12 or so movies you should watch to get into the fall spirit:

There’s something in the air, the leaves are changing color and falling, and everything around us is suddenly overtaken by the sweet and delicious smell of pumpkin spice; it’s officially fall season. You see jack-o-lanterns and scarecrows everywhere, all the kids are picking out their costumes for Halloween and in every department store, there’s an abundance of throw pillows and less than practical decorations with some motif regarding autumn. With this sudden change of season, there’s lots of excitement and disillusion. For some of us who might not want to go out and experience everything that fall has to offer at first hand (or just can’t because of where we are located), our solution is to watch some feel-good movies that are set in the autumnal months. Because of this, I decided to compile a list of some of my favorite movies that I recommend watching during the fall season. 

1.  A classic for a classic season – “When Harry Met Sally” (1989):

“When Harry Met Sally” is not just a classic romcom, but also THE best fall movie of all time. Set in the heart of New York City, the story follows the titular characters Sally and Harry, (brilliantly played by Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal) who first meet in 1977, when they both share a continuous car ride from Chicago to New York, during which they argue whether men and women can truly be friends without sex getting in the way. Ten years later, they meet and decide to be friends–without sex becoming an issue between the two. With its beautiful shots of autumn New York, the seasonal fashion that still holds up today and its fun storyline these are just a few of the reasons why it is the best fall movie of all time. 

2. For a scary good time –  “Addams family” (1991) and “Addams Family Values” (1993):

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ooky, the Addams family. In all seriousness though, the Addams family beloved by many and  is one of the best movies set in fall. If you feel like having a light-hearted scary time and enjoy some laughs, the Addams Family movies give you just that. Both movies bring an air of nostalgia and perfectly encapsulate what Halloween is about: a scary good time. If this isn’t enough to persuade you, think of the fun cast the movies have, from Angelica Huston, Christina Ricci, Christine Baraski and Joan Cusack. 

3. Who doesn’t love a good mystery – “Clue” (1985) and “Knives Out” (2019):

If you’re anything like me, then you love a good murder mystery, and what better murder mysteries are there than 1985’s cult-classic “Clue” and 2019’s box-office success “Knives Out”. Both movies offer a great and entertaining plot with the quintessential autumn setting. 

“Clue”, which is based on the popular children’s board game, centers around the 6 blackmail victims who are invited to a dinner party at an isolated mansion by the very person who is blackmailing them. Upon arriving, each of the guests are given a pseudonym drawn from the Cluedo, before meeting their blackmailer. Afterwards, each of them is given a unique murder weapon (like in the board game), the lights are turned off and it is revealed their blackmailer has been killed. The guests try to figure out who’s responsible, as the bodies start piling up. It is also worth noting that the movie has 3 different endings where it is revealed who did it.

“Knives Out” on the other hand, centers around the Thrombey family and the mysterious death of the patriarch of the family, Harlan Thrombey, a famous crime novelist. We are given an array of colorful characters with no scruples and regard for the well being of others. You’ll witness star-studded cast members from the likes of Daniel Craig, who you might know for playing 007, Toni Collect, Ana De Armas and the man who sent the Internet into a frenzy for wearing a turtleneck in this movie, Chris Evans. If that isn’t reason enough to watch the movie then I don’t know what is. 

4. For the romantically depressed at heart – “Pride and Prejudice” (2005): 

“You have bewitched me body and soul”, better words have never been said. The story goes, boy meets girl during the regency era and they fall in love. Except it’s not that simple, in fact it’s really depressing and utterly perfect. From the long glancing looks, to the silent yearning and the emotional turmoil of having to fight your feelings for the sake of pride. “Pride and Prejudice” is just that and more, and I haven’t even mentioned the breathtaking shots in this movie. Watch it, you won’t regret it.

5. Running away from a serial killer never looked hotter – “Scream” (1996):

“Please don’t kill me Mr. Ghostface I wanna be in the sequel!”. Name a more quotable and iconic movie than 1996’s “Scream”, I’ll wait. “Scream” has it all: comedy, memorable fashion moments, hot serial killers and murder. This Fall classic completes Halloween with its witty and sarcastic dialogue, which brilliantly pokes fun at the cliches of well known scary movies (think of the pda couple who gets killed or the famous “who’s there” phrase). Other highlights from the movie include, the 15 minute long oscar worthy scene with the one and only Drew Barrymore fighting for her life; and it’s star- studded cast from the likes of Matthew Lillard, Courtney Cox, Neve Campbell and Rose McGowan; the movie is simply genius. 

6. Welcome back to school – “Princess Diaries” (2001) and “A Cinderella Story” (2004):

The more than unrealistic view I had of high school is because of these two movies. “Princess Diaries” stars Anne Hathaway, who plays Mia Thermoplolis, a shy and reserved nerdy girl who turns out to be a princess (and in addition to that stunningly beautiful, i know, really shocking stuff). The movie feels like a breath of fresh air, the plot isn’t too dramatic and Mandy Moore does a musical number. What more can you ask?

