Edited by- Aashi Galriya
Fall season is officially here! It is that time of the year when the fun summer mood morphs into something more somber as the air itself bears a tinge of nostalgia and indicates the arrival of winter soon. The season is known for its Halloween celebrations, cozy cable-knit sweaters and Pumpkin Spice Lattes. To ward off the seasonal melancholy with the arrival of autumn, here are some of the best film and television series recommendations that you can enjoy with friends and family to gear up for the spooky season.
- When Harry Met Sally
A little bit of romance is always welcome with the arrival of the autumn season and all things golden. Directed by Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally radiates a cozy autumn feeling that is perfect for the fall season.
- Hocus Pocus
Directed by Kenny Ortega, Hocus Pocus will make you rethink everything you know about spooky witches (and the Salem Witch Trials). Ignite your inner child with the resurrection of the three witches, and let the whimsical costumes become your inspiration for this Halloween season.
- Gilmore Girls
The age old debate of the best boyfriend continues with Gilmore Girls (Team Jess will ALWAYS reign supreme). A show that is full of Luke’s famous coffee, Lorelia’s motherly advice and Rory’s academic weapon energy, Gilmore Girls will teleport you back to the town of Stars Hollow this season.
- Dead Poets Society
Oh Captain, my Captain – the time for all of us to sit around the fireplace and read the poems of Lord Byron and Emily Dickinson has arrived at last! Though a classic for the literature enthusiasts, the Dead Poets Society has much more to offer than just literature. Robin Williams’s advice on what makes life truly worth living makes this film heartfelt and bittersweet.
- Little Miss Sunshine
Directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, Little Miss Sunshine is the story of a dysfunctional family that decides to travel across the country in a yellow, rickety old minivan, all for the youngest daughter Olive’s beauty pageant. An extremely emotional rollercoaster ride with an unexpected ending, the film reminds you to value familial relationships and look out for each other.
- Before Sunrise
Starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delphy, Before Sunrise is painted in autumn hues throughout the film. The story follows two people, Jesse and Celine, who meet on a train in Europe and go on to have a conversation that would alter the course of their lives.
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” A film that is grounded in reality and deals with existential anxieties in the most wholesome way, coupled with perfect comedic timing, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a carefree watch that will compel you to look beyond the conventional aspects of life and embrace individuality.
- Heathers
If you are into drama, theater and musicals, then Heathers is the perfect film for you. One of the iconic films of the 1980s starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers is a thrilling killer clique for the spooky season. It has just the right amount of murder mystery, drama and lots of sassy wit.
- Fantastic Mr. Fox
This animated classic film could not be any more charming. With Wes Anderson’s directorial visionary, the Fantastic Mr. Fox conveys a message that is abundant in love and wisdom. Besides being an animated masterpiece, the film is also visually pleasing as it rightfully captures the essence of autumnal hues.
- It’s the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Despite being kids, Charlie Brown and his group of friends are always ready to ponder upon the great questions of the universe. Seasonal depression is one of the many things that affect Charlie Brown. This short animated film is specially dedicated to the fall season, as Charlie Brown and his best friend Linus navigate their way through an age old myth as well as a few good old pumpkins!
- Lady Bird
Directed by Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird is an exceptionally hilarious coming of age indie movie. Christine McPherson a.k.a Lady Bird is a senior at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic High School. She spends most of her time navigating through the hurdles of teen life and making (really) bad decisions. The end sequence of the film when Lady Bird’s mom is driving through Sacramento shares the same wistful nostalgia that autumn tends to bring around (the scene is guaranteed to make you cry).
- Little Women
A classic retelling of the famous novel written by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, directed by Greta Gerwig, is a masterclass in storytelling. Inspired by real life experiences, Little women is a timeless, age-old classic that portrays the power of sisterhood, love and resilience from the perspective of the March Sisters through the years.
- Kiki’s Delivery Service
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Kiki’s Delivery Service follows the story of Kiki, who desires to be an independent witch. On the surface level, it might seem like just a delightful animated film, but it also deals beautifully with sensitive topics pertaining to failure and loss. And of course, Studio Ghibli films are therapeutic for the mind and the soul!
- Edward Scissorhands
Another cult classic, starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder, and directed by Tim Burton, the movie is an eponym. . The film is quite literally about Edward, a man who has scissor hands. Things start to go south when Edward is accused of a crime that he does not commit. The film is perfect for a Halloween night, especially with the touch of an unexpected romance.
- The Parent Trap
The Parent Trap is undoubtedly a blast from the past! (if the oldies consent to considering the early 2000’s as past, of course!) It all begins when identical twins Hallie and Annie meet at a summer camp after having been separated for years owing to their parents’ divorce. The Parent Trap is picture perfection with Lindsay Lohan’s sensational performance that will teleport you back in time.