Fall films: Your 50-movie guide for an autumn night in

Lariat | Piper Pinkley

As we mark the beginning of Fall on Sept. 22, our minds naturally ponder all the possibilities the season has to offer. Of course, the standard pumpkin-shaped cookie-cutter activities grab our immediate attention, such as apple picking, hayrides, bonfires and every cinnamon-dusted outing in between. 

But what about the nights we don’t feel like leaving the house? How can we remain in seasonal spirits, while also craving solidarity? The answer is clear: movies.

I don’t know about you, but a good movie night cuddled up on the couch with snacks and some ambient lighting never lets me down. Which is why I am doing heavy lifting for you.

Below is a list of 50 movies that “SCREAM” Fall is here without being too on the nose. No more finishing the popcorn before you can decide on your film.

Cozy Nostalgic 

These films invite a cozy blanket, warm mug and a pumpkin spice candle burning in the background. If you’re looking to settle-in with a hint of childhood nostalgia, these are the ones for you:

• The “Harry Potter” series
• Practical Magic 1 & 2
• Hocus Pocus
• Twitches
• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Spooky

These selections are a few of the “must watches” if you want to properly welcome in the spooky season this Fall. Although they may be the typical result when Googling “Halloween movies,” a true Autumn lover knows to never skip these listed below:

• The Addams Family
• Scream
• Hellraiser
• The Halloween House
• The Uninvited

Classics

Forever claiming that “classics are classics for a reason.” If you are into the oldies-but-goodies that emulate those Fall vibes look no further:

• The Shawshank Redemption
•  2019’s Little Women
• Death Becomes Her
• Mermaids
• Stepmom

Rom/Com 

Love is in the air, and the Fall breeze brings it right up to your door; the upcoming holidays, the activities and the overall season is bred to make us crave companionship. If you are a lover and not a fighter this movie list is for you:

• When Harry Met Sally
• He’s Just Not That into You
• When a Man Loves a Woman
• Made of Honor
• Mystic Pizza

Comedy

Even though the season welcomes in more calming vibes, we can still enjoy some wholesome comedy and remain in seasonal spirits. If you’re looking for a film to fight those chilly-time-blues, this list is for you:

• Free guy
• The Sheep Detectives
• Idle Hands
• Central Intelligence
• Fantastic Mr. Fox

Drama

Dramatic, riveting and absolutely giving the Fall atmosphere without actually ever being centered around the season. Fall is the time of pensive movie nights, if introspective films are your bread and butter, look no further:

• Song Sung Blue
• Goodwill Hunting
• The fault in our stars
• All the bright places
• The hate you give

Thriller/Mystery

A good mystery or murder plot is the center of what makes a good Fall movie night in my house. If you love to be kept on your toes, this is the list for you this season:

• Quiet Place
• Knives Out
• The Woman in the Window
• Primal Fear
• Leave the World Behind

Sci-fi/Action

This list touches all the important attributes, dystopian environments, treasure hunts, and that Autumn aesthetic for your perfect movie night. If you love adventure and action, look no further:

• The Adam Project
• The “Hunger Games” series
• Uglies
• Jumanji
• National Treasure

Indie/Artsy 

Deep and raw, these are for the people that want angst and struggle in their films. While these films don’t immediately scream, “the leaves are falling off the trees,” the message speaks to the essence of the season. If you’re a person that likes to dive in and discover what’s beyond the surface, try these out:

• Lady Bird
• Mother
• The Edge of Seventeen
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower
• Bones and All

Family-friendly 

Do you want to get into the Fall spirits, but you have little ears all around you? These movies below are perfect for a family-friendly movie night that everyone can enjoy:

• Paddington
• The House with the Clock in Its Walls
• Hotel Transylvania
• Matilda
• Frankenweenie

Whether you’re in the mood for something nostalgic, spooky, heartfelt or a little artsy, this lineup has you covered for every kind of Autumn night. 

Fall isn’t just a season, it’s a feeling. It is a reminder to romanticize things even as small as a themed movie night. So, grab a blanket, light your favorite cinnamon-y scent, pour something warm and let one of these films carry you straight into the heart of Autumn. 

After all, the best part of Fall isn’t always found in pumpkin patches or hayrides… sometimes it’s right on your couch, cozying up with a story that fits the season.

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