50 Best Fall Movies & Shows To Watch If You Love Autumn

Hocus Pocus (1993)

It’s not fall without the Sanderson sisters. Hocus Pocus is Halloween nostalgia at its finest — a little spooky, a lot campy, and endlessly quotable. With candlelit cemeteries, crisp New England nights, and that ’90s Disney magic, it’s a must-watch every October.

Practical Magic (1998)

Witches, sisterhood, small-town gossip, and a hauntingly beautiful score — Practical Magic is fall movie perfection. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play witchy sisters caught in love, grief, and a family curse. It’s got cinnamon-scented chaos, midnight margaritas, and a dreamy autumn aesthetic that begs for a rewatch.

The Craft (1996)

Moody teens, ‘90s grunge, and witchy chaos — The Craft is a dark, cult-favorite that practically oozes autumn energy. Set in a Catholic high school with falling leaves and eyeliner-heavy rebellion, it’s a perfect pick for when you want your fall movies with a little edge and a lot of attitude.

Beetlejuice (1988)

This Tim Burton classic is the definition of spooky fun. With its eerie New England setting, ghostly hijinks, and a house that looks like a haunted dollhouse, Beetlejuice walks the line between Halloween weird and full-on delightful. Bonus points for Catherine O’Hara’s iconic fits.

Monster House (2006)

In the mood for fall movies that are a bit spooky but still family-friendly? Underrated and oddly eerie for a kids’ movie, Monster House brings together Halloween scares, suburban folklore, and a haunted home with a mind of its own. It’s animated, but the tone is spooky enough to satisfy older viewers too — and it captures that “neighborhood in October” feeling perfectly.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Is it a Halloween movie? A Christmas movie? Who cares — The Nightmare Before Christmas is essential fall viewing. Tim Burton’s claymation world is gorgeously gloomy, and Jack Skellington’s seasonal identity crisis somehow feels very relatable once the leaves start turning.

Halloweentown (1998)

For those looking to continue with the Halloween-themed fall movies but want something tamer, Halloweentown is pure nostalgic gold. Magical creatures, pumpkin-lined streets, and Debbie Reynolds as a benevolent grandma witch? It’s basically the fall version of comfort food — cheesy, charming, and impossible not to love.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Foggy forests, candlelit cabins, and a headless horseman? Sleepy Hollow is a fall mood board. Tim Burton leans into gothic horror with plenty of style, and Johnny Depp’s Ichabod Crane is just awkward enough to root for. A must-watch for lovers of spooky old towns and spectral legends.

Wednesday (2022)

Looking for fall shows with a bit more edge and a dash of the supernatural? This gothic coming-of-age mystery is the definition of fall-core. From the chilly forests surrounding Nevermore Academy to Jenna Ortega’s razor-sharp deadpan, Wednesday delivers schoolgirl witch vibes, monster mayhem, and black-and-gray everything — it practically is October.

It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

At just 25 minutes long, this Peanuts classic is the warm cider of Halloween specials. It’s sweet, funny, and full of pumpkin patches, trick-or-treating, and Snoopy’s dramatic WWI fantasies. Watching it every fall should be a tradition.

The Addams Family (1991)

The Addams aren’t just creepy and kooky — they’re perfect fall company. With gothic mansions, deadpan humor, and autumnal gloom galore, this movie (and Wednesday’s schoolgirl wardrobe) is the kind of spooky cozy that works all October long.

It (2017)

Searching for fall movies that will send shivers down your spine? Look no further than It (2017) for your fall movie marathon. Based on Stephen King’s novel, this horror film follows a group of kids who find themselves at the mercy of an evil clown named Pennywise. Prepare to be paranoid of sewer drains and suspicious of clowns.

Scream (1996)

Wes Craven’s genre-defining slasher is surprisingly fall-feeling with its suburban setting, flannel-heavy teens, and high school horror. It’s a must for spooky season — a self-aware slasher that’s scary, funny, and way more stylish than it has any right to be.

American Horror Story 

No show does creepy seasonal vibes like American Horror Story. Not every season is a hit, but Murder House, Coven, and 1984 are especially great for fall — full of haunted houses, witches, slashers, and vintage Halloween terror. It’s spooky season TV in its most dramatic form.

