As the weather gets colder, the need to be snuggled up and watching a movie becomes a necessity. I tend to rewatch the same list of movies every year and set off at the start of autumn. To set the mood of the upcoming cozy season, romantic comedies, dramas, and timeless classics serve as the best comfort watches while cuddling up on the couch, dorm rooms, or best friends’ apartments with a sweet treat and tasty drink.
Here are some of my favorite fall watches to mark the season!
Little Women (2019)
This film is an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel and follows the livelihoods of the March sisters (Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy). These sisters grow up in rural 19th-century Massachusetts while overcoming poverty, societal gendered restrictions, and their father being away during the Civil War. This demonstrates how each sister follows their paths but bonded through their familial connection.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Imagine 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts, the peak of the witch trials, and the Sanderson sisters capture children to regain their innocence/youth by performing rituals that drain the lives of the children. After being captured by the townspeople and executed, they vow to wreak havoc when they return. Three hundred years after this vow, local teenagers bring back the coven on Halloween night and deal with the mischief throughout the night.
Bottoms (2023)
This film is on the newer side, however, it is a fantastic watch. Two seniors, PJ and Josie, in high school curate a fight club to hook up with girls. These two slowly realize they are over their heads when the popular students in the school start beating each other in the name of self-defense. At first, I was a little hesitant to watch this movie but it was surprisingly interesting and the Queer representation was pleasant to witness. This film might be on the outlier side of the list; however, I still recommend it as a raunchy comedy.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
13-year-old Kiki is a new witch with her sidekick black cat, Jiji, who tries to harness her powers in a small coastal town. After learning how to control her broomstick, Kiki starts a flying courier service in the community and overcomes any self-doubt she may have in her abilities. Miyazaki, the director and creator, makes this film exciting and amusing to watch due to the playfulness of the plotline and the overall kid-friendly aspect makes the film lighthearted.
The Addams Family (1991)
An absolute classic, Morticia and Gomez are the dream couple and I find this film so enticing through the filmography and keen eye of every detail. The comedic timing of some characters and lines adds to the ambience of the film, which is why I keep going back. The reconnection between Gomez and Fester is extremely heartwarming and lighter to watch when wanting the drama, romance, and comedy all in one.
The Twilight Saga (2008 – 2012)
Even though Twilight has plot holes and seems unrealistic, I can’t help but to rewatch every year. The role of Vampires and Werewolves interacting with a human girl gives me Wattpad vibes again; however, it is becoming more and more nostalgic to watch. This teen romance can be humorous at times, but the intensity of the plot and growing love between Bella and Edward traps me into the cycle of binge watching the saga in a single sitting.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
What a better way to start the season than fashion week. A recent college graduate lands a job at a prestigious Runway magazine underneath a brutal editor and tries to survive the grim treatment. The detail to outfits, comedic-drama scripting, and the scenery in New York conveys the perfect fall season and clothing inspiration!
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Based on a story from Roald Dahl, this claymation film is extremely fall vibes through the vivid colors of each character and the detailing made into the scenery. The browns, corduroys, oranges, yellows, everything about the outfits, color palette, and seasonal changes in the film convey the best fall feeling.
As for the plot, the tale of a brave fox starting a revolution against the noxious group of farmers sets a comical tone and displays a sense of community, especially for the Thanksgiving season.
School of Rock (2003)
An overly enthusiastic band member is desperate to find a job and has the bright idea of posing as a substitute teacher for an elite private elementary school. He exposes hard rock music to his students and slowly curates a band to redeem himself at a local Battle of the Bands competition. Throughout this film, I laughed so hard and was completely in love with the plot. It was an unserious watch and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.
Coraline (2009)
Coraline Jones, a young girl, moves to a new house filled with strange neighbors and secret doors that lead to alternate worlds. This new world has everything she could ask for and dreamed of; however, it’s too good to be true.
I absolutely am obsessed with this movie and highly recommend it to everyone who hasn’t seen it. The colors, stop motion process, and plotline is so entertaining and enticing that I rewatch more times than I can count. Every detail, even in the background, has meaning to the plot and nothing was filmed without the intention of providing context or foreshadowing the ending.
If you or anyone you may know needs a movie to watch, then give these films a shot. Grab some popcorn, a savory snack, and a fun drink to start this cozy season off the right foot!