As the cozy season approaches, it’s almost time for the orange leaves to fall and for pumpkin decorations to grace every doorstep. As our windows offer a view of a windy, cloudy sky, we grab our favorite blankets, sip on pumpkin spice lattes, and choose the perfect movies to get us into that cozy fall mood. Follow along to discover some of our team’s favorite go-to books, movies, and TV shows that make them reach for their warmest blankets and a steaming cup of coffee.
Animation Never Missess
Over the Garden Wall
I am THE biggest autumn lover in the world, so this is like asking me to choose a favorite between my cats. But I have to admit, there’s no better way to usher in my most beloved season than watching the animated series Over the Garden Wall. It follows two brothers lost in a spooky forest as they encounter all manner of strange and whimsical creatures. It’s a little creepy and a lot cozy, and it feels like a cool October breeze, smells like spiced cider, and sounds like haunting whispers in the woods (and banjo music). It’s the kind of classic I can watch year after year. And speak of the devil, I might turn it on right now!
But since I can’t resist giving more cozy/spooky Autumn recs, buckle up! For books, I love The Shady Hollow series by Juneau Black. For movies, you can never go wrong with The Lord of the Rings, You’ve Got Mail, Hocus Pocus, Casper, Fantastic Mr. Fox, or anything by Tim Burton. On TV, Wednesday, Gilmore Girls, and What We Do in the Shadows are my go-to’s.
Fiona Hansen, Editorial & Outreach
Anastasia
It’s my favorite movie of all time and it’s perfect for cozy fall (and December, of course). I’ve been watching it my whole life, so it has that comforting feel for me that the fall and winter seasons have. Just thinking about it brings me back to my childhood.
One time as a kid, I was trying not to cry after I touched something hot that my mom had warned me about, and she proceeded to treat my small burn, carry me to bed, and put on Anastasia to soothe me. I also recall frequently listening to the film’s soundtrack in the car; I don’t remember all of the words to every song anymore, but the ones I do know, I know by heart. It’s the perfect movie: beautifully animated, with great music, romance, and loads of nostalgia.
Gabriela Collazo, Editorial
Nightmare Before Christmas, The Corpse Bride, Coraline
I will die on the hill that Nightmare Before Christmas is a fall movie, it gets you right into the Halloween spirit and can carry on over to Christmas. I was a weird child and absolutely loved stop-motion movies, especially the weird-looking ones, and for some reason, they brought me comfort. The Corpse Bride is more creepy but also, all the colors just give you the leaves off of trees vibes and the gloom with a hint of blue, and the color really comes out when the dead are alive. And then you get the classic Coraline, which both the book and movie are phenomenal.
All these movies just give me that comfortable vibe, one that I know if I had a pile of blankets and pillows surrounding me, I could actually relax and possibly fall asleep to these movies. The other reason why these are autumn essentials is simply that it’s more accepted to watch them in public during this time of year—because everyone just has to judge me for finding comfort in a ten year old girl battling a beldam.
Abigail Hibbard, Graphics Intern
Classics Are Often the Way to Go
Monster House, Twilight, The Wolf Man, Van Helsing, Coraline
Autumn is my favorite season of the year, but I have yet to find a book to associate with it. When I was younger, all of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps and Fear Street series were my go-to favorites. Now, I gravitate toward the usual movies that give me cozy creepy comfort. Monster House and its warm color palette and awesome plot, Twilight (don’t judge me) with its gothic aura and soundtrack, and The Wolf Man and Van Helsing for their tragic love stories and monsters. When the air is crisp and the smell of burning leaves engulfs the air, it’s when I feel most energetic, inspired, and productive. I have And There He Kept Her by Joshua Moehling on my TBR list so I’ll probably finally break that from my shelves this season.
Talia Wall, Graphics
Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown
I love fall so picking my go-to fall picks is hard. I love sitting on the couch with a warm drink and blanket while I watch Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown. These two movies always get me in the fall spirit because of the fun story and Halloween vibes. Both of the movies are nostalgic and always put me in a good mood and ready for the fall season. The characters and world-building of both movies are fun to fall into as I get wrapped up in the story. These movies always get me ready and excited for fall and cooler weather.
Molly Ireland, Outreach and Editorial Intern
Practical Magic
I can literally watch this movie every day during fall and never tire of it. It has sisterhood and friendships that develop as well as the gentle witchy vibe trying to destigmatize the practice. Plus, I love everything Sandra Bullock is in. I mean, how could you not?
Kristi Eskew, Executive Editor
Halloweentown & Gilmore Girls
This time of year is perfect for a rewatch of my ultimate favorite movie and tv show: Halloweentown and Gilmore Girls. I actually watch these all year long, but I definitely have it on 24/7 when the season rolls around. There’s just nothing better than a perfectly depicted Fall on screen. I live in an area that doesn’t receive a true fall so through this movie and series I am able to live vicariously through the characters!
Halloweentown has been my favorite movie since I was very young. When I watch this movie series I am reminded of simpler times and the excitement that comes with Halloween. Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday and this movie encompasses the perfect Halloween time! Due to the gushy feelings Halloweentown and Gilmore Girls give me, they have become fall essentials, but truly years must!
Lexi Dos Santos, Social & Editorial
Harry Potter Series, Coco, and The Book of Life
Fall is a pretty season to bask inside with warm coffee and Halloween-shaped cookies. Curled on the couch watching the Harry Potter franchise adds a comfy nostalgia my family enjoys. With witches, wizards, a magical school for kids, and said kids almost dying all the time, it adds a Halloween vibe that’s not too scary (at least in the first three movies).
Then, after Halloween comes The Day of the Dead with pretty marigold decorations and movies such as Coco and The Book of Life. I love how realistic the cemeteries are decorated in the movies. With the candles and the offerings, it looks peaceful to walk around in. Add hot chocolate and pan de muerto to the viewing experience, and I’m 100% in the cozy fall mood! Also, for more fall feels this year, I’ll try to read Sherlock Holmes and Count Dracula because mystery books are a staple to the season!
Claudia Maldonado, Editorial
A Book Is Always the Right Choice
Faefever series by Karen Marie Moning
The Faefever series is my ultimate autumn read. Set against the backdrop of Ireland’s misty, rain-soaked landscapes, the series perfectly captures the fall season. The rich descriptions of Ireland’s gloomy, enigmatic weather, combined with the story’s blend of magic and mystery, evoke the crisp, cool air and vibrant, changing leaves of autumn.
The Faefever series is my comfort read for fall. Barrons is always there to offer guidance and perspective, making sure I can embrace the seasonal melancholy while finding solace in his wisdom. Mac, on the other hand, feels like the big sister I never had, constantly reminding me that I don’t have to change who I am, even if I’m off to steal a spear from a vampire lair. Her spirit, from the epic adventures to her colorful personality (like wearing a rainbow tutu), reassures me that it’s okay to be myself through every challenge. The series wraps me in a sense of warmth and excitement, making it the perfect autumn essential.
Freya, Social Media Intern
Ready For a Movie Marathon?
Movies, TV shows, and books can bring us that nostalgic feeling that makes us feel cozy and warm inside. Now let us know how you liked our favorite fall movies! Do you feel like watching any of them this fall? Tell us your favorite movies, TV shows, and books that get you in the fall mood in our socials!
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