Twilight Franchise 

Say what you will, but Twilight absolutely nails the fall aesthetic. Overcast skies, mossy forests, cozy flannels, and that bittersweet, slow-burn love story — it’s all there. If you want something dramatic, nostalgic, and a little ridiculous (in the best way), this is the ultimate guilty pleasure for a rainy day.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Few movies capture the feeling of fall like When Harry Met Sally. Between the golden leaves in Central Park, Meg Ryan’s iconic knitwear, and the slow-burn romance that unfolds over years of missed timing and friendship, it’s autumn in cinematic form. Warm, witty, and just the right amount of sentimental.

Harry Potter Franchise 

Is there anything more fall-coded than Hogwarts? Between back-to-school scenes, floating candles in the Great Hall, and magical creatures roaming the Forbidden Forest, Harry Potter is a fall rewatch staple. Start with Sorcerer’s Stone for the warmest vibes, or pick your favorite and dive in.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Pumpkin spice, bookstore banter, and New York City in the fall — You’ve Got Mail is the ultimate cozy rom-com. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are at their most charming in this tale of anonymous online flirtation turned IRL romance. Bonus points for the aesthetic: crunchy leaves, vintage laptops, and twinkle-lit cafés.

Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s Little Women adaptation is brimming with cozy visuals — crackling fires, candlelit writing sessions, homemade dresses, and soft snowfall. While it spans all seasons, the movie’s warm tones and themes of change, nostalgia, and growing up make it especially perfect for autumn.

Matilda (1996)

Pumpkin-colored lighting, warm library scenes, and that cozy British school aesthetic — Matilda is a fall comfort classic. Watching her discover her powers, find her people, and stand up to the Trunchbull gives off that perfectly nostalgic, “curl-up-with-a-blanket” energy.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

This movie feels like a crisp autumn morning on an old New England campus. With its ivy-covered walls, prep school uniforms, and themes of self-discovery, Dead Poets Society is equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking. Watching it in the fall just hits different — like a reminder to seize the day before the leaves fall.

School Ties (1992)

Before Good Will Hunting, there was School Ties — another prep school drama set in the ivy-covered Northeast, with all the fall trappings. The tension is high, the football is muddy, and the themes of identity and prejudice hit hard. Plus: early Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck in peak ‘90s brooding mode.

St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

The vibes here are messy, emotional, and so very ‘80s — perfect for fall. This Brat Pack drama follows a group of college grads navigating adulthood with dramatic monologues, oversized coats, and rainy D.C. streets. It’s a little chaotic, a little nostalgic, and a lot of emotional flannel energy.

Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

Set at a women’s college in 1950s New England, Mona Lisa Smile is like an academic version of a warm fall sweater. With golden-toned lecture halls, autumn dances, and art history debates, it’s all about women questioning tradition — with Julia Roberts leading the charge.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Good Will Hunting is a must-see for fans of fall movies. Matt Damon’s character, a brilliant mathematician, struggles with his past and potential. The movie balances humor and emotion, leaving audiences inspired and reflective. Don’t miss this timeless classic starring Robin Williams and Matt Damon.

The Blind Side (2009)

Warm, emotional, and based on a true story, The Blind Side brings all the fall feels. Sandra Bullock shines as a tough but compassionate Southern mom who helps a teen athlete find stability and purpose. It’s heartwarming, football-filled, and perfect for those post-Thanksgiving evenings.

Friday Night Lights (2004)

This isn’t just a football movie — it’s a portrait of small-town life in Texas, where fall means high school games, personal struggles, and big dreams under stadium lights. The movie captures both the adrenaline and heartbreak of the game, wrapped in a moody, late-October atmosphere.

Remember The Titans (2000)

Set during the fall football season in 1970s Virginia, Remember the Titans is the definition of a feel-good tearjerker. With changing leaves, high-stakes games, and powerful themes of unity and leadership, this is a fall sports movie that hits you right in the soul — and the soundtrack? Unbeatable.

Rudy (1993)

You can practically smell the dry leaves and stadium turf in this classic underdog story. Rudy is all grit and heart, set on the Notre Dame campus with enough school pride and determination to power you through any lazy Sunday. If you love rooting for the little guy, this one’s a must.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

In Silver Linings Playbook (2012), Bradley Cooper stars as Pat Solitano, a former teacher attempting to reconstruct his life following a stint in a mental institution. Jennifer Lawrence brings her characteristic fire to the role of Tiffany, a recently widowed young woman dealing with her own emotional struggles. As the two form an unlikely bond through a shared love of dance, the film explores themes of mental illness, family dynamics, and the search for personal redemption.

