It’s that time of the year again: 60-degree weather, color-changing leaves and pumpkin spice lattes. The transition from summer into winter is our favorite, most beautiful season, fall. What better way to get into the autumn mood than curling up with a knit blanket and chai latte while watching some fall favorites? 

Movies

Knives Out 

In the mood for a mystery? Fall is the perfect time to newly discover or rewatch this thrilling murder mystery comedy filled with wool knit sweaters, crunchy fallen leaves and steaming cups of coffee and cocoa. Released right before the pandemic hit, Knives Out features a young protagonist named Marta Cabrera—the private nurse of millionaire Harlan Thrombey. When Thrombey is gruesomely murdered, and with Marta as the sole heir to his fortune, Thrombey’s family is furious. Knives Out follows the hilarious, yet marvelously suspenseful story of Marta and Detective Benoit Blanc as they work to solve the murder. The twists and turns in this movie are sure to have you fooled and prepare you for the sequel, which was confirmed this past year! 

Available on Amazon Prime

Get Out

Jordan Peele’s Get Out is one of the best horror thriller films out there. When Chris goes to meet with his girlfriend’s parents on a weekend getaway, things take a turn as he experiences some creepy behavior. As the plot progresses, more and more odd things happen until he discovers the horrors of what really is going on. As the movie begins, you already feel uneasy, and, as it progresses, you’re in store for laughs, twists and lots of jump scares. The acting is entirely convincing and completely immerses you into the dark story. Get Out is easily one of the best movies to get you in the mood for spooky season and leave you with chills.

Available to rent on Amazon Prime

When Harry Met Sally

The beloved 1989 film, When Harry Met Sally, follows the 12-year journey of Harry and Sally’s relationship, going from enemies to friends to lovers. The movie begins in Chicago, moves to New York and takes place over all the seasons, with the fall scenes being especially beautiful. When Harry Met Sally moves at a quick-pace but gives enough time for audiences to sit on the edge of their seats waiting for the inevitable main characters to get together while enjoying the background love stories of other characters. The movie is a cute, quick lighthearted romance with an iconic final scene that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face.

Available on HBO Max

Fantastic Mr. Fox

This Wes Anderson film is quirky, quick-paced and just a wholesome adaptation of Roald Dahl’s original children’s book. Fantastic Mr. Fox is the story of a confident Mr. Fox, who steals from the nearby infamous farmers—Boggis, Bunce and Bean—who retaliate back against Mr. Fox, his family and friends. The score by Alexandre Desplat keeps the movie going and, overall, the film is enjoyable for all ages. The bright orange fox characters and animated scenes embody the home-y loving feeling of fall.

Available on Disney+

Hocus Pocus

This classic Halloween comedy was released way back in ‘93. Hocus Pocus, set in Salem Mass., features high school student Max Dennison, his little sister and his girlfriend, working to defeat three hilarious witches who have been brought back from beyond the grave. Hocus Pocus is a great movie year round but perfect to get into the spooky season groove!

Available on Disney+

TV Shows

Squid Game

The Netflix show Squid Game came out Sept. 17 and shot to the top of the charts. The South Korean hit follows a series of contestants as they partake in playing children’s games with a deadly twist in attempts to win a hefty monetary prize. The show is filled with intricate relationships between players, terrifying challenges and suspenseful scenes that leave you reeling. Squid Game does a fantastic job of exploring each characters’ backstory and giving hints about what’s to come next. If you’re in the mood to watch something chaotic and looking for your next scary Halloween costume, Squid Game should be at the top of your list. 

Available only on Netflix

Gilmore Girls

Although made in the 2000s, this show is forever one of the best on-screen mother-daughter relationships. Gilmore Girls explores the lives of Lorelai and teen daughter Rory as they navigate the different eras of their lives together. From coffee addictions to boy drama, this show makes you fall in love with every single character. The dialogue is quick, witty and relatable. With seven seasons and a Netflix four-part special, this show is perfect to binge with your own cup of joe. Gilmore Girls just radiates fall vibes and Stars Hollow will become your new favorite place. 

Available on Netflix

You

You is one of Netflix’s best original shows. This psychological thriller follows an average guy, Joe, who loves books, is a bit of a loner and has a fascinatingly creepy obsession with a girl named Beck. Season one takes us on a twisty journey with Joe as things take a turn for the creepy when his obsession and stalking get severely out of hand. Season two continues the story, exploring Joe’s complicated psyche more in depth. You does a wonderful job of taking the audience on a mental rollercoaster as we watch the darkest parts of characters’ minds unfold. Catch up seasons one and two as the first episode of season three airs October 15.

Available on Netflix

Only Murders in the Building

This one’s for my true crime lovers. The suspenseful murder mystery comedy takes the audience behind the scenes of a podcast created by the true-crime-obsessed main characters (Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin). Only Murders in the Building is a brand new Hulu Original, releasing its ten episodes once a week until the finale arrives Oct. 19. It has received wonderful reviews all around with a perfect 100 percent in Rotten Tomatoes, and fall is the perfect time to settle in and binge this hilarious series if you’re looking for a laugh or just a new show to get you through the school year.

Available on Hulu

Stranger Things 

Ah, Stranger Things. The popular Netflix original made its debut back in 2016 and flew immediately to the top of the charts. Taking place around Halloween in the 80s’, Stranger Things is a creepy sci-fi action (with touches of comedy) that is sure to get you in the autumn (and Halloween) mood. Season one features a young Will Byers (portrayed by Noah Schnapp) gone missing from the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The story follows his friends and family’s spooky search for him and what they discover along the way. The beloved characters returned for a second season airing just before Halloween in 2017 (the perfect setting to watch now) and Season three in the summer of 2019. To the delight of many, many fans, the release of Season four is set for early 2022. 

Available on Netflix