It’s finally time for the coziest season of the year, autumn! Pumpkin spice-flavored drinks, wearing oversized sweaters, burning baked good-scented candles and, of course, watching films and shows that encapsulate those warm autumnal vibes.
Have no idea of what to watch? Here are four films and four shows to watch this fall season.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Set in an all-boy preparatory school in 1959, Dead Poets Society is the perfect academia viewing full of heartwarming and tragic moments. The inclusion of the dark red, brown, and orange color palette, the school uniforms, and the lessons on the beauty of poetry makes it the perfect contender for a fall movie.
Trigger warnings for depression and suicide. Available to stream on Hulu or rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Directed by the one and only Wes Anderson, this stop-motion film is the definition of cozy. Based on the book of the same name, we follow Mr. Fox, voiced by George Clooney, in a plan to steal from the three farms of human antagonists with the help of his friends and family. You might want to bring out your apple cider for this one.
Available to stream on Disney + and rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Known as one of the first films to start the boom of “rom-com” movies in the ‘90s and early 2000s, When Harry Met Sally is a staple in the autumnal film list. Set in New York City between the years of 1977 to 1988, two people have an argument over if men and women can be friends while creating a friends-to-lovers relationship. The topic of questioning if heterosexual men and women can be friends does age the film a bit. However, it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the iconic fall outfits and atmosphere.
Available to rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
Little Women (2019)
About the March Sisters in the 1880s, Little Women is a girlhood coming-of-age story which director and writer Greta Gerwig is excellent at. adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s novel, the film is set during all four seasons; however, it still has a warm and inviting feeling that is perfect for a cold autumn night in.
Available to stream on Hulu; and for rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. If movies are not your thing, here are some television shows you can watch.
Gilmore Girls (2000 – 2007)
Name a more iconic fictional place to visit during autumn than “Stars Hollow” (Hint: you can’t). Gilmore Girls is truly a perfect fall show. Set in a small town, the show follows the mother and daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore as they tackle their everyday lives all while having a coffee addiction.
Available to stream on Netflix and rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
In this limited series set in the mid 1950s to 1960s, we meet Beth Harmon, an orphan who discovers her love for chess and becomes a champion. This show does not take place during autumn, although it has a dark academia vibe that matches the feeling of gloomy rainy fall days.
Trigger warnings for themes of self-harm, substance use, and suicide. Available to stream on Netflix.
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017 – 2019)
About the Baudelaire kids, who become orphans after their parents mysteriously die in a house fire and get adopted by an evil man named Count Olaf played by Neil Patrick Harris. Throughout the three seasons, they try to find out who killed their parents. Watching this mystery is truly great for spooky season. Also warning you now, you will get very annoyed by most of the adults in the show.
Available to stream on Netflix.
Abbott Elementary (2022 – Present)
One of the best mockumentary sitcoms today, Abbott Elementary is about a group of teachers in a public elementary school set in Philadelphia. With this show taking place in a school, it automatically has a fall feeling especially in the episodes that center around at the start of the school year and fall holidays.
Available to stream on Hulu and Max and rent on Apple TV, and YouTube.
