By Zury Cordova
1. Dead Poets Society (1989)
The scenery is the definition of the perfect east coast autumn, but it’s not just the fall atmospheric visuals that make this movie a classic. It’s set at a strict, elite, all-boys boarding school where a new English teacher, Mr. Keating (played by Robin Williams), shows up and encourages his students to “seize the day” and think for themselves. They secretly bring back an old club, the Dead Poets Society, and start to break out of their shells. It’s inspiring and a little heartbreaking. The tweed jackets, the misty mornings, and the old brick buildings maks this the ultimate “dark academia” movie to watch when the leaves start to change.
2. Corpse Bride (2005)
This movie is an absolute must-watch for fall, and it’s one of Tim Burton’s most iconic movies because of its unique stop-motion animation style and dark tones. It’s a film about a man named Victor, who’s set to marry his fiancée, Victoria. But, when he accidentally proposes to Emily, the Corpse Bride, he gets pulled into a love triangle between the world of the living and the world of the dead. It’s short, sweet, and a must-see for the season.
3. Practical Magic (1998)
For a movie that just feels like fall, you can’t beat Practical Magic. Set in a Massachusetts town, the story follows sisters Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman), who come from a long line of witches cursed in love – every man who falls for an Owens woman is to die young. It’s such a classic packed with cozy charm and cute outfits that perfectly capture the witchy, 90s aesthetic. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, Practical Magic 2 is set to be released next year. Now is the perfect time for a rewatch!
4. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
After catching Heinz’s 2024 Super Bowl ad featuring the film’s iconic restaurant scene, I couldn’t resist a rewatch. Now that it’s fall, it’s the perfect time to press play again. This is the ultimate “will-they-won’t-they,” following two New Yorkers over twelve years as they argue, become best friends, and test their theory that men and women can’t be friends without romance getting in the way. It’s the perfect fall film, filled with crunchy leaves, cozy cable-knit sweaters, and walks through Central Park.
5. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
It is honestly such a classic for a reason. The whole movie is just gorgeous, with all the rainy English countryside scenes. Not only is it a great film to watch, it’s also a perfect read to get into the fall mood. Joe Wright’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel follows Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) as she navigates family expectations, social class, and her relationship with Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen).
6. Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation follows the March sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy as they grow up in Civil War–era Massachusetts. The story jumps between two timelines as we watch the sisters chase dreams, fall in and out of love, face challenges, and figure out who they want to be. From their attic clubhouse to their winter walks, it feels like it was made to be watched on a chilly autumn afternoon.
7. Death Becomes Her (1992)
I have to admit I watched the Broadway show before actually watching the movie, and both adaptations had me completely hooked. Death Becomes Her is a dark comedy about movie star Madeline Ashton (Meryl Streep) and her longtime rival Helen Sharp (Goldie Hawn) as they take a magical potion from a mysterious sorceress to stay young forever, at a cost. Just like fall itself, it shows us the cycles of change.
8. Blair Witch Project (1999)
This movie feels so real – like you’re watching a documentary – which makes it even more thrilling. Shot as “found footage,” it follows three student filmmakers, Heather, Josh, and Mike, into Maryland’s Black Hills as they investigate the legend of the Blair Witch. At first, the film features interviews and hiking, but then their map goes missing, strange sounds keep them up at night, and creepy stick figures show up in the trees. The horror isn’t in what you see, but what you don’t see.
9. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s iconic movie is perfect to get into the spooky feeling. It’s suspenseful and humorous – perfect for a night in. Photographer Chris heads to the suburbs to meet his girlfriend Rose’s parents for the weekend. An awkward “meet the parents” slowly turns into a complete nightmare as he uncovers a horrifying secret. It’s the kind of horror film you can watch over and over and still catch new details, and it’s a must-watch for spooky season.
10. Hunger Games Movie Series (2012-present)
From the very first Hunger Games movie to the most recent release, there’s something about this series that just feels like fall. The survival themes, the forests, and the fire all have that autumn vibe. But beyond the atmosphere, the theme feels really relevant right now. Katniss Everdeen steps up to take her sister’s place in a televised fight to the death, and, in doing so, becomes the face of a rebellion against the Capitol. The sequels dive deeper into the uprising, showing both the hope and the heavy cost of fighting back. It’s dark, thrilling, and has that perfect dystopian feel that just works for this time of year.
