Just Natoya

There’s a special kind of magic that happens with autumn. The air turns crisp, leaves transform into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds, and there’s an undeniable urge to cozy up indoors with a warm drink and a good movie. If you’re looking to capture that perfect autumnal vibe on screen, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve curated a list of films that perfectly embody the spirit of the season, from heartwarming romances to “spooky” classics. I mean they aren’t that spooky but they give that vibe.

Grab your favorite blanket, brew some tea, heat up a little cider, and get ready to fall in love with these cinematic gems!

A Whiff of Nostalgia and Enchantment

The Cider House Rules: Set against the backdrop of a New England apple orchard in the crisp autumn. Homer is longing for a life beyond the Maine orphanage where he was raised, young Homer Wells leaves the only home he’s ever known. He finds work at an apple orchard and a new family, but when a shocking secret comes to light, he must decide whether to follow the path set for him or forge his own. A poignant and moving story about destiny, morality, and finding your own way.

Hocus Pocus: It wouldn’t be autumn without this Halloween staple!Three centuries after being executed for witchcraft, the Sanderson sisters Winifred, Mary, and Sarah are accidentally resurrected on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts, by a skeptical teenager named Max. Now, with the help of his little sister Dani, his crush Allison, and an enchanted talking cat, Max must race against time to stop the eccentric and bumbling witches from sucking the life force out of all the children in Salem before sunrise, or they’ll be back for good! It’s a spooktacular blend of comedy, magic, and Halloween mischief that has become a cult classic. There is also Hocus Pocus 2 which for a sequel is surprising good.

Dead Poets Society: “O Captain! My Captain!” At the strict and traditional Welton Academy, an elite all-boys prep school in 1959, a new English teacher named John Keating challenges his students to “seize the day.” Through his unconventional and inspirational teaching methods, he encourages them to break free from the suffocating expectations of their parents and the school’s rigid traditions.

Inspired by Keating’s passion, a group of students secretly revives the “Dead Poets Society,” a club Keating belonged to as a student, where they meet to share poetry and embrace their individuality. As the boys find their voices and pursue their true passions, they must navigate the profound consequences of their rebellion, leading to a powerful and heartbreaking climax that questions the true meaning of education, conformity, and living an extraordinary life.

“Carpe Diem!”

Autumn in New York:A successful but emotionally distant restaurateur and notorious playboy, Will Keane, lives a life of no-strings-attached romance in the city that never sleeps. That is, until he meets Charlotte Fielding, a sweet, free-spirited young woman half his age. While their unlikely romance blossoms amidst the stunning fall colors of Central Park, Will discovers that Charlotte is suffering from a rare, terminal heart condition. As he falls deeply in love for the first time, Will must confront his past and race against time to find a miracle, learning a life-changing lesson about love, commitment, and what it truly means to live.

Sleepless in Seattle: While not exclusively autumn-themed, the cozy, introspective mood and the focus on connection make it perfect for a chilly fall evening, with Nora Ephron’s signature charm. A widowed architect, Sam Baldwin, moves to Seattle with his young son, Jonah, to start a new life. On Christmas Eve, a lonely Jonah calls a national radio talk show, and a reluctant Sam is persuaded to go on the air, where he opens up about his late wife and his grief.

Good Will Hunting: The academic setting and the journey of self-discovery feel particularly suited to the contemplative nature of autumn.Will Hunting is a 20-year-old math prodigy from a rough neighborhood in South Boston who works as a janitor at MIT. When he anonymously solves a brilliant, graduate-level math problem left on a chalkboard, his genius is discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau. After Will gets into a street brawl and faces jail time, Lambeau intervenes and makes a deal: he’ll get him out of prison if Will agrees to study mathematics under his guidance and see a therapist.

October Sky: Based on the true story of Homer Hickam, “October Sky” is a powerful coming-of-age film set in the coal-mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia, in the 1950s. After the Soviet Union launches Sputnik, a young Homer becomes fascinated by rocketry and dreams of a life beyond the mines.

You’ve Got Mail: In a world before social media, the internet was the place to find love. “You’ve Got Mail” follows Joe Fox, the owner of a mega-chain bookstore, who is locked in a bitter rivalry with Kathleen Kelly, the owner of a charming independent children’s bookshop. Unbeknownst to them, they are falling in love anonymously online, communicating as “Shopgirl” and “NY152.”

Casper: A friendly ghost, an old mansion, and Halloween season combine for a heartwarming and slightly spooky family-friendly film. This one always reminds me of my childhood.

The Craft: This cult classic brings a darker, witchy vibe perfect for October, as a group of outcast teenagers explore the power of magic. Think ’90s grunge meet spooky-witchy vibes.

Practical Magic: The Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, come from a long line of witches cursed to have any man they love die an untimely death. Raised by their eccentric aunts, who teach them the ways of magic, the two sisters couldn’t be more different. Sally is pragmatic, shuns her magical heritage, and longs for a normal life, while Gillian is wild, reckless, and embraces her powers.

Mona Lisa Smile: Set in the 1950s at a prestigious all-girls college during the changing seasons, this film explores themes of feminism and challenging societal norms and finding yourself.

When Harry Met Sally: That’s the question at the heart of this iconic rom-com that spans over a decade. The story begins with the pessimistic and cynical Harry and the neurotic and optimistic Sally, who meet on a car trip from Chicago to New York after college. They immediately clash over Harry’s belief that “the sex part” always gets in the way of platonic friendships.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s: While not strictly an autumn film, the sophisticated New York setting and the melancholic beauty of the story make it a stylish choice for a reflective fall viewing. Audrey Hepburn is so stunning in this film as Holly Golighty. If you are also feeling like the film isn’t enough read the novela by Truman Capote the story while similar has a more harsh undertone.

Edward Scissorhands: An eccentric, but kind, Avon lady named Peg discovers an unfinished creation named Edward living alone in a gothic castle. Edward, a gentle and innocent young man, has scissor blades for hands after his inventor died before finishing him. Taking pity on him, Peg brings Edward home to live with her suburban family.

Initially, Edward is a curiosity and a sensation, using his unique hands to create beautiful topiaries and avant-garde hairstyles. However, as he falls in love with Peg’s teenage daughter, Kim, the fear and prejudices of the suburban community begin to surface. When he is manipulated and misunderstood, Edward’s gentle nature is challenged, leading to a tragic and bittersweet confrontation that forces him to retreat back to his solitary life. A timeless, modern fairytale about a sensitive outsider who is too good for a world that cannot accept him.

And here is a little bonus!

Planes, Trains & Automobiles: A hilarious and heartwarming Thanksgiving journey that perfectly encapsulates the chaotic but ultimately fulfilling spirit of holiday travel and human connection. This is also currently on Netflix Canada.

Well you’ve got my favourite fall films, what are your favourite autumnal films? 

xoxo

Natoya