Best Films for Fall

By Jade J. Grade 10

Fall, the season of colorful leaves coating the floor and rainy weather to stay shielded from inside. The season where pumpkin is the preferred flavor, and the smell of baked goods and spices waft through the air. Where all you want to do is stay nestled on the couch with a blanket and a good movie. While there is a wide range of eligible movies under the “fall” category, only some fall into the top 8 or so. Now, what makes a fall film, a fall film? To state the obvious, films set in autumn.  This includes Halloween or Thanksgiving-based movies. But also, films that have that comforting and warm fall feel.  

1. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Meg Ryan stars alongside Billy Crystal in this comforting rom-com classic about Harry and Sally, strangers that become acquainted one day and never see each other again until 5 years later, where they then have to face their feelings for one another. Because Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan rock fall attire, eat pumpkin pie and take strolls in autumnal Central Park this movie should make your fall watch list.

2. Knives Out (2019)

If you aren’t a fan of rom-coms, “Knives Out” also checks all the fall movie boxes. A murder mystery following the death of Harlan Thrombey, a wealthy grandfather/father, in which all of his close relatives are suspects. Featuring a large cast including, Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Toni Collette, and more, “Knives Out” presents a side of autumn that is broody and bookish. It is primarily set on the Thrombey estate, a gloomy mansion surrounded by a forest of autumn foliage. And if you’re still not sold, Libby B., a tenth grader and self- proclaimed movie lover, summed it up perfectly, “Knives Out because Chris Evans in a sweater, hello?”

3. Beetlejuice (1988)

On the Halloween-y theme, it only seems appropriate that “Beetlejuice”  makes the list, due to the recent release of “Beetlejuice 2.” “Beetlejuice” is fit for fall with it is spooky, Halloween-y plot. The plot is about a couple who die, become ghosts and work to scare off a family looking to buy their house from when they were alive, with actors like Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara portraying the family. The film is directed by Tim Burton, who, if you don’t know, has a reputation for making films with a gothic aesthetic. With a humorous take on ghosts, and the afterlife as a whole, “Beetlejuice” is a must-watch. 

4. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

It would not be a complete list without the inclusion of“Charlie Brown”. Technically, a kid’s movie, “Charlie Brown”is still excellent for all ages. This adorable film tells a tale of friendship following the character, Linus, on an eventful night in a pumpkin patch. There is no denying that pumpkins scream “fall,” also with the topic of friendship, it resonates with Thanksgiving, and the message of gratitude. 

“I love Charlie Brown, it’s the perfect feel-good movie,” Charlotte H., Grade 10, said. 

5. Harry Potter (And the Prisoner of Azkaban) (2004)

“Harry Potter,” specifically the “Prisoner of Azkaban”, I would definitely recommend as a fall film. There is no denying that “Harry Potter” achieves coziness when it comes to seasons and holidays, and the “Prisoner of Azkaban” is the most fall-like. The frequent appearance of pumpkins, the dim lighting, and Hogwarts’ famous big feasts, that resemble Thanksgiving dinner.  Still, with a fascinating plot about wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley at the Wizardry and Witchcraft school, Hogwarts.   

6. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)

When Neal’s flight home for Thanksgiving gets cancelled, he is forced to figure out another way to get home on time, and along the way he crosses paths with Del, a salesman. To offer more range, this film is a funny story on the day of Thanksgiving, with comedic legends, Steve Martin and John Candy. Though “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” is set during Thanksgiving, it has Christmassy features, like snow and the general storyline. However, this is part of the appeal because who wouldn’t like a movie set in fall, with the structure of a Christmas movie.  

7. The Addams Family (1991)

With the absolutely enviable romance between Morticia and Gomez Addams, and the sinister ways of the whole family, “The Addams Family” is designed for fall. And there is no going wrong with the 1991 version with Christina Ricci as Wednesday. The Addams family are a family known to be different and eccentric, and in the 1991 version, the family deal with a loan shark impersonating a distant family member.  “The Addams Family” is also the ultimate Halloween costume.

8. You’ve Got Mail (1998)

“You’ve Got Mail” is a witty rom-com starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. It tells the story of Kathleen (Meg Ryan), and Joe (Tom Hanks) who have connected online, yet are unaware that in reality, they are actually opponents in the bookstore industry. Although the film seemingly takes place from fall to spring, its atmosphere makes it predominantly a fall film. “You’ve Got Mail” has concocted the perfect recipe for a fall aesthetic; from being set in New York, to the many scenes in a small local bookshop, (as well as a bookstore chain). As Kathleen and Joe famously say, “don’t you just love New York in the fall?”

In conclusion, fall is the season of coziness, and there is no better option than being snug with a great movie on. And, I have provided you with a variety of movies fit for autumn. However, while this article does target movies, that doesn’t disregard the many fall shows/episodes, so, on a closing note here are some additional shows. I bet for most people; “Gilmore Girls” is an immediate choice. From Star’s Hollow as a whole and Rory’s autumn wardrobe to pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon butter from Lukes Diner, it is an obvious pick. Another option is any Thanksgiving episode from the sitcom, “Friends.” My personal favorite is Season 3, Episode 9, ‘The One with the Football.’ It’s also not Thanksgiving without the Macy’s Parade. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here, hoping you listen to my recommendations, because you won’t regret it!

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