40 Best Movies & Shows To Help You Get Into The Fall Spirit

The arrival of fall sometimes means the change in weather, brought by crisp air and yellowing leaves — and, every so often, also means the perfect atmosphere to curl up with a blanket, a cup of hot cocoa and a good fall-themed movie or show to marathon and enjoy the season with.

Whether you have Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, or Paramount+, there are plenty of options that will keep you entertained and will satisfy the seasonal crave for spooky, heartfelt or thrilling films. From pop culture classics like Twilight to newly beloved series like Heartstopper (and actual classics, such as Scream), they all have that thing about them that just announces that, well, it’s finally fall.

If getting ready for a good, old-fashioned binge is your tradition or even idea of fun during the season, here are 40 of the best movies and shows to watch in the fall that will keep you glued to your TV ‘til winter. Gather your friends, family, pets, or blanket and dive into the special selection.

Twilight (Prime Video, Apple TV)

Cue “Roslyn” by Bon Iver and St. Vincent. Ever since its release in 2008, Twilight has been loved, hated, and turned into a must-watch when we’re talking about fall. Whether it’s nostalgia or simply because of Forks’ cozy, chilly vibe, watching the fantasy films when summer ends has become almost a ritual to many Gen Zers out there. Werewolves, vampires and a little bit of Bella’s seasonal depression — just kidding — only add to the season’s charm.

Dead Poets Society (YouTube)

O, Captain, my captain! Starring Robin Williams, Dead Poets Society is a 1989 drama that all but introduced dark academia to the big screens. With heavy coats, prep school ambiance, and fallen leaves all around, the story of how an English teacher inspires his students to live unapologetically and find themselves matches deliciously with the new weather, along with the poetry quotes and reflections sprinkled throughout the movie. The film is free with ads through YouTube Movies & TV — no streaming service required.

Hocus Pocus (Hulu, Disney+)

Halloween time is almost synonymous to Disney’s Hocus Pocus. The 1993 flick tells the story of three witches who resurrect after 300 years after a young boy lights a cursed candle in Salem. It’s filled with childhood nostalgia, as well as all the spooky vibes that fall strings along. A sequel to the Halloween-time classic was also released in 2022, titled Hocus Pocus 2, and reunited the original Sanderson sisters in modern-day Salem.

Heartstopper (Netflix)

Based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novel, Heartstopper will warm your heart this fall. Depicting the self-discovery journey of Charlie, this coming-of-age series is an uplifting take on LGTBQ+ youth, friendships, and young romance, with plenty of fall foliage motifs sprinkled in thanks to the graphics.

Coco (Disney+)

Mexican culture, The Day of the Dead, music, and family love all come together in Coco. The 2018 animation tells the story of Miguel, who enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather and discover the meaning behind his family’s ancestral ban on music. Vibrant, inspiring and heartwarming, it will for sure leave you humming “Recuerdáme.”

Harry Potter series (Max, Peacock, Prime Video)

If you stop and think about it, the Harry Potter saga has some serious fall vibes. Back-to-school time, witches and wizards all around, and chilly weather go together perfectly with a cozy movie marathon this time of the year.

The Addams Family (Paramount+, Prime Video)

With a dark, gloomy mansion as a backdrop, The Addams Family (1991) is perfect to watch this fall. Grab a blanket and a bowl of popcorn or cup of hot cocoa to go along with the story of the iconic Addams characters and their spooky eccentricities.

Knives Out (Hulu)

Knives Out’s suspenseful plot and acid humor will keep you entertained from beginning to end. Featuring a star-studded cast and with the crisp air of seasons changing, the 2019 film will make you feel like you’ve been thrown right into a murder mystery book.

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

Only Murders in the Building is a charming yet suspenseful mystery that will keep you entertained this time of the year. If you’re a fan of true crime, the series will conquer you through familiarity: It tells the story of three true crime podcast enthusiasts who begin to investigate a murder that happened in their own building. Also, the hit show stars Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short. Definitely a plus!

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix)

A unique twist on the classic sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina showcases a moodier, darker, and more modern side to the story of the beloved witch. The suspense series reimagines the character with a lot of charm, and its suspenseful plot will make you hooked until the end.

Scream (Paramount+, AMC+, Philo)

Horror movies and fall time go together like Halloween and candy. So start out the season with the Scream franchise — whether it’s the earlier ones or 2022’s version, the slasher films are enjoyable all the same.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (Max, Prime Video)

Let the comfy, heartwarming atmosphere of Studio Ghibli’s movies be a part of your fall with Kiki’s Delivery Service. Depicting the story of a witch who leaves her home to start a delivery service throughout town, the feel-good film is ideal to have a chill night in or if you’re looking for a new autumn comfort movie.

