Before you start reading: put on “Insomniac” by Memo Boy. (To kick off the fall vibes.)
There’s no better feeling than a cozy night in, accompanied by a PSL and a freshly baked treat, curled up under a blanket and watching the perfect fall movie or TV show with some friends.
But as much as I love revisiting my favorite fall classics, there are only so many times I can rewatch Gilmore Girls without wanting to see something new. Of course I love that cozy familiarity of Lorelai and Rory, but I refuse to believe Stars Hollow is the only fictional place worth spending autumn in.
Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting romance, coming-of-age story, or something completely outside your usual genre, I’ve collected 17 movies and shows that deserve a spot on your fall watchlist. Some might be familiar, while others you have never heard of. After all, these hidden gems don’t have to be something nobody knows about. Sometimes they can just be things you haven’t discovered yet. Even if you do recognize a few, I’m hoping you’ll walk away with at least five new additions to cozy up your living room this fall.
1. Dan in Real Life (2007)
If I could turn the feeling of a New England fall weekend into a movie, it would probably be Dan in Real Life. Starring Steve Carell (as if you needed another reason to watch), the film follows a widowed father who unexpectedly falls for a woman while visiting family, only to discover she’s dating his brother. Between the cozy family home, colorful autumn leaves, and awkward romantic encounters, this movie practically screams November. It’s funny, heartfelt, and the kind of film that makes you wish your family owned a vacation home somewhere in Rhode Island.
2. Anne with an E (2017–2019)
I might be a little biased considering Anne with an E is quite literally my favorite show of all time, but I promise it’s worth the watch. Based on the classic novel Anne of Green Gables, the series follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative orphan who finds herself living with two siblings on Prince Edward Island. Between the picturesque landscapes, heartfelt friendships, and Anne’s ability to romanticize even the smallest moments, the show feels like stepping into a storybook. I’m convinced the entire series was color-graded by autumn itself. And don’t even get me started on the slow-burn romance. Seriously, if there’s one show on this list I’m begging you to watch, it’s this one.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
There’s something about Studio Ghibli films that feels so cozy and heartwarming, and Howl’s Moving Castle is no exception. The film follows Sophie, a young woman who finds herself transformed into an elderly woman by a mysterious curse. She takes refuge in the moving castle of an eccentric wizard named Howl. Between the breathtaking animation, cozy interiors, and Joe Hisaishi’s unforgettable soundtrack, this movie feels like being transported into another world. And let’s be serious, who wouldn’t want to live in a magical castle with a fireplace that talks back? Whether you’re an anime fan or someone who’s never given the genre a chance, this is the perfect film to get lost in on a chilly fall afternoon.
4. Felicity (1998–2002)
If you’ve ever romanticized the idea of going to college in New York City, Felicity might just make you wish you’d applied to a school in Manhattan. The series follows Felicity Porter, a recent high school graduate who impulsively changes her college plans to follow her crush across the country (a decision straight out of Never Have I Ever’s Devi Vishwakumar’s playbook). Between the cozy coffee shops, late-’90s fashion, and endless college drama, this show has everything you could want from a fall comfort watch. And while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend choosing your college based on a boy, I can’t say I blame Felicity for wanting a fresh start in New York.
5. Autumn in New York (2000)
I mean, with a title like Autumn in New York, how could I possibly leave this one off the list? Starring Richard Gere and Winona Ryder, the film follows an unexpected romance between a commitment-phobic restaurateur and a much younger woman. Between the golden leaves of Central Park, cozy restaurants, and dreamy New York scenery, this movie looks like it was made specifically for fall. But don’t let the beautiful cinematography fool you because this isn’t your typical lighthearted rom-com. If you’re in the mood for a good cry while admiring some gorgeous autumn scenery, this one’s for you.
6. The Great British Baking Show (2010–Present)
If there’s one thing that makes fall even better, it’s the excuse to eat an unreasonable amount of baked goods. The Great British Baking Show follows amateur bakers competing in weekly challenges inside an adorable tent in the British countryside. Unlike most reality competitions, the show is filled with genuine sportsmanship, friendship, and contestants cheering each other on rather than tearing each other down. It’s so wholesome and laid-back that you almost forget it’s a competition. Fair warning, though一watching this will convince you that you could casually whip up a three-tiered cake from scratch. (Prepare to be disappointed. Speaking from experience.)
7. Stuck in Love (2012)
If you’re a sucker for movies about writers and complicated love lives, Stuck in Love deserves a spot on your watchlist. I’ve actually seen this movie pop up on a few fall recommendation lists on TikTok, and I can understand why. Starring Lily Collins, Logan Lerman, and Greg Kinnear, the film follows a novelist and his two children as they navigate their own messy relationships with love, heartbreak, and writing. Between the cozy coastal setting, literary references, and family drama, this movie has that nostalgic indie-film feeling that makes it perfect for a fall night in. Plus, any movie that brings Lily Collins and Logan Lerman together is already doing something right.
8. Once Upon a Time (2011–2018)
If you grew up loving Disney movies and fairy tales, Once Upon a Time is basically your childhood favorites brought to life with a whole lot more drama. The series takes place in Storybrooke, a small town where fairy-tale characters live without remembering their true identities. Between the enchanted forests, cozy small-town setting, and unexpected twists on familiar stories, this show is perfect for anyone craving a little magic this fall. And trust me, the family trees in this show are more complicated than the actual plot.
9. Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Nothing screams fall quite like a beautiful college campus, vintage sweaters, and a little academic drama. Set at Wellesley College in the 1950s, Mona Lisa Smile follows an art history professor, played by Julia Roberts, who encourages her students to question the expectations society has placed on them. Between the gorgeous campus scenery, incredible cast, and conversations about ambition and independence, this movie has everything you could want from a fall watch. If you’re a fan of Little Women, this one’s definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
10. Instant Family (2018)
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I couldn’t leave a movie about family off this list. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, Instant Family follows a couple who decide to become foster parents and suddenly find themselves raising three siblings. And let’s just say, they were NOT prepared for what they signed up for. Between the chaotic family dynamics, hilarious moments, and surprisingly emotional scenes, this movie somehow manages to make you laugh and cry within the same five minutes. Honestly, it’s the kind of movie that makes you want to hug your entire family afterward, even the relatives who ask way too many questions at Thanksgiving dinner.
11. Nowhere Boy (2009)
Before becoming a Beatle, John Lennon was just a teenager in Liverpool trying to figure out his life. Nowhere Boy explores his complicated family relationships, first love, and growing passion for music. And I don’t know if it’s just me, but this movie is genuinely so underrated. I’ve mentioned it to so many people, and somehow, not a single one has seen it. Between the nostalgic atmosphere, British setting, and incredible soundtrack, it’s the perfect movie for a gloomy fall afternoon. And might I add, this is arguably Aaron Taylor-Johnson at his hottest. (I will not be taking questions at this time.)
12. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
If Howl’s Moving Castle caught your attention earlier, allow me to introduce you to another Studio Ghibli favorite. Whisper of the Heart follows Shizuku, a book-loving teenager who begins questioning her future after meeting a boy with dreams of becoming a violin maker. Unlike the magical worlds Ghibli is known for, this film finds its charm in the little things, from cozy libraries to quiet walks through Tokyo. And as I mentioned earlier, there’s a certain warmth to Studio Ghibli films that’s hard to replicate, and this one is no exception. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and perfect for anyone who’s ever felt a little lost trying to figure out what they want to do with their life.
13. Life Unexpected (2010–2011)
If there’s one thing I love, it’s discovering a TV show from the early 2010s that somehow slipped under everyone’s radar. Life Unexpected follows Lux, a teenager who’s spent most of her life in foster care and unexpectedly reconnects with her biological parents. Naturally, things get complicated when her parents, who haven’t been together since high school, suddenly have to figure out how to raise a teenager. Between the messy family dynamics, slow-burn relationships, and nostalgic early-2010s atmosphere, this show has all the ingredients of a perfect fall binge. And with only two seasons, you could probably finish it before your next assignment is due. (Not that I’m encouraging procrastination.)
14. Stepmom (1998)
If you’re looking for a movie that will absolutely destroy you emotionally while simultaneously giving you the prettiest fall scenery, allow me to introduce you to Stepmom. Starring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon, the film follows two women navigating their complicated relationship as a mother and soon-to-be stepmother. Between the gorgeous autumn leaves, cozy family moments, and emotional performances, this movie has everything you could want from a fall drama. Just don’t let the pretty scenery fool you, because you’ll probably spend the second half of the movie crying into your blanket.
15. The Half of It (2020)
If you’re a fan of coming-of-age movies where the romance is just as complicated as the characters themselves, The Half of It deserves a spot on your watchlist. The film follows Ellie Chu, a shy, bookish teenager who agrees to help a classmate write love letters to his crush, only to realize she’s falling for the same girl. (Talk about an awkward situation.) Between the quiet small-town setting, heartfelt friendships, and beautifully written dialogue, this movie has that bittersweet indie-film feeling that’s perfect for fall. It’s one of those movies that reminds you that growing up is just as much about figuring yourself out as it is about falling in love.
16. Julie & Julia (2009)
If there’s one thing fall makes me want to do, it’s spend an entire afternoon in the kitchen pretending I know how to cook. Based on two true stories, Julie & Julia follows Julia Child as she discovers her passion for French cuisine and Julie Powell, a frustrated writer who decides to cook her way through all 524 recipes in Child’s cookbook. Starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, the film is filled with cozy kitchens, delicious food, and the occasional culinary disaster. It’s the perfect movie to watch on a chilly November afternoon, although I can’t promise you won’t end up craving an entire three-course meal afterward.
17. Over the Garden Wall (2014)
If autumn could be turned into a TV show, I’m convinced it would look exactly like Over the Garden Wall. This animated series follows two brothers, Wirt and Greg, who find themselves lost in a mysterious forest filled with strange creatures and even stranger encounters. Between the gorgeous autumn-colored animation, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and whimsical storytelling, this show practically feels like stepping inside a vintage storybook. It’s a little eerie, a little heartwarming, and just the right amount of weird. Plus, with only ten episodes that are about 11 minutes each, you could finish the entire thing in one cozy afternoon.
So, the next time you’re tempted to rewatch Gilmore Girls for the hundredth time (no judgment, we’ve all been there), consider giving one of these hidden gems a chance instead. Who knows? You might just find a new fall favorite.