This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Living in Virginia, it never actually feels like autumn until we are halfway through the season. One minute, I’m waiting for sweater weather and the next it’s 80 degrees outside and I’m still wearing shorts and a tank top.

So, if the weather refuses to cooperate, I have another way of getting myself into the fall spirit: movies.

Give me a cozy blanket, something pumpkin-flavored, and a Halloween movie playing in the background and suddenly it feels like fall –even if I have to keep the air conditioning on.

If you are anything like me, though, your ideal spooky season doesn’t necessarily involve being terrified. I am not a horror movie girl. I prefer nostalgia, witches, ghosts that aren’t actually scary and movies that make me want to spend the entire month of October curled up on the couch.

So, consider this your unofficial fall movie marathon checklist.

🎃First Up: The Disney Channel Classics

If you grew up watching Disney Channel Original Movies, you already know that some of these are practically required viewing once October rolls around.

HalloweenTown, HalloweenTown II: Kalabar’s Revenge, and HalloweenTown High

The Halloweentown movies are basically the definition of Disney Halloween. Marnie discovers that her grandmother is a witch and that there’s an entire magical world hiding right alongside the human one. Three movies, one magical family and plenty of reasons to make this a marathon within a marathon.

Twitches and Twitches Too

Alex and Camryn are twin sisters who were separated at birth, only to discover that they’re actually witches. Add in magical powers, Halloween vibes, and Tia and Tamera Mowry, you have a nostalgic fall-night classic.

Girl vs Monster

A Halloween sleepover mixed with a monster-hunting family. This one is perfect if you want something Halloween-themed but not super scary.

Hocus Pocus

I don’t think this list would be complete without it. Three witches, Salem and Halloween night. This movie has easily become one of the unofficial requirements of the fall season.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? I don’t think we need to choose. The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of those movies that can comfortably live in both seasons.

Invisible Sister

A little less traditional, but still very much part of the Disney Channel nostalgia category. It’s got science, sibling chaos and an accidental invisibility situation all taking place on Halloween weekend. If you’re looking for something light-hearted to add between your witch movies, this one belongs on the list

Haunted Mansion

It’s spooky, funny and just creepy enough without crossing into horror territory.

👻 The Spooky-but-not-so-terrifying Classics

Now we’re leaving Disney Channel behind and getting into some of the movies that just feel like fall.

Beetlejuice

If you want something quirky, weird and of course Tim Burton, Beetlejuice belongs on your list. It’s one of those movies that makes you want to decorate your house for Halloween even if you have no plans on hosting a party.

Casper

Friendly ghosts? Check. 90s movie? Check. A movie that manages to be spooky and sweet at the same time? Absolutely.

The Addams Family

Dark humor, eccentric family members and a wardrobe that makes you want to wear black for the rest of October. The Addams Family has become a Halloween staple for a reason, and it’s another great option when you are looking for something spooky without being a traditional horror movie.

Edward Scissorhands

Here is one that sparks the common debate of whether it’s a Halloween or a Christmas movie. On one hand, it’s Tim Burton. There are gothic visuals. There’s an unmistakably spooky aesthetic. On the other hand, it takes place in the winter months. My answer? Watch it in October and December.

Ghostbusters

Ghosts, paranormal investigations, and a group of people trying to figure out what exactly is happening in New York City. Ghostbusters is another classic that manages to be spooky without being straight-up horror.

📺…And Then, the Fall Comfort Shows

Not every fall watch has to be a movie.

Sometimes you want a show that you can leave playing in the background while you’re doing homework, drinking coffee, or pretending you’re going to be productive.

These aren’t technically fall shows, but they carry that unmistakable fall feeling.

Gilmore Girls

Coffee, small-town streets, cozy sweaters, changing leaves or academic stress. If there’s a show that practically screams “fall,” it’s Gilmore Girls.

Teen Wolf

For something a little more supernatural, Teen Wolf brings werewolves, high school drama, and plenty of nighttime scenes to the list. It’s technically not a Halloween show, but it definitely fits the spooky-season mood.

Supernatural

If you’re looking for something that leans a little more into the spooky side, Supernatural is an obvious choice. Two brothers, a never-ending list of supernatural creatures and paranormal chaos to keep you watching episode after episode. With ghosts, demons, vampires, werewolves and basically anything else that goes bump in the night, it’s perfect for when you’re ready to move beyond the lighter Halloween movies. Oh, and it has 15 seasons, so you won’t run out immediately.

Hart of Dixie

Small-town southern charm, romance and cozy fall energy? Add it to the list. It may not scream Halloween, but it belongs in the broader category of shows that make you want a blanket and a warm drink.

Wednesday

And, of course, we can’t forget Wednesday. If you’re looking for something that leans more heavily on the spooky side of things, this is your pick. Dark humor, mystery and supernatural elements.

🍿Now, Let the Marathon Begin!

I don’t know if there has been a year when I’ve actually watched every single movie and show on this list. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have enough free time even if I tried.

But that’s not really the point.

Sometimes, putting on one of your favorite Halloween movies is enough to make the season feel a little more like fall. It’s about the nostalgia of watching something you grew up with, the comfort of knowing what happens next and the feeling of settling into the season—even when Virginia Weather refuses to cooperate.

So, grab the snacks, make your fall drink of choice, get a cozy blanket, and take a few hours to yourself.

Happy Spooky Season! 🍂👻🎃

The not-so-scary fall movie marathon