With the autumn season settling in, it’s time to find the perfect books and movies to put you in that wonderful cozy, spooky mood. As a firm believer in the superiority of the fall months, an avid reader and movie buff, I’m here to be your guide. From dark academia to murder mystery, I present to you a curated list of novels and films spanning genres and age ranges that are perfect to embark on this time of year.
1. “Vicious” by V.E. Schwab
You won’t ever want to leave the entrancing world of this genre-bending adult novel. Following Victor Vale and Eli Ever as they go from college roommates to archnemeses, V.E. Schwab combines dark academia, superpowers and moral corruption into one beautifully written, enthralling read. After you become completely obsessed with this book, you can read its sequel, “Vengeful”.
2. “A Lesson In Vengeance” by Victoria Lee
This witchy young adult book is all that is right with the dark academia genre. Set at an elite, all-girls boarding school, Felicity Marrow is drawn to the dark history that mars the school grounds. Joined by prodigy novelist Ellis Haley, they embark on a heart-pounding journey for the truth. With a spooky atmosphere and plot-twists that will leave you reeling, “A Lesson In Vengeance” is a book you will be thinking of long after you’ve finished reading.
3. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
The first book in a young adult mystery/thriller trilogy, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is perfect for fans of smart girls cracking cold cases in small towns. This novel follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she investigates the five-year-old case of Andie Bell, a teenage girl who went missing and was said to be murdered by Sal Singh, for her senior year project. A fast-paced mystery full of plot-twists, you won’t want to put this book down.
4. “Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs
The first installment of an eight book series of young adult fantasy fiction, “Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children” is enjoyable for everyone. Tag along with Jacob Portman as he travels to Wales and discovers a fascinating new world of magic, danger and complicated history. Complete with haunting old photographs and lovable, odd characters, this book presents a wonderful adventure to dive into this spooky season.
5. “Home Before Dark” by Riley Sager
In this adult mystery horror novel, Maggie Holt returns to Branberry Hall twenty-five years after she and her family fled the house in the middle of the night. As she renovates the estate to be sold, she experiences unexplainable things which drive her to figure out what haunts Branberry–and her past–once and for all. This creepy masterpiece will have you saying “I don’t need sleep, I need answers!”
6. “Dead Poets Society”
Set at an elite all-boys boarding school, this film explores the importance of art, friendship and freedom in our lives. Taught by a new and unorthodox English teacher, students Todd Anderson, Neil Perry, and others learn to seize the day and pursue their dreams. “Dead Poets Society” has a beautiful autumn aesthetic and a heartfelt story that makes it a must-watch for this time of year.
7. “Hocus Pocus”
Witches, smart kids, wonderful comedic timing, a talking cat and a 90s aesthetic–what more could you want? In this wholesome Halloween movie, Max, Dani, and Allison struggle to rid Salem of three evil witches who seek to cast a spell on the town. An instant crowd pleaser, you can put this film on for friends, family, or just yourself to get in the Halloween spirit.
8. “Knives Out”
Perfect for fans of classic mystery/thrillers, this film puts a modern lens on the age-old tale of an old rich man found dead in his mansion, with his eccentric family as the prime suspects. Knives Out follows Marta Cabrera, the nurse of Harlan Thrombey, as she is caught up in the investigation of his suspicious death, led by Detective Benoit Blanc. With plot-twists and a talented cast, “Knives Out” is a staple of its genre and a fitting watch for the fall season. When you finish the film wanting more, as you certainly will, you can watch its sequel “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” coming to U.S. theaters on November 23rd.
9. “Fear Street Part One: 1994”
A horror movie trilogy that spans subgenres, including slasher and the supernatural, the “Fear Street” films are all kinds of scary and nostalgic. Set in the town of Shadyside, which has been plagued by a curse for generations, a group of teenagers fight to survive serial killers and seek to finally end the curse on their home. Praised by fans of the horror genre new and old, “Fear Street Part One: 1994” is a film you shouldn’t watch alone late at night, so grab some friends and some popcorn and settle in, because you won’t want to miss it.
10. “10 Things I Hate About You”
If horror or mystery isn’t really your thing, you can’t go wrong with a cozy and fun romcom like “10 Things I Hate About You”. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”, this 90s classic tells the story of Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona as they’re thrown into a romance, so that Kat’s sister, Bianca, can finally date the boy she likes. Charming and funny, this movie will warm your heart as those cooler autumn months arrive.
So, open up those books, queue up those movies, and prepare to experience all the wonders of the autumn season. No matter your genre of choice or preferred media, I hope you found something new to enjoy.
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