Autumn Watches: 10 Shows and Movies for Fall
The earliest signs of Autumn coming around the corner are popping up with twinges of nostalgia for childhood shows and cravings for a foggy drive to the nearest cafe for a comfort snack.
Autumn has always reminded me of childhood, those moments of feeling wonder and excitement for seemingly the first time, only because everything is so exciting it always feels like the first time. Experiencing a mix of emotions and finally knowing the words to describe them. Thinking you’re growing up because your parents let you watch scary movies alone now. Finally feeling as though you’ve developed a semblance of a sense of self. Autumn air always makes me feel this way again, like everything is new and I’m experiencing the world for the first time. In honor of Autumn I’ve compiled a list of ten of my favorite Fall watches, whether cozy or chilling, that are perfect for brisk cloudy days curled up under a blanket.
Coraline: Coraline has everything you need to escape into a fantasy play land away from reality for a while. Its whimsical and offbeat tones bring a comfort that is hard to find in most other animated shows, making it one of the best watches for that Autumn feeling between odd and cozy.
Scream: Starting off more spooky than cozy, you can’t go wrong with the most classic horror series of all times. Scream has the OG horror trope parody down to a T; with rules to surviving the movie and each character playing a key part in the finale of the movie. If you want the laughs, the scares, and hyper awareness of its own meta, Scream has to be your go-to slasher flick.
The Babysitter and The Babysitter: Killer Queen: A newer addition, yet still able to keep up pace with the OG horror movies, The Babysitter brings a freshness tried many a times, but never quite done right. Competing alongside There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021) and the Fear Street (2021) trilogy, and in my opinion, the underdog of the Netflix horror movies.
Stranger Things: Another Netflix original, Stranger Things has one of the best series premier in terms of plot, set up, atmosphere, and it’s the perfect backdrop to a chilly late Autumn evening. Stop at season 1 for the perfect mini-story of small town Hawkins or binge the entire series to prepare for the final season coming next year.
When Harry Met Sally: When Harry Met Sally is one of those rom-coms you can never get tired of. A tale of friends to lovers with a little enemies mixed in, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal have the best on-screen chemistry. Their story is humorous, relatable, and just enough heart wrenching to keep you coming back. Top it off with all those iconic 80s fits and sweaters and you have the perfect Autumn watch.
Monsters University: For those who want a little nostalgia with their accompanying Fall festivities. A sequel to one of my childhood favorites, Monsters Inc., tells the story of how Mike and Sully came to be some of the best in the scare business. My first time watching this was only a couple months ago but it filled me with childhood reminiscence and taught me some pretty spot on lessons for the season I’m in right now in my life. Mike and Sully go through obstacles trying to be the scariest monsters in their school and only with persistence and originality do they come out on top. This will definitely be a Fall favorite for years to come.
American Horror Story: Nothing says October like American Horror Story’s first season in its anthology series, Murder House. The house of spirits brings about a certain mischief that comes alive in the fall and gives you just the right amount of spook along with a spiral of twists that feel fresh time and time again with every rewatch.
The last 3 media on this list are on my personal watchlist, movies and series I haven’t yet seen but am going to use this Fall to get acquainted with.
Good Will Hunting: Of all the Fall roundups I watched, this was by far the most recommended. A movie about a genius janitor who gets an opportunity to make something of his abilities. With Matt Damon and Robin Williams it is sure to be a classic.
The Craft: The ultimate 90s witchy movie, The Craft has that feel of early 90s nostalgia that just feels right at any period in time. Sitting alongside classics like Scream, Practical Magic, and Nightmare on Elm Street, The Craft must be a legacy that can stand the test of time.
Twin Peaks: Twin Peaks has been on my watchlist for years and I know it will be at the top of all my lists once I do watch it. With small town murder, mystery, and surrealist qualities, it has all the makings of being one of my favorite series.
