20 Best Movies To Watch To Get In The Fall Mood
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Personally, I find autumn the perfect time to curl up and watch a movie. After the breakneck pace of summer, there’s nothing I want to do more than curl up on the couch and flip on the TV with a fluffy blanket and a cozy mug of something warm. Once the weather starts to change, I can fully indulge my fantasy without feeling guilty for wasting a beautiful summer day.
Whether you’re looking for an autumnal classic or a tried-and-true horror movie, there is certainly a movie on this list to get you in the mood for fall. Have some popcorn and your favorite movie candy ready, because I know you’ll want to kick back and relax with one of these autumn movies below.
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Best Scary Movies
When you think of an “autumn movie,” I’m sure the first thing that comes to mind is a scary one. While everyone has their own preferences, here are some of the best horror movies to watch this fall.
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The Silence Of The Lambs
Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is absolutely in the Horror Film Hall of Fame for her iconic detective work in The Silence of the Lambs. With bone-chilling performances from Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter and Ted Levine as Buffalo Bill, this movie will certainly get you ready for spooky season.
Watch This: When you’re looking for a movie that will scare you and make you think.
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Halloween
Is Michael Myers the scariest horror villain of all time? Although I am not the definitive authority on this question, my vote is certainly yes. Halloween was also Jamie Lee Curtis’ breakout role, and she serves some seriously unforgettable lines.
Watch This: When you’re in the mood for a true slasher.
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Coraline
Yes, a claymation movie can be considered horror! Coraline probably doesn’t have you shaking in your boots the same way some of these other films do, but I’m sure we can all agree that Other Mother is terrifying.
Watch This: When you are in the mood for a creative horror film.
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The Blair Witch Project
Even though The Blair Witch Project is not the first “found footage” film to come out of Hollywood, it did bring the style to the mainstream media. The movie campaign was so successful in making the “recovered” film seem legitimate that many moviegoers thought that the movie was based on real events! Use this movie as an excuse to not explore the woods after dark with your friends this fall.
Watch This: Anytime, but do not watch this before going camping.
Image: Wikipedia
Barbarian
Despite the fact that this movie hit the box office in 2022, it is already considered a quintessential Halloween horror. Set in an Airbnb in Detroit, Barbarian is so much more than just a horror film; it’s a movie on feminism and the plight of womanhood.
Watch This: When you are looking for a new twist on horror.
Now streaming on Max and Hulu
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Hereditary
I was well into my 20s when Hereditary came out, and I still had to call my parents to do a full sweep of my closet before I was able to fall asleep at night. Toni Collette delivers an unforgettable performance as Annie Graham that will have you gripped with terror and intrigue. All that being said, this is one of my favorite movies of all time.
Watch This: When you want a slow-burn scary movie.
Classic Fall Movies
If you’re in the market for more of a wholesome movie and less of a nightmare inducing one, don’t panic, because I’ve got you covered! Autumn does not only mean thrillers, there are some all-time classics as well. Here’s what I consider the cream of the crop.
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Practical Magic
Does it get any better than the late 90s pairing of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman? Practical Magic contains everything a fall movie should: incredible outfits, strong female leads, and a romantic subplot. Not to mention, it advocates for Midnight Margaritas. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Watch This: When you want to get into witchcraft.
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Van Helsing
Even though Van Helsing is not one of Hugh Jackman’s better known roles, I argue that it should be. In the movie, he is a monster hunter gallivanting throughout Europe. Need I say more?
Watch This: When you’re craving the height of the mid-2000s action movies.
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The Rocky Horror Picture Show
There is no way to describe just how influential Dr. Frankenfurter and the cast of Rocky Horror have become since its release in 1975. It has transcended icon status and transformed into cult-classic. Bonus points if you watch at a local theater with a shadow cast!
Watch This : When you are prepared to do the time warp. Again.
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Hocus Pocus
I would be remiss to not include the Sanderson Sisters on this list. With unbelievably quotable lines, Hocus Pocus stands the test of time and remains a one of the best fall movies.
Watch This: When you want a goofy, feel-good movie.
