Movies to Get You Into the Fall Spirit

Living in Florida means that the wait for fall can feel hopelessly long. While everyone online is layering their cute autumn outfits, showing off their thrifted sweaters and watching the leaves change colors, we are still sweating while walking to class. 

But who says we have to wait for the temperature to drop to get into the fall spirit?

Sometimes, all it takes is a sip of a warm pumpkin spice latte, lighting your favorite maple candle and putting on a movie that makes you feel like it’s fall. 

Whether you’re looking for cozy, small-town vibes, crisp sweater weather, a little witchcraft or a mystery thriller, these movies will have you romanticizing fall—even if the weather refuses to cooperate. 

Scream

What else says fall quite like watching a group of teenagers try to figure out a masked killer? Scream is one of those movies you immediately rewatch as soon as October hits—it’s a classic! It has everything you need for spooky season without suffering through a movie that will have you sleeping with the lights on for the next three days. Although, it may have you asking, “What’s your favorite scary movie?” for a few days. 

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Now, you may be thinking, “What?” But just look at the movie. The entire film looks like fall was turned into a color palette. Everything is orange, brown and yellow, and looks like it would somehow smell like cinnamon. Fantastic Mr. Fox is an incredibly cozy and comforting movie. It’s quirky, funny and nostalgic in a way that makes it perfect for a night when you just want to curl up in bed with a blanket. Beyond the obvious autumn aesthetic, there is something so pleasing about this movie… plus it has a great soundtrack!

Mean Girls

While this movie may not immediately come to mind when thinking of fall movies, it absolutely deserves a place on this list. You have the beginning of the school year, football games, sweaters and most important, one of the most iconic Halloween scenes ever created: “I’m a mouse, duh!” Halloween never feels complete without that back-to-school energy. Bonus points because October simply doesn’t feel complete until I have seen Cady Heron show up to a Halloween party dressed like a terrifying bride while everyone else looks hot.

Practical Magic

There are some movies that are the embodiment of fall, Practical Magic being one of them. It could be the small New England town, the grand Victorian house, or the fact that witches are involved. This movie makes me want to light every candle in the house and start twiddling my fingers hoping some magic comes out of them. It has the perfect balance of romance and sisterhood, and just enough mystery to earn a spot on any fall list. If you want the witchy vibes of Halloween without the scare, this one is for you!  

When Harry Met Sally

This rom-com is basically a fall movie staple. When Harry Met Sally is ultimately a love letter to New York City in the fall. It has that perfect autumnal atmosphere, with changing leaves, knitted sweaters and walks through Central Park. It’s enough to make you forget that if you simply stepped outside, you’d be sweating and battling frizzy hair—the illusion would be over. Beyond the fall vibes, it is the perfect cozy rom-com. It’s not overly cheesy and has enough fall scenery to make you search for the next flight to New York. 

So, until Florida decides to acknowledge that October is, in fact, a fall month, I’ll just have to create the season myself. Turn the AC down, close the curtains, stick a pumpkin loaf in the oven and pick your fall personality: spooky, witchy, romantic or cozy. The leaves outside may still be green, but the ones on my TV aren’t, so I’ll make do with my movie magic for now. 

• Autumn
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• movie recommendations
• romcoms
• seasonal