The transition from summer to autumn always amazes me.  It’s finally a time when wrapping yourself in a soft blanket or slipping on a knitted cardigan feels just right. The smell of pumpkin spice, the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet, and the early sunsets create a comforting atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and savor every moment.

Since it’s the fall season, it’s time to cozy up with your favorite hot beverage and watch a comforting movie. So, here’s a list of 10 must-watch films that will make your autumn nights even cozier!

It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)

Director: Bill Melendez

It’s the Great Pumpkin; Charlie Brown is a timeless Halloween special featuring the Peanuts gang in their adorable costumes and Charlie Brown’s quest for the perfect pumpkin. The classic trick-or-treat scenes and heartfelt moments make it a seasonal staple. Linus’ unwavering belief in the Great Pumpkin and the gang’s playful antics capture Halloween’s magic and friendship’s warmth. It’s the perfect film to get you into the Halloween spirit and enjoy the cozy, festive vibes of the season.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Director: Peter Weir

No autumn movie list would be complete without Dead Poets Society. This classic coming-of-age drama, set against the backdrop of a prestigious prep school in New England, is brimming with fall vibes with its old stone buildings and wood-paneled classrooms. From the crisp autumn air to students in cozy sweaters and coats walking through golden, leaf-strewn paths, it practically screams “sweater weather!”.

Robin Williams also delivers an unforgettable performance as Mr. Keating, the teacher who inspires his students to live passionately and seize the day. And let’s not forget the power of poetry in this film—nothing fits a chilly autumn afternoon quite like scenes of young scholars reading by firelight, pondering life and art. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and reflection.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Director: Rob Reiner

When Harry Met Sally is a romantic classic that perfectly captures the essence of fall in New York City, with iconic scenes of pumpkin patches, park strolls, and cozy coffee shops. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal’s on-screen chemistry is as warm and inviting as a steaming cup of cider, and the film’s witty dialogue and heartfelt moments make it a must-watch autumn movie. From the cozy sweater weather to the perfect fall backdrop, it’s a film that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and enjoy a good love story.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

This Studio Ghibli classic is a delightful blend of magic and cozy fall vibes. The setting is a picturesque European-style town, and the film features Kiki, a young witch, embarking on her delivery service amidst a backdrop of colorful autumn leaves and crisp, breezy days. With its warm, inviting animation and story of self-discovery and friendship, Kiki’s Delivery Service is perfect for curling up with a cup of cocoa as the weather turns cooler. It’s a whimsical escape into a world where magic feels as comforting as your favorite sweater.

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Director: Kenny Ortega

This film is a spellbinding classic that is practically a Halloween tradition, with its perfect mix of witches, mischief, and fall festivities. Set in the quaint town of Salem, it’s brimming with Halloween spirit, from the iconic black hats and broomsticks to the mischievous antics of the Sanderson sisters. The film’s playful blend of spooky fun and nostalgic charm makes it a must-watch as the nights get longer. It’s an enchanting throwback that captures the essence of autumn and the magic of Halloween.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Director: Nora Ephron

You’ve Got Mail is another rom-com that captures the essence of fall in New York City with its iconic scenes of colorful foliage and cozy coffee shops. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan light up the screen with their endearing chemistry, while the film’s backdrop of bookshops and autumnal city streets creates a perfect setting for romance. The warm, nostalgic feel of the movie, paired with its genuine and humorous dialogue, makes it the ultimate fall watch.

Twilight (2008)

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

This vampire romance occurs in a perpetually overcast town where the misty, autumnal atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for Bella and Edward’s intense love story. The film’s moody, gray skies and dense forests are just as captivating as Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson’s brooding performances. With its eerie, almost gothic vibe, Twilight immerses you in a world where autumn’s chill feels thrilling and romantic. It’s the perfect film to watch while snuggled up and embracing the season’s darker, mysterious side.

Lady Bird (2017)

Director: Greta Gerwig

This coming-of-age gem is set in Sacramento during the fall of 2002, capturing the season’s essence with its golden hues and nostalgic high school backdrop. Saoirse Ronan’s portrayal of the character Lady Bird, navigating her senior year with a combination of youthful angst and dreams of escaping her hometown, is heartfelt and relatable. The film’s scenes of leaf-covered streets and school events perfectly echo the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood. It’s a film that embraces the complexity of growing up, making it an ideal choice for autumn reflection.

Little Women (2019)

Director: Greta Gerwig

This adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel radiates a cozy, nostalgic spirit of fall. Set in the 1860s, it captures the beauty of autumn with its warm color palette, picturesque settings, and the intimate scenes of the March sisters gathered around their hearth. Saoirse Ronan and her co-stars bring the timeless story of family and personal growth to life with a charm that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The film’s themes of love, ambition, and sisterhood resonate perfectly with the season’s reflective mood, making it a perfect pick for a cozy fall movie night.

Knives Out (2019)

Director: Rian Johnson

This modern whodunit is the ultimate fall thriller, with its atmospheric setting in a sprawling, old-fashioned mansion surrounded by autumnal woods. The crisp, cool air and the intricate, murder-mystery plot make it a perfect fit for sweater weather. Daniel Craig’s sharp wit and the film’s clever twists will keep you on the edge of your seat, while the autumnal ambiance sets the perfect mood for a cozy, suspenseful movie night. With its blend of mystery, dark humor, and stylish setting, Knives Out is an ideal pick for fall.

These ten movies offer the perfect blend of warmth, nostalgia, and intrigue. They invite you to savor the cozy comfort of sweater weather while immersing yourself in stories that resonate with the spirit of autumn. So, grab your favorite blanket, make a warm drink, and let these films provide the perfect mood for your fall evenings!

This was written by our contributing writer, Sarah Hernaez.