Thee Movie Girl

To bring in the fall season, I always love to watch movies that give something I can only describe as the  autumn essence. This means movies that are heart-warming, a little spooky, or a bit nostalgic. Additionally, the settings are interesting and beautiful because of the rolling landscapes, amazing art style, or even the changing leaves. For this list, we will stray away from horror movies (those are for another post).

Just a note: if you choose to use the links to rent one of the movies on the list, I do get a small Amazon commission.

Now, let’s get into the fall movies:

1. Brother Bear (2003)

Brother Bear follows the journey of Kenai, a young man who is transformed into a bear after killing the “monster” that caused his brother’s death. As he navigates the wilderness in his new form, he befriends a bear cub named Koda to find the lights that will change him back into a human.

This is a heart-warming movie that is perfect to watch with your favorite cozy blanket and snack. While this movie is a bit melancholy, it also shows how self-growth is a journey and how sometimes we have to walk in another’s shoes to truly understand. Additionally, it focuses on the amazing beauty of mountainous Alaska, something that can especially be appreciated during the fall season. Even though it is a cartoon, the landscapes are magnificent; the lights look absolutely stunning. 

You can rent Brother Bear here.

2. Casper (1995)

Casper tells the story of a friendly ghost named Casper who lives in his childhood mansion with his mischievous uncles. When a paranormal therapist and his daughter, Kat, move into the mansion to rid it of spirits, Casper befriends Kat and works together to unlock the mysteries of the home that Casper has since forgotten. 

Yes, it’s a ghost movie, but it isn’t a scary movie. Casper is a friendly ghost! This is a fun, (kind of) coming-of-age movie that puts a comedic twist on the spooky house trope. Casper is a sweetheart and just wants a friend that doesn’t constantly make fun of him. Additionally, I think the ending to this movie may have awakened many romance novel enthusiasts, but you will have to watch to see what I mean.

As a side note, I have always loved the house in this movie. Not only is it a spooky mansion, but it was the home of an inventor, so there are plenty of cool nooks and Rube-Goldberg-esc inventions. It is a nice touch to an otherwise stereotypical haunted house.

You can rent Casper here.

3. Halloweentown (1998)

Halloweentown follows Marnie, a young girl who discovers she’s a witch on her 13th birthday and sneaks away to Halloweentown, a magical place where supernatural creatures live. With the help of her grandmother, Marnie must embrace her magical heritage to save Halloweentown from an evil force.

This movie is one of those movies that feels the same as a good cup of hot chocolate. Other than the amazing autumn aesthetic, it is a heartwarming film that centers around working together and the sibling bond. It is a movie that allows you to soak into the season with a movie full of pumpkins, cool costumes (the prosthetics in this movie are fun and abundant), and playful spirit.

You can rent Halloweentown here.

4. Dead Poets Society (1989)

Dead Poets Society tells the story of an unorthodox English teacher, Mr. Keating, who inspires a group of students at an all-boys prep school to embrace poetry, free thinking, and “suck out all the marrow of life”. Inspired by Mr.Keating’s unconventional teaching methods, the boys form a secret club, the Dead Poets Society, where they explore literature and self-expression.

This is one of the sadder movies on the list, but it gives way to themes that are important to explore – being yourself, romanticizing life, and seizing the day. It is also a movie that is about the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another which autumn can sometimes be used to symbolize. It reminds us to always cherish the people in our lives before it’s too late. 

You can rent Dead Poets Society here.

5. ParaNorman (2012)

ParaNorman follows Norman, a boy who can see and communicate with ghosts, as he is tasked with stopping a curse that threatens his town. When a horde of zombies rises, Norman must use his unique abilities and courage to save the day, uncovering truths about the curse along the way.

This movie has a good fall feeling with its spookier themes of ghosts and curses, but it also has a nice message to accept others who are different and to work to support each other. If you grew up in a small town, you will relate to this movie on another level. The way people talk and whisper can make you feel isolated and a bit strange. 

You can rent ParaNorman here.

6. Knives Out (2019)

Knives Out is a modern whodunit that follows renowned detective Benoit Blanc as he investigates the mysterious death of wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. With Harlan’s eccentric family members all harboring secrets and motives, the investigation twists through lies, betrayals, and hidden truths. 

It’s a classic murder mystery with plenty of the classic calling cards: a New England setting, a mansion with secrets, and a Southern detective. While these classic elements are present, there are also some fun elements not seen in mysteries.

Mystery is underused as a primary genre that is perfect for autumn. Usually, when a movie is in the mystery genre, the film falls more into the horror or thriller category and has mystery elements, acting as a secondary genre. Knives Out isn’t like that; it is first and foremost a mystery.

You can rent Knives Out here.

7. Coraline (2009)

Coraline follows a young girl who discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to an alternate, seemingly perfect version of her life. However, this other world, controlled by the “Other Mother,” quickly reveals its dark intentions, trapping Coraline in a dangerous game.

While this movie is shrouded in blues and cool tones rather than the earthy tones associated with autumn, I still think it is a great movie for the fall season. It has creepy visuals and gothic looks that are perfect for the season. Coraline is a stop-motion film that inspires the imagination which is what fall is to many. It is a time of whimsy and magic, just like this movie.

You can rent Coraline here.

8. The Breakfast Club (1985)

This is just pure 80s nostalgia even if you weren’t necessarily alive when it came out (80s nostalgia is seemingly timeless). This warm, nostalgic feeling is similar to what the autumn season invokes as you cozy up with a nice blanket and warm drink. Its message of community and coming together also pairs nicely with the season.

You can rent The Breakfast Club here.

As the leaves change and the air grows crisp, there’s no better way to embrace the cozy, nostalgic, and slightly spooky vibes of autumn than with the perfect fall movie. Whether you’re in the mood for a whimsical adventure, a lighthearted comedy, or a thought-provoking drama, these movies will help you fully immerse yourself in the spirit of fall. So, grab your favorite blanket, brew a warm drink, and enjoy these cinematic gems as you soak in the beauty and atmosphere of autumn.