Top 10 Movies To Watch In Fall

This fantasy comedy film somehow makes Halloween even campier than it already is. Salem witches Winifred, Sarah, and Mary are sent to their graves on All Hallows’ Eve in 1693, but are accidentally resurrected exactly 300 years later. A teen newly displaced from L.A. must team up with his crush and a talking black cat to outsmart the wicked trio. Although they aren’t trick-or-treaters themselves, the Sanderson sisters capture the spirit of the modern holiday with their old-timey garments and jittery energy. With many fall movies opting for genuine scares, this cult classic takes a family-friendly approach that is still genuine fun.

Fall means football season, and few films combine autumnal sports fare with an important history lesson as seamlessly as this one. Dramatizing the story of real-life coach Herman Boone, “Titans” chronicles his effort to lead a team to victory in a recently integrated high school. Although entrenched racism creates an obvious divide between the players, Boone puts them through an athletic — and social — boot camp that attempts to foster real relationships. As summer gives way to cooler weather in this back-to-school flick, so does the celebrated coach slowly but surely transform his community.

The first installment in the film series of the same name is pure Fall nostalgia. Hollywood icon Debbie Reynolds stars as Agatha “Aggie” Cromwell, a witch who inadvertently leads her grandchildren to her mystical place of residence. While the spellcaster and her adult daughter argue over giving the youngsters training in magic, trouble brews as locals continue to disappear without a trace. Only the fourth-ever Disney Channel Original Movie, “Halloweentown” has become a new holiday classic for viewers of a certain age. With the whimsical town absolutely decked out in jack-o’-lanterns and residents ranging from goblins to skeletons, this fantasy comedy conjures up Halloween memories like no other.

Few back-to-school movies are as kooky as this one — but it is helmed by Wes Anderson, after all. Eccentric prep school student Max Fischer, played by Jason Schwartzman in his film debut, strikes up a friendship with a wealthy parent estranged from his family. When they both fall for elementary teacher Rosemary, a fierce competition for her affection begins. With the coming-of-age tale spanning the fall semester, we’re treated to autumnal foliage and outfits alike. But just as importantly, the film captures the transitions — and growing pains — of our high school years.

For many, Fall means getting the family together. Thankfully, though, the stakes aren’t typically as high as in this mystery movie. Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc is a private detective investigating the death of patriarch and superstar author Harlan Thrombey, played by Christopher Plummer. With a slew of relatives demonstrating motives for the killing, it’s up to Blanc to deduce what really happened — and the family’s dysfunctions don’t make it any easier. Boasting numerous leafy backdrops and characters bundled up for the cold weather, this film strikes the perfect balance of macabre story and pretty scenery. And by pretty scenery, we mean that huge house.

When it comes to spooky flicks with serious family spirit, there’s nowhere else to turn. Based on Charles Addams’ characters and the ‘60s TV series, this supernatural black comedy film follows the gang as they unwittingly fall prey to a financial swindle. With a loan shark’s son posing as patriarch Gomez’s long-lost brother, the Addamses’ fierce loyalty to family is pitted against their suspicion of the bizarre newcomer. With a cast of characters including death-obsessed daughter Wednesday and disembodied hand Thing, this movie has ghoulish personality in spades. The titular gang has rightfully stood the test of time, and they simply embody the creepy fun of Halloween.

If there’s any time to binge-watch scary movies, it’s the Fall. With the days getting shorter and summer’s warmth fading, there’s something just a little bit ominous about the season. In “Halloween,” of course, that thing is Michael Myers. The infamous serial killer pursues babysitter and high school student Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, across one hellish day and night. This iconic film has spawned a successful media franchise, and for good reason. Devoid of any obvious supernatural elements, it boasts a simple but downright terrifying premise. The horror classic laid groundwork for future installments in the slasher genre, and easily deserves a rewatch — if you’re not easily spooked, that is.

This psychological drama explores a troubled youth’s emotional growth amidst New England’s Fall scenery. The titular character is an unruly 20-year-old with genius-level intellect who is discovered by a mathematics professor at MIT. In order to avoid jail time, Will takes up scholarly research as well as therapy sessions that truly challenge him. With the protagonist frequenting the prestigious university campus, the movie captures both the feeling of possibility and the pressures that arise at the beginning of an academic year. Fittingly, the script’s first draft was written by star Matt Damon during his time at Harvard.

In this emotional drama, Charlie, a scholarship student at an elite prep school, takes on a job assisting Frank, a blind and bad-tempered Army vet. While Charlie grapples with a moral dilemma involving his classmates’ wrongdoing, he brings some much-needed levity to his charge’s days and drastically changes the latter’s life plans. Set against the backdrop of New England and New York City in the Fall months, the movie includes such memorable moments as a disastrous Thanksgiving dinner with Frank’s family. While Al Pacino’s powerhouse performance as the retired lieutenant colonel is certainly a draw, this film’s storyline of mischief at school is also perfectly suited for autumn viewing.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“When Harry Met Sally” (1989)
Some of This Beloved Rom-Com’s Best Scenes Show Off New York’s Autumn Foliage

“Friday Night Lights” (2004)
This Sports Drama Preceded the Football-Themed TV Series of the Same Name

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009)
For Its Beautiful Palette of Fall Colors & Focus on a Charming Family of Foxes

“If Beale Street Could Talk” (2018)
This Romantic Drama Tells a Story of Criminal Injustice as New York City Shifts from Season to Season

“Beetlejuice” (1988)
Combining Horror & Comedy, This Beloved Film Is a Halloween Classic

The late Nora Ephron was a master of the rom-com form, and this movie she co-wrote and directed celebrates cuffing season like no other. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star as Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly, bitter business rivals who unwittingly share a virtual romance. He heads a giant bookstore chain, and his company’s expansion sadly threatens to stamp out her small business. Besides containing the fantastic dialogue that was Ephron’s signature, the film is a love letter to New York City’s autumn months, with one of Joe’s emails to his pen-pal standing out as a particularly quaint tribute. Come for the beautiful scenery; stay for the touching romantic storyline.