The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)

The Haunting of Hill House is a horror drama miniseries. With two plots alternating at the same time — and jumping from past to present — the thought-provoking episodes show the paranormal experiences the residents of Hill House suffered while living there. The ending will blow your mind, as well as all the plot twists that pop up throughout the plot.

Autumn in New York (Prime Video, Tubi)

Autumn in New York will hit you right in the feels: About an aging playboy who falls in love with a terminally ill woman, the movie is bittersweet and will stay with you long after you’ve finished watching it. The fall backdrop of New York City adds a special touch to the story and will set you right in the mood for the season.

Jennifer’s Body (Max, Prime Video, Hulu)

Jennifer’s Body is a cult classic, horror film, and feminist icon all at once. Starring Megan Fox, the movie introduces Jennifer, a possessed cheerleader who starts to kill her male classmates. An acid comedy with quotes that often go viral on social media, it’s memorable by being strange and funny all at once.

Notting Hill (Hulu, Peacock)

Nothing hits the sweet spot in the fall time like a cozy rom-com. Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts, is a prime example of this — spanning throughout several seasons, the movie tells the story between a British bookseller and a famous American actress who happens to stumble into his shop in London.

Hereditary (Max, Hulu, Prime Video)

If you’re a fan of psychological horror films, then Hereditary should definitely be your pick this season. After the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, Annie is not only left to mourn the death of her mother, but she begins to discover things about her secretive and terrifying past. Strange things start to happen and even supernatural elements begin to get involved.

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix)

The Wes Anderson and Tim Burton-esque atmosphere, as well as the acidly funny and witty dialogue, of A Series of Unfortunate Events make it a must-watch, independent of the season. The Netflix series depicts the story of the unfortunate Baudelaire children after they are left orphans by a mysterious incident. It has stunning visuals, a plot that will always keep you on your toes, and the charisma of Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf, who constantly tries to steal the fortune of the Baudelaires.

Twitches (Disney+, Hulu)

Remember Twitches? This 2005 fantasy comedy will for sure give you a taste of your childhood. The film follows the story of twin sisters — played by Tia Mowry and Tamera Mowry — who were separated at birth and adopted by different families. When they meet for the first time, they discover that they have magical powers, and must use them to stop evil from taking over the world.

Gilmore Girls (Netflix)

Even if you haven’t watched it yet, Gilmore Girls embodies fall. Filled with coffee mugs, crisp weather and cozy mother-and-daughter moments, the series navigates the life of Lorelai and Rory in the small town of Stars Hollow.

Donnie Darko (Prime Video, Apple TV)

Real or imaginary? Donnie Darko is considered a cult classic. The 2001 film is labeled as a psychological thriller and introduces a troubled teenager who sees visions of a large rabbit named Frank. Set in the fall time, the flick’s setting is an element in itself in the story, since it mirrors the protagonist’s emotions.

Supernatural (Netflix, Hulu)

Follow the adventures of the Winchester brothers by watching Supernatural this fall. About two brothers who hunt ghosts, demons, and other, well, supernatural beings, the early 2000s show brings that needed mystery to the fall time and, of course, a lot of nostalgia.

Our Beloved Summer (Netflix)

Don’t let the title fool you, because this is perfect for the fall season. Our Beloved Summer is the K-drama you didn’t know you needed. The series, starring Choi woo-shik and Kim Da-mi, follows two high school sweethearts who broke up, but are brought together 10 years later when a documentary they filmed in high school becomes a hit. As they start to work together, you guessed it: Maybe there are still some feelings there…

Fantastic Mr. Fox (Max, Hulu, Prime Video)

Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox is a 2009 stop-motion animated comedy. With a witty, heartwarming plot, the movie follows Mr. Fox, a chicken thief who inspires the revenge of the farmers he usually steals from and needs to outsmart them to save his home.

Coraline (Max, Hulu, Prime Video)

If you were scared of Coraline as a child, you might want to give it another chance this fall. The animated film will serve a lot of spooky, creative, and suspenseful moments as it follows the character Coraline into another dimension.

The Edge of Seventeen (fuboTV, Hulu)

With Hailee Steinfield as the protagonist, The Edge of Seventeen is a bittersweet coming-of-age comedy. The movie portrays 17-year-old Nadine, who is feeling like an outsider as her parents are divorcing and her best friend is now dating her brother. Full of heart, it will resonate and be thought-provoking all at once.

