I think we can all agree that autumn in Gainesville looks a little different from what it does in the movies. In the movies, the main character strolls through Central Park in her cute boots and sweater, her hair fluttering in the breeze as she makes her way to her friends. In Gainesville, we walk to class in shorts, weaving through speeding scooters, trying not to get hit and hoping that it won’t rain again tomorrow. We have to work a little harder to make it feel like fall, and one of my favorite ways is to read books or watch movies with friends that put me in the fall spirit. If you’re looking for a sign to curl up under a blanket with your fall drink of choice and escape into another world, this is it!
In case you need some inspiration for your next movie lineup or a book to get lost in, here is your ultimate fall media guide!
For the Rom-Com Lover
Rom-coms are a great way to get your heart into the whimsical fall spirit, so if your dream autumn night isn’t complete without a meet-cute and witty banter, this section is for you.
Movies:
“Notting Hill” has British charm, cozy bookstores and a love story that makes your heart ache.
“Pride and Prejudice” (2005) is a timeless romance, perfect for a rainy day, with stolen glances in a crowded room and countryside walks.
“10 Things I Hate About You” is a funny, witty romance that makes you want to listen to “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts on repeat.
“When Harry Met Sally” is the ultimate fall rom-com with love and autumn leaves in the air.
“You’ve Got Mail” is another iconic fall movie, featuring a bookstore romance for all my book lovers.
Books:
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is perfect for rom-com lovers because the main character is a rom-com lover herself!
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han has that classic teen love energy.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry is a fun, warm read—and now is a great time to read it before the movie comes out.
But maybe your favorite part of October is preparing for Halloween and getting into the spooky season.
For the Spooky Season Enthusiast
This section is for lovers of mystery, thrillers or just the spooky vibes that come with October.
Movies:
“Hocus Pocus” and “Twitches” are Halloween classics that a lot of us watched when we were younger, making them nostalgic picks filled with sisterhood.
For something a little darker (but still cozy), “Coraline” and “Edward Scissorhands” bring that eerie, spooky atmosphere without haunting your dreams.
I’m biased. But “Twilight” is the perfect dramatic and cringeworthy movie to laugh at with your friends.
If you love a good fall mystery with family drama, one of my favorites is “Knives Out”—and not just because Chris Evans is in it.
Books:
A classic suspense novel that I always struggle to read at night is And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. It is so interesting that you can’t help but try to guess the plot twists before they even happen.
Another favorite of mine is Brought to Life by Allie Lewis, a murder mystery set on a college campus, with the main character trying to uncover the murderer.
After all that Halloween fun, maybe you want to chill and relax with some cozy classics.
For the Cozy Classic Connoisseur
Sometimes you want a calm, warm and whimsical night, and these movies and books are a perfect addition.
Movies:
“Little Women” is a wonderful fall movie, with soft, warm lighting that makes you want to bake a cake and run through a field of flowers.
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” is another autumn staple because it is visually stunning, yet it has its quirks and funny moments that make it a comforting watch.
No cozy comfort movie list is complete without “Harry Potter.” All the movies are filled with magic, candlelit halls and adventures that put you in the fall spirit.
Books:
You can read Little Women by Louisa Alcott before or after you watch the movie. It is so interesting and it makes you feel so academic.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is perfect for curling up with a cup of tea on a rainy day.
Honorable Mentions:
In case you’ve already binged your comfort favorites, here are some extras that deserve a spot on your fall list.
“Dead Poets Society” brings academic and soul-searching vibes that feel like a library in movie form.
“Enchanted” gives fairy-tale magic.
Depending on whether you consider “The Nightmare Before Christmas” more Christmas or Halloween, this is a fun movie to watch with friends to transition between the spooky and festive seasons.
For readers, Book Lovers by Emily Henry features small-town romance that reminds me of autumn.
Fall is all about searching for stories to enjoy and taking a moment to slow down in our busy lives. So go grab a blanket, bake a sweet treat and pick one of the many fall movies or books to escape into.