18 movies to get you in the mood for fall
The air is crisp. Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. One thing's for sure: it's officially fall. If you're one of the many people who believe that this is the best time of the year, there's no better way to celebrate the arrival of autumn than sitting down with some beloved fall films.
From horror favorites like Halloween to cozier options including You've Got Mail and Knives Out, flip through the gallery below for 18 movies that will get you feeling the fall spirit.
'Practical Magic'
This 1998 film, directed by Griffin Dunne, stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as two magical sisters who team up to fight one hell of an evil spirit. Now a beloved favorite, the film is perfect for spooky season without being too scary.
'Knives Out'
This 2018 film stars Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc and centers around the untimely death of the head of a wealthy family. With a stunning ensemble cast including Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Toni Collette, Knives Out will keep you guessing until the very end.
'You've Got Mail'
This Nora Ephron classic is set largely in New York City during the fall, and the scenery is downright gorgeous. Get comfy on the couch with a mug of cocoa and be prepared to be charmed by this love story set in the early digital era, when exchanging love letters via email was still novel.
'When Harry Met Sally'
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star in this iconic Nora Ephron film, which has earned a cult following since its 1989 release. It isn't explicitly a movie about fall, but it still feels cozy and perfect for enjoying on a crisp fall day.
'Friday Night Lights'
The arrival of fall means the arrival of football season, and this award-winning 2004 film inspired by the true story of a Texas team is among the best movies about America's favorite sport.
'October Sky'
Inspired by a true story, this 1999 film stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Homer Hickam Jr., a man who ascended from humble beginnings as the son of a coal miner to become an engineer at NASA and an accomplished author.
'Halloween'
One of the most beloved cult horror classics, Halloween stars a young Jamie Lee Curtis as she battles the notorious killer Michael Myers. And considering that the latest installment of the franchise, Halloween Ends, was just released, there's no better time than the present to catch up on this iconic horror saga.
'Twilight'
Thanks largely to its setting in the Pacific Northwest, Twilight feels perfectly moody for fall viewing. Inspired by Stephenie Meyer's best-selling novel, this film was Robert Pattinson's breakout role and inspired a whole new generation to fall in love with vampires.
'Beetlejuice'
With a killer cast including Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, and Catherine O'Hara, Halloween favorite Beetlejuice remains one of Tim Burton's most beloved films.
'Little Women'
Starring Florence Pugh, Saiorse Ronan, and Emma Watson, this adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's iconic novel earned critical acclaim — including a slew of Oscar nods — after its 2019 release. Expect to cry a few tears and be fully immersed in the cozy world of the March sisters.
'The Lake House'
In this tale of star-crossed lovers starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves, time is a massive problem. Though not explicitly about fall, the film's setting makes it a favorite for watching during these autumnal months.
'Sleepy Hollow'
Inspired by Washington Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this 1999 film imagines the Headless Horseman in a seriously terrifying way. It's definitely a little scary, but Sleepy Hollow will put anyone in the mood for spooky season.
'The Goonies'
As they dodge booby traps and hunt for treasure, no ragtag crew has earned quite the cult-favorite status of The Goonies. Released in 1985, the film remains a favorite any time of year but feels especially suitable during fall thanks to its moody setting in the Pacific Northwest.
'Anne of Green Gables'
As the titular character in this iconic 1919 silent film once said, “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” (There's also a 1934 version of the film that isn't silent and a popular 1985 mini-series if you prefer your movies a little newer.)
'Pride and Prejudice'
Released in 2005, this adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen as the famed Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Come for the legendary romance, and stay for the cozy scenery.
'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles'
It's the perfect time to watch Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Starring Steve Martin and John Candy, this kooky journey to Thanksgiving Day is a fall icon.
'Clue'
This 1985 film inspired by the board game of the same name is the definition of a cult favorite. Clue is a fun romp that has stood the test of time by boasting killer performances from Christopher Lloyd, Martin Mull, and others.
'Edward Scissorhands'
It isn't the classic scary movie, but Edward Scissorhands remains a must for many around Halloween. Starring Johnny Depp as a humanoid with seriously sharp fingers, the film's titular character has become an icon since its release in 1990.
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