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Beetlejuice
I really don’t like to play favorites. But Beetlejuice really does have it all. Young Winona Ryder? Michael Keaton as a friendly demon? What else do you want out of a Halloween classic?
Watch This: When you are looking for a shot of nostalgia.
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E.T.
Even though E.T. might have scared you as a kid, I promise revisiting as an adult is not nearly as frightening. It delivers all the cozy fall feelings you crave, and Drew Barrymore is just as adorable as you remember.
Watch This: When you’re looking for a movie on friendship.
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Clue
Forget board game night, you should watch them instead! Play along with the film to see who did it where and with what. You might even want to host a Tim Curry double feature!
Watch This: When you want to see a cult classic.
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Edward Scissorhands
Who would have guessed this wacky concept could create such a heartfelt romance movie? A gentle giant, Edward is a misunderstood man with a heart of gold, certain to give you all the Fall Feelings.
Watch This: When you’re looking for an unlikely romance.
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Ghostbusters
Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters is full of iconic, quotable lines that still make me laugh. Get in the fall mood with the ghostbusting team and don’t forget to not get slimed.
Watch This: When you need a good laugh.
Coziest Autumn Aesthetic
When it comes to aesthetics, the fall has truly every other time of year beat. Cozy knit sweaters amongst the bright background of leaves makes for an unbeatable look!
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Good Will Hunting
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck created a true masterpiece when they cooked up Good Will Hunting. Launching them into super success, the film is an absolute classic and still deserves all its accolades, decades later. How you like them apples?
Watch This: When you are missing Robin Williams.
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The Cider House Rules
Set in coastal Maine, The Cider House Rules is literally covered in autumn leaves. Heartbreaking and beautiful, this movie is still shockingly politically relevant.
Watch This: When you want to visit the East Coast.
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Little Women
While I prefer Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation, the 1994 version of Little Women, will do just as well! Explore sisterhood and the joys of a simple lifestyle in this coming-of-age movie. The March Sisters will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Watch This: When you’re missing your siblings.
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Autumn In New York
The season is literally in the title. Autumn? And in New York? The leaves are golden, the scarves are long, and the romance is steamy. Not to mention, Winona Ryder is the lead!
Watch This: When you’re looking for a heartfelt tearjerker.
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When Harry Met Sally
This is the rom-com to end all rom-coms. The cast, the costumes, the anticipation of Harry and Sally getting together? Come on! I’ll have what they’re having.
Watch This: When you want to fall in love.
New (to you!) Movies to Test Out
Even though I love an iconic film (can’t you tell?), sometimes I want to see something I’ve never seen or heard of. As you’re gearing up for autumn, test out some of these new-to-you movies. I’m sure they’ll become instant classics in your life.
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Beau Is Afraid
This 2023 tour de force from Joquain Phoenix and director Ari Aster may leave you with more questions than answers. But autumn is the perfect time for a creepy movie that might have you feeling afraid right along with Beau.
Watch This: When you have three hours to spare.
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Portrait Of A Lady On Fire
Unless you speak French, you’ll have to watch this movie with subtitles on, but do not let that get in the way of beholding this film! This sapphic love story will have you in tears by the end, wondering just how life can be so cruel.
Watch This: When you need a good cry.
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Onward
Do not let the animation fool you! This is one of the most moving movies I’ve watched in recent memory (even though I am a big softie). Onward is set in a mystical universe where elves go to high school and manticores own restaurants. The settings give it the whimsy that every good autumn movie should have, but the plot is so much deeper than that.
Watch This: When you’re with your siblings.
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Soul Food
Although this movie debuted out in 1997, I’d still guess it’s new to you. Soul Food follows the lives of one family who, despite everything, still make Sunday dinners a can’t-miss event.
Watch This: When you’re eating Thanksgiving leftovers. (Yes, that is still fall!)
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The Silent Twins
Based on the true story, The Silent Twins recounts the lives of identical twins, June and Jennifer Gibbons. Definitely creepy and definitely true, this movie will have you glad that you don’t have a twin sibling.
Watch This: When you need to scratch your true crime itch.