Stranger Things (Netflix)

Will goes missing, Eleven has special powers, and there is something weird happening in Indiana: You probably know everything about Stranger Things’ plot already. But hear me out when I say that the drama series is perfect to watch during fall. With changing leaves, Halloween trick-or-treating, and a lot of mystery, the show will be best appreciated in this weather.

Murder on the Orient Express (Hulu)

Set in the fall of 1930, Murder On The Orient Express is based on the novel of the same name by Agatha Christie. It follows the journey on the Orient Express train until it is snowed in in a small town in Turkey — and when one of the passengers is found dead, every person onboard turns into a suspect.

Soul Food (Prime Video, Apple TV)

Soul Food is a 1997 comedy-drama film that delves into the lives of an African-American family in Chicago. As they go through their own personal struggles and deal with love, loss, and the importance of family, the movie takes you through a range of emotions all from the comfort of your own sofa.

The Devil Wears Prada (Hulu)

New York City in the fall, fashion, and a lot of hustle set the tone for The Devil Wears Prada. An iconic pop culture film, Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway can keep you seriously entertained.

Entergalactic (Netflix)

Created by and with a soundtrack by Kid Cudi, Entergalactic is centered around the story of two young, Black artists falling in love. As Jabari lives out his newfound success as a comic creator, he moves into his dream Manhattan apartment to find love waiting next door with Meadow, his neighbor.

Little Women (Starz, Hulu, Prime Video)

Little Women will for sure bring you warmth this time of the year. Directed by the acclaimed Greta Gerwig, director of Barbie, this retelling of the classic novel of the same name follows the life of the March sisters as they learn about love, individuality, and the importance of family. With stunning set designs and relatable characters, the movie is guaranteed to keep you good company.

Pride & Prejudice (Netflix)

I don’t know if it’s just me, but fall vibes just match period dramas. Pride & Prejudice (2005) is an example of that — this story of an enemies-to-lovers romance by literary icon Jane Austen will make you swoon and feel all fuzzy inside. It is also set in the English countryside during the fall, which turns it into an even more compelling watch this season. 

Goblin (Viki, Prime Video)

Goblin is often listed as one of the most memorable K-dramas to date, and not without reason. The fantasy romance is centered around an immortal goblin, played by Gong Yoo, who has been waiting for his bride for centuries. When they meet, however, it doesn’t go entirely as expected. Filled with witty bits, romance, and tear-jerking moments, the series will keep you hooked until the end.

Abbott Elementary (Hulu, Max, ABC, fuboTV)

Going back to school can be fun, and Abbott Elementary is proof of that. The mockumentary follows a group of dedicated teachers in a public Philadelphia school as they try to inspire their students despite all the adversities, like being underfunded and having a questionable principal. With peak humor, social commentary, and likable characters, Abbott Elementary is a great option for a marathon.

The Half of It (Netflix)

The LGBTQ+ comedy The Half of It is similar to my favorite romantic comedies, but with a little twist. When Ellie Chu decides to write a love letter for a jock in exchange for money, she doesn’t really expect to become his friend — or, worse, fall for the recipient of his letter. It’s a simple yet refreshing watch.

Dear White People (Netflix)

A satirical comedy-drama series, Dear White People follows a group of Black students at Winchester University, a predominantly white Ivy League college. Praised for its humor, social commentary, and diverse cast, the show is thought-provoking and, at the same time, highly entertaining.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (Netflix)

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is a charming, romantic comedy about Lara Jean, a high schooler who writes letters to her crushes, but never sends them. Once the letters are accidentally mailed, though, her life seems to take a turn. A feel-good movie, it’s perfect to wind down with a bowl of popcorn and just have fun.

Modern Love (Prime Video)

The anthology Modern Love is perfect for this season. By portraying love from different perspectives and through different stories, The New York Times’ inspired series is a comforting rom-com to binge-watch. Its standalone episodes are based on true stories and its tenderness will for sure warm you up with emotional performances.

Heathers (Prime Video, Tubi, Starz)

As a musical or movie, Heathers is perfect for this chilly season. Set in the fall, the cult classic adds the Halloween aesthetic to its mystery atmosphere as it portrays the life of Veronica Sawyer, a high school student who gets involved with the newcomer J.D. and all his murders throughout town. Biting humor and satire, dark backdrop and kind of macabre theme, Heathers is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a spooky yet still funny watch.

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