Autumn isn't all about Halloween and scary movies. There's plenty of things to enjoy, like the bright, comforting colors, the cool weather, and the iconic fashion trends.
But most of the time, when searching for a fall movie you're met with long list of mostly horror movies. Those are great for the month of October as you prepare for Spooky Season, but what about November? November is still in Autumn! Or what about when you just really just want to curl up with a mug of hot cocoa, your fuzzy socks, and watch a movie that gives you the same serotonin boost as when they announce the Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks?
My mission was to compile a list of movies that give off autumn vibes but are not Halloween or scary movies. Save for one or two depending on how traumatized you were as a child. Some of them are older, some are more recent. Some, you will say to yourself, "Ah, I see why this movie is on the list." Others, you will say, "What made this movie make it?" But I assure you, they do, in fact, give off autumn vibes. Some of the movies just simply take place in Autumn, and because they're a classic, made the list. Some of the movies don't even take place in Autumn, or what season they take place in isn't made clear.
I promise you this, though. Each movie on this list will make you feel at ease, and make you swear you can smell a Bath & Body Works Harvest Gathering candle.
1. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
It might just be the color palette of the entire film, or maybe this is just another excuse to watch this film again.
2. A Room With A View
One of my all-time favorite movies, and I feel it doesn't get enough love. It contains an all-star cast, including Dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, Daniel Day-Lewis, Simon Callow, Rupert Graves, and a young and always iconic Helena Bonham Carter.
Really, any Ivory-Merchant film adaption of an E.M. Forster novel is bound to give off autumn vibes.
3. Little Women (2019)
The version with Winona Ryder may be more winter-aligned, but the recent adaption from 2019 gives off cozy fall vibes.
4. When Harry Met Sally
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I mean...almost every promotional photo for the film screams Autumn!
5. Dead Poets Society
I hereby declare that any film that takes place during the school year is automatically an autumn film!
8. Rudy
If you don't cry at the end of Rudy, I lowkey judge you. Even my father cries at the end of this movie (Sorry Dad!).
9. St. Elmo's Fire
Struggling with adulting this fall? We can relate.
10. October Sky
I mean, October is right there in the name! Put this on your watchlist if you haven't seen it already.
11. The Breakfast Club
Technically, the movie takes place in March, but it's still got the right vibe.
12. Steel Magnolia's
You know the season is better with this movie.
13. Fried Green Tomatoes
This movie may actually take place majority in the summer, but I'm not sure. Still, it's forever a comfort-classic.
15. Spider-Man (2002)
This was a suggestion from a friend. Just trust us, okay? It takes place during Thanksgiving and features the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.
16. Charlotte's Web (1973)
Not only a childhood favorite, but the majority of the plot takes place in autumn. Although, isn't Wilbur a Spring Pig?
17. Mystic Pizza
You definitely will be craving pizza during this movie, so make sure to have the Domino's number close by.
18. Matilda
Another childhood favorite that gives you warm, fuzzy feelings. Just like your favorite fall sweater.
19. The Twilight Series
Some may consider this a Halloween movie because of vampires. And yet, the Washington scenery is just full of autumn vibes.
20. Stepmom
Of course, a movie list is never complete without multiple Julia Roberts classics.
22. Coco
This Disney animated film is sure to put a smile on your face during this chilly fall season.
23. James and the Giant Peach
We all loved this movie growing up, but have you watched it recently as an adult? This movie is weird, I'm not going to lie. I'm very surprised I didn't have bug-related nightmares.
24. Enola Holmes
This new Netflix Original about Sherlock Holmes' younger sister Enola (not Sherlock. It isn't about Sherlock!) is also a very comforting book series!
25. Big Fish
What fall season is complete without watching at least one Tim Burton film?
26. Where the Wild Things Are
Another movie we watched as children and look back on and say, "Wow, that was weird!"
28. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
One of the best coming-of-age movies that has come out somewhat recently. This is a must-see for any season, but especially this fall.
29. Coraline
I personally never saw this as a scary movie, but I do know some people who were traumatized by it as a child and cannot watch it to this day. Still, it makes the list because even if it is scary, it's a kids movie.
30. Honorable Mention: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Regarded as both a Halloween and a Christmas movie, this film makes the list to split the difference.
So, put on your softest pajamas, your fuzziest socks, pop some popcorn, and snuggle up for the most comforting movie marathon you've ever experienced!
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