The weather is getting chillier, the days are getting shorter and the leaves are changing color. You know what that means, couch potato season is back. Jokes, but it’s definitely beginning to look a lot more like fall. And with the cooler weather comes the couch sessions and the ensuing bingeing sessions. But what to watch? Well, here are 22 movies and TV shows that will get you in the right mood for fall.
Note: This isn’t a horror list, it’s a moody, cozy, brisk-moonlit-walk-over-crunching-leaves list. Stay tuned for the horror list when spooky season arrives.
TV Shows
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Before Twilight there was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The classic 1990s show follows Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) as she slays vampires, demons, and other creatures terrorizing the Earth. It’s the perfect fall and also spooky season show that will have you laughing, crying, and reminiscing.
Twin Peaks
Nothing says fall quite like depictions of the misty and mysterious PNW. Whether you’ve seen the show before or are rewatching for the one-hundredth time, you’ll fall in love with the small-town energy of this David Lynch classic. Expect the supernatural, mystery, and a whole lot of dry humor.
Succession
Some family business drama, why not? Succession is a TV show following the Roy family who happen to be known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. But that all changes when their father steps down from the company.
Movies
Twilight
This fan-favorite (lol) probably needs no explanation. Twilight is the perfect moody flick full of gloomy scenes, multi-species love triangles, and of course vampires to get you in the fall mood. It’s also sure to give you a few laughs because let’s be honest, these movies are awful. Regardless, the sleepy PNW setting is a nice one to settle in with on a cozy night.
The Goonies
Does anything say fall better than feel-good movies? The Goonies is a classic feel-good film that’ll have you laughing and crying as you watch a group of kids navigate trying to find long-lost treasure. It of course also has crazy 80s vibes.
Paris, Texas
If you’re in the mood to stare and truly watch a film while the leaves turn orange outside, Paris, Texas is a great choice. This Wim Wenders classic follows an aimless drifter who has been missing for four years. You’ll watch as he learns to reconnect with society, himself, his life, and his family.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Rarely are book-to-movie adaptations good but this Roald Dahl to Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach adaptation is an exception. Fantastic Mr. Fox has all the colors and vibes of autumn as you watch him save his community from an angry farmer’s retaliation. Plus who doesn’t love animated animals?
Stalker
If you’re in a spooky mood then consider giving Stalker a watch. It’s a 1970s drama and sci-fi film that revolves around a guide leading two men through an area known as the Zone to find a room that grants wishes. What could possibly happen?
Good Will Hunting
Good Will Hunting is a sappy and classic fan-favorite starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams that’s sure to have you shedding a few tears. See some stunning fall scenes and watch as the friendship and mentorship of a lifetime unfolds.
Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie
It’s an instant classic, Peanuts is hard not to love. While the OG animated show is great we’re also fans of the 2015 movie. So if you want a dash of nostalgia with some modern animating flair, give this a watch.
Jennifer’s Body
Maybe one of the most underrated horror-ish flicks of all time? Jennifer’s Body stars both Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried as they deal with a demonic possesion that has a taste for their male classmates. Be prepared to be a little spooked!
The Seventh Seal
Why not watch a movie that’s considered one of the best of all time this fall? The Seventh Seal follows a man who “seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague”. Hmm kinda sounds a bit like what we’re living through right now.
Paddington
Watch as a young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home. As an animated bear does, he finds himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, where he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven. It’s a sweet story full of adventure and lessons.
Lost in Translation
Another film for those of you who are looking to really watch. Lost in Translation definitely picks up on the transitory vibes that fall gives all of us. It’s also a story of a beautiful and unlikely friendship that will have you captivated.
Rushmore
So you want to laugh? Watch Rushmore. You’ll see what happens when the extracurricular king of Rushmore Preparatory School is put on academic probation. The plot involves romance, comedy, and drama making it a Wes Anderson classic.
The Big Lebowski
This classic comedy starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and Julianne Moore is the perfect fall flick if you’re looking to laugh. Watch as “The Dude” Lebowski, seeks restitution for his ruined rug after he’s mistaken with a high-profile individual who shares his name.
The Royal Tenenbaums
Fall and family, the two f’s. If you want to watch the disfunction of family relations, a rewatch of The Royal Tenenbaums is probably in order. You’ll laugh at yet another cinematic masterpiece from director Wes Anderson.
When Harry Met Sally
Ah yes, fall in New York, a glorious sight. Tie that with intricacies of relationships and you have When Harry Met Sally. This film follows two friends as they try to navigate whether taking their friendship to the next level will ultimately tear them apart.
The Triplets of Belleville
If you’re a Francophile then you need to watch The Triplets of Belleville. This unique animated movie details the kidnapping of a bicyclist during the Tour de France. Who comes to save the day? The bicyclist’s grandmother and the Belleville Sisters, an aged song-and-dance team.
Fantastic Planet
Animated sci-fi? Heck yes, Fantastic Planet is a must-watch film for those who haven’t seen it. The film follows oppressed humanoids on a faraway planet ruled by blue giants. You’ll watch as they rebel against their machine-like leaders in order to save mankind.
The Big Fish
Does anything say fall more than Tim Burton? This film deals heavily with family as the viewer watches and learns about a dying father’s life. It’s full of fantastical adventures, romance, mystery, and plenty of laughs. You’ll definitely be shedding a tear or two after this one.
Practical Magic
A little witchy fun never hurt anyone. This 1990s film follows two witch sisters as they try to battle a curse that threatens to prevent them from finding ever-lasting love. What’s not to like about that? Oh and it stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
We tried to mix things up from your normal fall movies so we hope that you find a new fave. With that, enjoy and happy fall!
