A Guide to Cozy Fall Movies: Seven Movies that Scream Autumn
Natalia Manzolini ’24 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Searching for movies that perfectly encapsulate a season is a hobby of mine and with fall being my favorite, this seemed like the perfect list to make. Of course, there are the stand-out ones that everyone seems to know– some of which I’m sure you will find on this list– but if there is a specific feeling you are looking to capture in the time between the Halloween season and the winter holidays, it may take some digging or maybe just luck of the draw. Regardless of your search, hopefully, this list will offer something to consider for your seasonal watchlist.
Little Women (2019)- When looking for a cozy fall movie the first thing to come to my mind is Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women. This film is full of autumnal scenery with foliage shifting from greens to crimson and gold before going bare in the winter. The fragmented timeline captures the chaos that comes with the time while giving each of the March sisters their time to shine. This film radiates warmth from every aspect, it’s a story that is able to tie generations of women together and makes you feel every emotion as we go through their lives. Little Women is a true adaptation that showcases the capture of memories and the complicated family dynamics that tend to dominate this time of year.
Fantastic Mr. Fox– This is another stand-out movie that screams “fall”. From the vibrant color palette featuring a wide array of oranges to the uplifting music that plays throughout, everything about this film will remind you of the changing leaves and flickers of candlelight. There is a cleverness infused throughout and it is easy to find comfort in the relatability of the characters through the themes of finding personal identity within a family dynamic– a theme that fits well for the time of year. Wes Anderson creates the perfect atmosphere to cozy up with some apple cider and watch the hijinks as we follow our crew of distinctive stop-motion woodland creatures. In the same vein, Matilda as well as James and the Giant Peach are both Roald Dahl adaptations good for the time.
Spirited Away– A gorgeously animated fantasy adventure that radiates a sweet nostalgia. Spirited Away follows a young girl as she finds herself in an unfamiliar world without her parents. It’s easy to slip into the fantasy world and be hit with an emotional tale of feeling overwhelmed and lost in life. These emotions tend to come up when the leaves start to change and the air starts to chill, making this another timely watch. There’s a sense of comfort knowing that you aren’t the only one feeling that way and even if you still feel it in the moment, it won’t last forever. While often seen as a kids’ movie, this is a movie I appreciate more and more with age and encourage others to give it a chance.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh- This is a cute family-friendly option for everyone that fits the fun fall feel while emphasizing the importance of friendship. The Hundred Acre wood brims with so much joy and provides a reminder that we can face our problems. This animated anthology uplifts the viewer and prompts us to be okay with relying on friends. Friends are often our chosen families. Going on adventures with Pooh and friends is a great way to pass the time and enjoy the season.
Knives Out- This contemporary whodunnit takes you on a fun ride full of twists that very few saw coming. It features many staples of the season including family drama, suspense, New England autumn, and iconic sweaters, all in a mansion setting. As in the nature of murder mysteries, it is best to go in with as little knowledge of the story as possible, so I will leave it at that. However, if you are looking for another murder mystery Clue has a similar vibe plus Knives Out has a sequel of sorts, Glass Onion.
Dead Poets Society– This is maybe the most popular pick for a list like this. That being said I have only seen this for the first time recently but it absolutely deserves the praise it gets. We follow a group of boys at a New England prep school as they deal with academic pressure and navigating their lives. They bond together after they take well to their new teacher encouraging a love for poetry and personal growth through his innovative teaching techniques.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower- An unconventional comfort movie for many people who find solace in the melancholy. The back-to-school setting lends to the seasonal feel as we are plunged into high school and all the struggles that come with it. It is able to encapsulate the feeling of the days growing shorter and the sky darkening earlier as we grapple with the complexities of adolescent life dealing with traumatic experiences and mental health, yet still managing to find the light filtering through.
This is by no means a comprehensive list but it is a select few of my favorites I love to recommend.