As the air turns crisp and the leaves change color, there’s no better time to snuggle up with your loved ones and dive into some fall-themed movies. Whether you’re watching with your significant other or gathering the whole family, these films offer the perfect mix of warmth, emotion, and autumn vibes. Here are ten more fall-inspired movies you absolutely need to watch this season—with humor, facts, and plenty of reasons why each is perfect for cozy nights.
1. Dead Poets Society (1989)
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re attending a prep school in New England in the middle of autumn (minus the homework), Dead Poets Society is your movie. Robin Williams stars as an unconventional English teacher who encourages his students to embrace their passion for poetry and life itself.
Fun Fact: The movie was shot at a real prep school, St. Andrew’s School in Delaware, where the fall scenery is as dramatic as the film itself.
Why You Need to Watch It: This movie hits all the fall feels—sweater weather, inspiring quotes, and leaves crunching underfoot. It’s perfect for a reflective, cozy evening.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie? Is it a Christmas movie? Why not both? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is an animated masterpiece that fits perfectly into the transition from spooky season to the holidays. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, discovers Christmas and chaos ensues.
Fun Fact: Every character was painstakingly created using stop-motion animation, and it took three years to make the film. Talk about dedication to a fall movie marathon!
Why You Need to Watch It: This movie has something for everyone—Halloween lovers, Christmas fanatics, and those who can’t make up their mind. Plus, the kids will be captivated, and you get some nostalgia.
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Leave it to Wes Anderson to create a stop-motion film that feels as cozy as a crackling fire in a log cabin. Fantastic Mr. Fox is based on the Roald Dahl book and is a charming, quirky story about a fox (voiced by George Clooney) who pulls off a series of heists while trying to avoid getting caught.
Fun Fact: Every single hair on Mr. Fox was individually animated. That’s right—each frame involved tiny, meticulous movements of a fox puppet. If that doesn’t scream fall, I don’t know what does.
Why You Need to Watch It: The autumnal color palette of this movie is basically fall in cinematic form. Plus, it’s clever and funny enough to keep both adults and kids entertained.
4. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Looking for a movie with deep emotional pull, intellectual conversations, and plenty of Boston accents? Look no further than Good Will Hunting. This Oscar-winning film about a janitor (Matt Damon) with a genius-level intellect has all the fall vibes you need.
Fun Fact: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote the screenplay and won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Not bad for a couple of guys in their 20s, right?
Why You Need to Watch It: Aside from the brilliant performances by Robin Williams and Matt Damon, the movie is set in a very autumnal Boston, which gives it the perfect fall atmosphere for an introspective movie night.
5. The Blind Side (2009)
If football is a staple of your fall weekends, then The Blind Side is a must-watch. Based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who is taken in by a wealthy family and eventually becomes an NFL star, this movie is as heartwarming as it is inspirational.
Fun Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy. It’s hard not to feel all the fall feels when she’s on screen.
Why You Need to Watch It: Football, family, and a story about overcoming adversity? This movie checks all the boxes for a feel-good fall flick. Perfect for watching after a Sunday game with the family.
6. Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
Okay, technically it’s not a single movie, but the Harry Potter series is just too good to leave off this list. With its pumpkin-filled Great Hall scenes, Quidditch matches in crisp autumn air, and start-of-term excitement, this series feels made for fall marathons.
Fun Fact: The Harry Potter movies are still one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time, proving that magic really does last forever.
Why You Need to Watch It: Harry Potter has everything—adventure, magic, friendship, and enough warm autumnal vibes to last the entire season. Plus, you’ll get bonus points for introducing the younger generation to Hogwarts.
7. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
This classic comedy stars Steve Martin and John Candy as two unlikely travel companions just trying to make it home for Thanksgiving. As you can imagine, everything that can go wrong does, and it’s hilarious.
Fun Fact: Planes, Trains and Automobiles is considered one of the best Thanksgiving movies of all time—and there aren’t many of those!
Why You Need to Watch It: It’s the ultimate fall road trip movie filled with laughs, mishaps, and a heartwarming ending. Perfect for watching with the family after a big turkey dinner.
8. Stepmom (1998)
Fall and family drama? Check. Stepmom, starring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon, is an emotional rollercoaster about a blended family dealing with illness and change. While it tugs at the heartstrings, the movie is full of beautiful fall scenery.
Fun Fact: The movie’s iconic Thanksgiving scene was filmed in New York during peak autumn, giving it those golden fall tones we all love.
Why You Need to Watch It: If you’re in the mood for a good cry (with a side of fall foliage), Stepmom delivers. It’s a touching story about family and love that’s perfect for a heartfelt movie night.
9. Dan in Real Life (2007)
Steve Carell stars in this dramedy about a widowed father who unexpectedly falls for his brother’s girlfriend. Set during a family reunion in a cozy New England town, Dan in Real Life gives off major autumn vibes.
Fun Fact: The movie was filmed in Rhode Island, and the fall landscapes are straight out of a postcard.
Why You Need to Watch It: It’s light, funny, and has just enough family dysfunction to make you feel better about your own Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, the soundtrack by Sondre Lerche is dreamy.
10. Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
Who says you can’t have a little romance with your fall movies? Sweet Home Alabama, starring Reese Witherspoon, is about a big-city fashion designer who returns to her small Southern hometown to sort out her past. It’s heartwarming, funny, and full of small-town charm.
Fun Fact: The title of the movie comes from the Lynyrd Skynyrd song of the same name, but the movie wasn’t actually filmed in Alabama—it was mostly shot in Georgia.
Why You Need to Watch It: With its themes of homecoming, love, and second chances, Sweet Home Alabama is a perfect feel-good movie for fall evenings, especially when you’re snuggled up with your partner.
From the whimsical magic of The Nightmare Before Christmas to the heartfelt lessons of Good Will Hunting, these movies capture the essence of fall in all its forms. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly flick or a cozy movie night with your spouse, this list has you covered for every autumnal mood. So grab some apple cider, bundle up, and enjoy the perfect fall movie marathon!
