usual services.
Knives Out - New England again! This murder mystery is a great way to ease into fall and has some eerie vibes (because of murder duh) but isn’t scary, making it a good film to watch pre or post Halloween. I also think Chris Evans’ slutty little knit sweater he wears solidifies this as a no joke fall film. Stream it on Prime.
Fantastic Mr. Fox - I don’t think this one takes place in the northeast US, so here’s a little change of pace. But the stop motion animals from Wes Anderson have some autumnal tones. Considered one of the best animated films of the century, Mr. Fox and gang may be worth revisiting if you’re looking for a more lighthearted watch. Stream it on Hulu or Disney+.
Harry Potter - Harry Potter makes every list I can manage to squeeze it onto. It was on my list last year of non-scary Halloween movies. It was on my guide of unofficial Christmas movies. Personally, I am pro watching Harry Potter whenever you want. The whole series can be steamed on Peacock or HBO Max.
Little Women - And we return to England, just this time its in the mid 19th century. On a real note, I’d love to know which sister you identify with. Personally I think I’m a Jo. My wife says thinking I’m Jo means I’m actually Amy. She said I’m really probably Beth though. But I’m definitely Jo. Stream it with a premium subscription on Hulu or YouTube TV, or rent it on the usual services.
The Batman - The 2022 Matt Reeves take on the caped crusader takes inspiration from a few different comic stories, one of which is ‘The Long Halloween,’ which gives this film a fall setting. The Dark Knight is a very autumn/winter character in nature, so it makes sense, and I think the grittiness of this film somehow adds to that. Gotham is typically located in New Jersey, so not New England, but still the northeast! Stream it on HBO Max.
Brave - So originally I had ‘Monsters University’ here, due to the back to school premise. But I was reading this to my wife and she said of the Pixar movies, ‘Brave’ feels way more fall. And I agree with that. The witchy-ness of the will o the wisps, plus the literal witch. The wooded forest areas. Scotland. All of that screams fall to me. Stream it on Disney+.
Let me know if I had any glaring exclusions, enjoy your fall, & happy watching!
