In the fall, one of the most comforting activities one can do is experience the changing hues of autumn leaves from the comfort of their bed while watching an autumnal classic. Fall is a fan favorite season for many reasons; the pumpkin spice, the weather, the colors, the music, and the movies, which are a staple at this time of year. Undoubtedly, horror movies take up a large part of the autumnal media, eg the Scream series, Halloween and Friday the 13th. Along with the horror genre, there are feel-good classics like Charlie Brown, Coraline and Little Women. While these undeniable classics are significant in the oncoming season, this list includes alternative fall movies that encapsulate fall to its finest elements. Happy watching!
1. Dead Poets Society Hulu
To start, Dead Poets Society is a quintessential movie that perfectly entraps all that the fall season has to offer. The essence of the movie is written in the changing colors of the autumn leaves. The movie is about a new professor (Robin Williams) who joins a prestigious academy to teach a group of young boys English through ‘unorthodox’ methods. The students in Dead Poets Society break out of their shells through their new teacher’s lessons and embark on a journey of self-discovery. This movie is incredibly heartfelt and encourages its viewers of “Carpe Diem”, to seize the day.
2. The Edge of Seventeen Amazon Prime
The Edge of Seventeen, starring Hailee Steinfeld, is a relatable coming-of-age film from the perspective of a teenage girl who experiences traumas and betrayal from the people closest to her. She struggles to navigate her life while feeling like an outsider in her own home and school. Despite the doubts she has in herself, friends and family, she pursues her passions and attempts to continue living her life without regret and constant self-hatred. The Edge of Seventeen describes the teenage experience while portraying fall themes.
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox Disney+
While originally Fantastic Mr. Fox was a Roald Dahl children’s novel, it was turned into a stop motion picture animation in 2009. The story follows Mr. Fox (George Clooney) who breaks a promise and faces the consequences for his greedy actions. His family is then punished by being forced to live underground and hide from the outside world. Mr. Fox is forced to become creative to escape the oppression his family faces. Along with beautiful animation, the colors of this movie are embedded in autumnal oranges and yellows, almost as if the viewers are experiencing the changing season for themselves.
4. Practical Magic Max
Practical Magic follows the story of two sisters Sally and Gillian Owens (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) who are born into a family known for witchcraft. While the sisters have never taken part themselves, a life-altering event for one of the sisters encourages them to indulge in their magical capabilities. However, they end up causing more trouble than good and in turn have to save their family line from dark magic. Practical Magic has all of the witchy Halloween themes that the autumn season exhibits.
5. Good Will Hunting Max
Good Will Hunting portrays a man with an incredibly high IQ (Matt Damon) who chooses to disregard his academic capability while working as a janitor. In the movie, he meets a professor who confides in him and truly believes in his potential despite his constant setbacks. This movie conveys the importance of doing things for your betterment and how the pursuit of true knowledge comes from the world that surrounds you. The fall atmosphere in this movie contributes to the overall aura emanating from the cinematography and messages portrayed in the film.
