As the summer comes to a close and the seasons change, nothing gets me more excited for the month of October quite like the start of fall. Fall has always been one of my favorite times of year, especially as someone from Washington, where the trees turn the most stunning shades of orange, yellow, and red. There’s truly something magical about this time of year—whether it’s the crispness in the air or the gradual fading of summer. Either way, I love it! To celebrate, here are a few of my favorite TV shows and movies that get me into the fall spirit.
To start off the spooky season, my absolute go-to fall show is Gilmore Girls. While the show follows Lorelai and Rory throughout the year, most of its best moments seem to take place in the fall.The pilot episode takes place at the beginning of the school year, and the intro is filled with scenic shots of falling leaves, giving Gilmore Girls an undeniable autumn aura. The first time I watched it was coincidentally also in September, so maybe that’s why it feels so closely tied to the season for me!! If you love drama, witty banter, and pop-culture references, this show is a must for getting into the fall spirit.
When it comes to fall movies, I have four favorites. The first is Hocus Pocus, a fun Halloween classic starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson Sisters. It’s full of spooky charm, set in Salem, Massachusetts, and laced with ’90s nostalgia. Though it terrified me as a kid, I can’t go an October without watching it now! If you haven’t seen Hocus Pocus yet, it’s a must for the fall season.
My next favorite fall staple is Halloweentown. Every Halloween I would watch and wish to be Marnie. I mean who wouldn’t want to find out they had magical powers and save a town filled with mystical creatures? Watching this movie every October takes me right back to being a little girl, dreaming of magical adventures!
Another classic fall movie for me is E.T. This movie has a perfect autumn vibe with its darker lighting and Halloween setting. There’s something so touching about a group of kids banding together to help save the world. The ending always brings me to tears, and the soundtrack is one I love listening to while doing homework. If you haven’t seen E.T., add it to your fall watchlist—you won’t regret it!
Lastly, nothing gets me into the fall spirit more than the Harry Potter movies. The magical elements, cozy lighting, and scenes like the fall feast at Hogwarts make it a perfect autumn watch. These films transport you to a world of wonder, while also feeling as warm and comforting as reuniting with old friends. A Harry Potter marathon is a fall tradition I always look forward to.
These are my favorite fall movies and TV shows and I hope these recommendations spark new ideas that can help you get into the fall spirit! Happy fall!