“A Cinderella Story” is not any less impressive, with Disney Channel royalty Hilary Duff playing the lead alongside the Chad Michael Murray a.k.a every girl’s dream guy from the age of 5 to I don’t know when and who can forget Jennifer Coolidge as the evil stepmother. Aside from casting, the movie also has one of the best Halloween party scenes with some of the most iconic costume reveals ever. Hilary wearing a wedding dress to a party is something, but the ones who steal the show are the mean girls in the movie with their angel inspired costumes. Anyway, it’s safe to say you’ll have a fun time watching any of the two.

7. Let the nostalgia take you in – Harry Potter Franchise (2001- 2011):

I mean it’s Harry Potter, what is there more to say? The movie was made to be seen during fall; I’m not gonna say much about it, just watch the movies and have a good time.

Side note: If you’ve never heard of or seen any of the movies then this is the part where you read what Harry Potter is about. 

Meet Harry, a 11 year old kid who’s just learned that he’s a wizard on his birthday and now must attend Hogwarts (a.k.a the least safe school imaginable) to learn everything there is about magic. While there, he meets Ron and Hermione who soon become his best friends and help him find the truth about his parents mysterious death and where he comes from. Not to mention, he also has an egotistical psychopathic dark wizard, known as Lord Voldemort, who’s sole mission is to kill him and take over the wizarding world (I know really complex stuff). As the movies go on, we see Harry take on many challenges and grow as one of the best wizards that ever lived. 

I’m not going to spoil anything else, the rest is for you to find out; and I promise the movies are good and not just centered around the really dark and gloomy stuff. You’ll find lots of heart and comedy in them and learn to cherish them like everybody else.

8. An unlikely romcom – Silver Linings Playbook (2012):

This one is for all the mentally ill people who think that they can’t find love. Set during the fall season in Philadelphia, Bradley Cooper plays Pat, a man who has just been released from a mental institution center and now has to rebuild his life while he lives at his parents house. Jennifer Lawrence plays Tiffany, a widow who has some issues of her own too. They meet each other at their worst and form an unlikely friendship that later blossoms into an unexpected romance between the two. At its heart is a bittersweet story about finding one’s self and that special person that gets you for who you are.

Side note: there’s also a really fun dance number near the end of the movie.

9. Spooky witchy vibe – “The Craft” (1996) and “Practical Magic” (1998):

Yes, “Hocus Pocus” is a fun and entertaining movie, but we have to admit that it is overly done. So, here I give you two alternative options that are just as good, if not better. Set in a small-town during the fall season, both movies bring a mystic and eclectic sense to the screen. “The Craft”, which is the darker of the two, feels like a combination between the movie “Heathers” and “Hocus Pocus”. The movie explores the friendships of 4 girls who happen to share telekinetic powers and what happens when they unleash their potential and are driven power-hungry. The other, “Practical Magic”, is the representation of the show “Gilmore Girls” if it had magic. The fall aesthetic really shines through and it’s also worth noting that the fashion in both movies are out of this world.

10. For when you feel lost in the world – “Dead Poets Society” (1989) and “Good Will Hunting” (1997):

Here’s a Robin Williams double feature for you to enjoy. Both movies deal with the sense of loss and not knowing what your place in this world is. I do have to say that unlike the others, these two movies put fall in the front form of the screen, which help balance the dramatic existential feelings by providing a calming environment.

11.  So you like vampires – “Twilight Franchise” (2008-2012):

Whether you like it or not, the Twilight franchise has left an impact in our pop culture. From its cheesy overly dramatic lines, to the war-like environment that was choosing between Edward or Jacob, to its amazing soundtrack. So, what should you do? Watch it and enjoy the unintentional comedy that is Twilight.

12. Stop Motion all the way – “Coraline” (2009) and “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009):

Finally, I give you the magnificently beautiful movies that are “Coraline” and “The Fantastic Mr. Fox”. Both movies from the same year, are made by the impressive art that is stop motion animation. Although very different in aesthetics, both deal with problems of family and finding meaning in life. “Coraline” perfectly embodies Halloween without trying, with its spooky and sometimes creepy vibes – let’s not forget about that terrifying scene near the end with the Other Mother and Coraline. And “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is the representation of fall itself, with its soft yellow and rich orange colors, providing a relaxing background to an entertaining movie.

Whether you get to experience the fall season firsthand or not, these movies sure help you get into the spirit of what’s to come for the next few months. Of course, there’s plenty of more options to choose from like “Halloween”, “Runaway Bride” or “Little Women”, to name a few, but for now I hope that you at least check out one of the many that I recommended. That’s all for now and happy fall season!

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• #halloween
• autumn
• entertainment