Fall season is the peak cozy season. The weather cools down, campus trees turn golden, and life just seems gloomier. Like most of us, my search history for “comfort movies” mostly comes back the same every September, which means I crave the same set stories that feel like warm soup for the soul. These five movies are perfect for that mood and they all tap into themes we should ponder about – identity, purpose, independence, and finding joy in the mess of it all.
No movie screams “fall semester” like this one. Robin Williams as Mr. Keating inspires his students to live fully and think for themselves, reminding us to “Carpe Diem”, which means seize the day. For a generation fixated on making purposeful choices, this film feels especially relevant. It’s emotional, thought-provoking, and might just make you want to join a secret poetry club in the woods.
Julia Roberts plays a progressive art history professor at a women’s college, pushing her students to imagine a future beyond marriage. Visually, every frame doubles as a fall mood board. The tweed coats, campus courtyards, and bold life decisions give the viewer a sense of feminist media in the fall landscape. With shifts in social constructs over the past few decades, young adults, especially women have started valuing independence over traditional milestones. Hence, this movie feels timeless, reminding us that ambition and happiness aren’t mutually exclusive.
3. Just My Luck
Life often feels chaotic, but films like this remind us to roll with the punches and grow through it. Lindsay Lohan’s unlucky streak in New York City is hilarious and comforting at the same time. Plus, it successfully transports one to the early 2000s that feels nostalgic today. It’s lighthearted, funny, and ideal for a Friday night in with friends and takeout.
October isn’t complete without at least one Halloween-themed watch and if you’re scared of horror films, Hotel Transylvania is the right one for you. Its mix of family drama, quirky monsters, and humor keeps the mood fun and festive. Grab your pumpkin latte, and enjoy it with a hint of bats and cobwebs.
5. Little Women
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of this classic is pure autumn energy packed into a beautiful storyline, with a soundtrack that feels like sitting by a cozy fire. But it’s not just the protagonist Jo March’s struggle to balance her hot temper, rather a refusal to conform to conventional standards of femininity. It offers a glimpse into the complications that come with love and the matters of the heart.
Fall is when life slows down just enough for you to reflect, recharge, and dive into stories that make you feel everything. Whether you’re craving deep soul-searching, chaotic romcom energy, or cozy family drama, this watchlist has you covered. Light your favourite candle, pour some tea, and let the screen do the magic.