The Goonies (1985)

Few movies channel childhood adventure like The Goonies. It’s muddy, rainy, and full of secret passageways — basically a fall weekend dream if you were a kid in the ’80s. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or the treasure hunt vibes, it’s endlessly rewatchable.

Knives Out (2019)

Cozy sweaters. A sprawling mansion. Suspicion in the air. Knives Out is a murder mystery that practically screams “fall weekend watch.” It’s clever, stylish, and filled with family drama that unravels like a well-worn scarf — the kind of movie that pairs perfectly with cider and a thunderstorm.

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (1987)

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (1987) is a classic comedy that will have you laughing out loud while tugging at your heartstrings. Steve Martin plays Neal Page, a high-strung businessman desperate to get home to his family. John Candy plays Del Griffith, a talkative and jovial shower curtain ring salesman who seems to have bad luck following him everywhere he goes. When their flight diverts, they are forced to travel together, and hilarity ensues.

Coco (2017)

Set around Día de los Muertos, Coco is visually stunning, emotionally rich, and full of warm, golden hues that feel perfect for fall. The themes of memory, family, and tradition hit harder as the leaves turn and the season shifts inward. It’s the kind of movie that lingers long after the credits roll.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

No, it’s not set in fall — but between the coats, boots, and sharp winds of Manhattan, it feels autumn-coded. Watching Andy Sachs navigate the cutthroat world of fashion journalism is somehow even more satisfying when the air turns crisp and you’re in the mood for a glow-up with great coats.

Soul Food (1997)

Few films capture the warmth of family gatherings like Soul Food. Set across seasons but steeped in autumn energy — Sunday dinners, changing relationships, and heartfelt conversations over home-cooked meals — this one’s all about connection, resilience, and the power of tradition.

Over the Garden Wall

If autumn were distilled into a single piece of animation, it would be Over the Garden Wall. This whimsical and haunting miniseries follows two brothers lost in a mysterious forest full of talking animals, eerie towns, and fading memories. With its muted color palette, old-timey music, and Halloween-meets-folk-tale atmosphere, it’s a must-watch every fall — short, strange, and absolutely unforgettable.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) follows the Tenenbaum family, who are all geniuses in their own right but have fallen on hard times. The family patriarch, Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman), seeks to reconcile with his estranged wife, Etheline (Anjelica Huston), and their three children, all of whom are struggling with their own personal and emotional issues.

October Sky (1999)

Set in 1950s coal country during — you guessed it — October, this true story is as inspiring as it is autumnal. It follows a boy who dreams of building rockets, even as the world expects him to stay underground. It’s about hope, science, change, and chasing something more — all under crisp Appalachian skies.

Clue (1985)

Murder has never been more fun. Clue gives you a thunderstormy mansion, quirky characters, and a whodunnit so campy and quotable it demands rewatching. It’s like a board game night on Halloween — chaotic, hilarious, and perfect with popcorn.

Only Murders in the Building (2021-)

Cozy mystery meets true-crime obsession in this charming and surprisingly emotional series. With murder, podcasts, and Upper West Side apartments full of antique lamps and autumnal vibes, it’s a slow-burn whodunit perfect for sweater weather. Plus: Selena Gomez in amazing coats.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

Looking for fall movies to cozy up to this fall season? A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) starring Tom Hanks is the perfect choice. Based on the true story of Fred Rogers, the film explores themes of kindness, empathy, and forgiveness. It is a must-watch for viewers in need of a dose of positivity.

Love Story (1970)

Do you want to add a touch of romance to your fall movie marathon? Look no further than Love Story (1970), a heartbreaking tale of love and loss. The film follows the story of wealthy Harvard student Oliver (Ryan O’Neal) and working-class Radcliffe student Jenny (Ali MacGraw), who fall in love despite their different backgrounds. The couple’s love is put to the test when Jenny is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Overall, Love Story is a poignant and heartbreaking movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Wes Anderson’s warm color palette is autumn. Fantastic Mr. Fox is witty, whimsical, and visually drenched in rich oranges, mustard yellows, and russet reds. With its crisp dialogue, quirky characters, and countryside coziness, it’s the perfect offbeat pick for a fall movie night.

Autumn in New York (2000)

In the mood for a heartwarming yet bittersweet story set against the backdrop of a picturesque NYC? Look no further than this fall movie must-see Autumn in New York (2000). Richard Gere plays Will Keane, a charming restaurateur and notorious womanizer who falls for the much younger Charlotte Fielding, played by a radiant Winona Ryder.