"Even though it’s still warm outside, I’m starting to dream about fall. Cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, leaves changing, chai tea cookies, fall movies—it’s by far the best season of the year. Now, I’m not trying to wish away summer by any means, especially since I live in Chicago, and August is by far the best time of year. But there’s something about autumn that I truly love. Life seems to slow down a little, and everything is much cozier.
When the leaves start to change and the temps start to cool down, I love having a cozy night in, complete with tea and a pumpkin-scented candle, of course. On those nights, I love to reach for a fall-but-not-Halloween movie. These are those movies that give the perfect fall vibes without leaning too spooky season-focused. Think the energy of Gilmore Girls, but in movie form: Now that’s the way to ring in the best season of the year. Here are 16 movies that make it feel like October to get you in the autumnal mood.
1. When Harry Met Sally
This is one of my favorite movies all year round, but the fall scenes in New York City are gorgeous. This movie follows two completely opposite people who slowly become friends over the span of 10+ years… and maybe become a little more than that. I also love the fall fashion throughout this movie and always pull some fall fashion inspo from Meg Ryan’s looks. Warning: You will probably cry at the end of this cult-classic romance because no matter how many times I’ve seen this movie, I always cry.
2. Pride and Prejudice
This adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel features stunning autumn scenes in the English countryside, enhancing the romantic and dramatic story. The changing leaves and misty mornings provide a perfect backdrop for the slow-burn romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, AKA Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen. It’s a timeless story of love, class, and societal expectations, made even more enchanting by the stunning fall scenery. Plus, nothing says “cozy” like a period romance.
3. You’ve Got Mail
Another Meg Ryan classic, with the added bonus of young Tom Hanks. Swoon. In this adorable movie, two New Yorkers become online pen pals and slowly fall for each other without knowing they are business rivals IRL. In ‘You’ve Got Mail,’ you’ll be treated to gorgeous fall shots, cozy bookstores, warm coffee shops, classic ’90s fashion, a will-they-won’t-they love story, and an amazing cast.
4. Knives Out
‘Knives Out’ is one of my favorite fall watches, hands down. I love a whodunit thriller and reach for them year-round. This one is set in New England in the fall, which is stunning and a little spooky at the same time. Witty and clever, this movie follows Detective Benoit Blanc as he investigates a family mystery—a murder. This murder mystery, complete with an amazing cast (Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig, and so many more) and gorgeous autumnal sets, is a perfect movie to watch on a cozy night in.
5. Harry Potter
Nothing says fall like diving into the magical world of Hogwarts. While some ‘Harry Potter’ films lean more towards winter or Christmas, many of them give classic, back-to-school, fall vibes. With Halloween feasts and pumpkin-filled Great Halls, ‘Harry Potter’ is the ultimate fall escape. Watch one, or make it a cozy marathon.
6. Julie & Julia
‘Julie & Julia’ is such a feel-good movie, especially in the fall. Watching Julie cook her way through Julia Child’s recipes brings all the warm, comforting vibes of autumn cooking. There’s something I love about cooking movies that makes me want to watch and rewatch them, especially when there’s a chill in the air and I want to cook up some delicious meals of my own. The fabulous Amy Adams and Meryl Streep star as Julie and Julia, and the always-loveable Stanley Tucci appears as Julia’s husband. Bon appetit!
7. Twilight
‘Twilight’ has that moody, misty fall atmosphere that’s perfect for a chilly night in. While the idea of vampires definitely leans more towards Halloween, the first ‘Twilight’ is barely scary—it’s more like iconic. Bella and Edward’s romantic drama set against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest’s forests is just right for the season and is (somehow, in spite of how weird the movie is) a nostalgic watch that never gets old.
8. Dead Poets Society
This movie has everything fall: moody New England backgrounds, falling leaves, and prep school vibes. It also has the wonderful Robin Williams, so it’s an immediate yes. Set in an all-boys preparatory school, this film features an English teacher, Mr. Keating, who inspires his students to embrace poetry and seize the day.
9. The Edge of Seventeen
I first watched ‘The Edge of Seventeen’ last year, and I loved it—it felt like such a real coming-of-age story, and I’m a big Hailee Steinfeld fan. This movie is a hilarious and sad film about growing up that’s great for fall. Nadine’s high school experience, complete with first dates and trouble fitting in, is a fun watch set at the beginning of the school year. It might not make you nostalgic for being 17, per se, but it will make you nostalgic for that back-to-school feeling.
10. Autumn in New York
‘Autumn in New York’ is a romantic drama that’s just right for fall. The love story between a playboy restaurateur and a sweet younger woman, set against the stunning fall scenery of New York City, makes it a perfect movie to watch as fall starts to creep in.
11. Bottoms
This film, starring Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, came out last year, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, comparable to ‘Superbad’ or ‘Booksmart.’ ‘Bottoms’ follows two high school girls who start a fight club in order to talk to the girls that they have huge crushes on. If you’re looking for a funny comedy that has a total surprise ending, check out ‘Bottoms.’
12. Good Will Hunting
Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT, is a mathematical genius who struggles with his past and finding his path in life. With the help of a therapist, he begins to confront his issues and embrace his potential. The film is both inspirational and heartwarming, set against the backdrop of fall in Boston (specifically on the Harvard campus). I wouldn’t say this is the lightest watch on this list, but when you’re looking for something with a little more grit and heart, ‘Good Will Hunting’ is the way to go.
13. Matilda
If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good movie, ‘Matilda’ is an absolute gem. This heartwarming film, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, follows the story of Matilda Wormwood, a brilliant young girl with a love for books and a very special secret—she has telekinetic powers. Full of cozy school scenes, cute moments of friendship between Matilda and Miss Honey, and some magic, too, this is a perfect fall comfort movie.
14. The Intern
I adore anything by Nancy Meyers and anything starring Anne Hathaway, so I consider this movie to be perfection. ‘The Intern’ stars Robert Deniro as 70-year-old widower Ben, who becomes a senior intern at an online fashion retailer run by Jules. This movie is set in New York City in fall, so the scenery is gorgeous. Ben becoming an intern also has a back-to-school feeling, which is perfect for September. The story is so sweet and while it gets a little sad at times, this is a fun and easy watch.
15. Remember the Titans
‘Remember the Titans’ is a football-focused movie, but I feel like football season and fall are basically synonyms. Based on a true story, this sports drama follows a newly integrated high school football team in the early 1970s. Set in the fall when the football team heads back to school, we watch the team’s journey as they focus on becoming a real team and victory. A young Hayden Panettiere appears as the younger, feisty daughter of one of the coaches.
16. Fantastic Mr. Fox
This movie is unique to this list since it’s the only kid’s film, but it is beautiful. Wes Anderson’s modern stop-motion classic, ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox,’ is set in a picturesque countryside and follows the clever and charismatic Mr. Fox as he plots heists against three grumpy farmers. It’s lighthearted and funny, so it’s a perfect fall film that captures the cozy spirit of the season.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Meaghan Moore, Contributing Writer
Meaghan is a Chicago-based writer who covers celebrity style, beauty news, lifestyle, entertainment, and more at The Everygirl. She’s been contributing to The Everygirl since 2024, and has written about everything from internet stars to Nancy Meyers movies to hair products.