Ten Films That Capture the Spirit of Autumn

There’s something about autumn that makes us crave stories filled with golden light, cozy sweaters, and a touch of melancholy. The season is a tapestry of contrasts: brisk air and warm drinks (love a hot apple cider, with or without a shot of bourbon), harvest abundance and quiet reflection, spooky nights and tender nostalgia. Movies can capture all of that—the texture of autumn—better than almost any other art form.

Here are ten films that bring the fall season to life, whether through setting, mood, or theme.

10. Little Women.

If you haven’t seen (Academy-Award Winning/BAFTA Winning) director Greta Gerwig’s version of the Louisa May Alcott classic, you are in for a treat. Louisa May Alcott’s story cycles through the seasons of New England life, but autumn stands out: harvest dances, warm coats, pumpkins, and hearthside storytelling. These scenes glow with the warmth and nostalgia that define the season of gratitude. Saoirse Ronan turns in a stellar performance as eldest sister Jo March, but the cast is STACKED. Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Laura Freaking Dern, Meryl Streep, Chalamet (no first name needed), Bob “Saul/Jimmy” Odenkirk, Chris Cooper—every single member of this cast is stunning. But the real Fall vibes come from both the background of Massachusetts, mainly in Harvard, and the costumes. In her own words, costume designer Jacqueline Durran says her intention was to “make vintage clothes covetable to the modern viewer”, and she does: the “woollen sontags” with “preppy plaid skirts” and “jaunty newsboy caps” gives such a wonderful look that could easily be incorporated into a contemporary wardrobe.

9: Good Will Hunting

Just check out the background of the poster. New England seems to be iconic when it comes to creating a wonderful autumnal vibe—I mean, people travel from all over to go leaf-peeping so it makes sense that this list is full of films set there. Also, Robin Williams gives such a bittersweet, heartfelt turn as college professor/therapist Sean. The scene where Will and Sean sit in the park, and Sean wears a brown knit cardigan and conductor cap—plus the story he tells Will about his wife is just such the epitome of a fall day. As a sad boi, this film has always hit me hard. Few backdrops are more autumnal than Boston’s ivy-clad universities and firelit pubs. The film’s contemplative tone, paired with red-gold leaves and cool nights, makes it the quintessential fall film about growth, friendship, and the courage to change.

8. Silver Linings Playbook

Set against Philadelphia’s football culture, this story of healing and second chances leans into the rituals of the season: tailgates, games, and family gatherings. The crisp air and grounding routines of fall reflect the characters’ search for stability. Plus, Bradley Cooper and J Law make for great eye candy as they chew the scenery.

7. Legally Blonde

Elle Woods’ journey begins with a seasonal shift—arriving at Harvard in autumn, where red leaves scatter across the quad and the air is alive with possibility. The film’s energy captures the spirit of fresh starts and self-discovery that the season inspires. Also, as my undergrad was also in fashion, I feel seen as more than just someone who likes to shop.

6. Election

Back-to-school season brings with it sharpened pencils, fluorescent hallways, and the buzzing politics of the student body. Election channels all of that through its sharp satire, embodying the brisk intensity of fall academia. Also, I’m an unabashed Tracy Flick fan, she worked her tail off to get what she wanted. Just because some heteronormative cis white guy thought she needed taught a lesson has always irked me. When I was younger I thought that Matthew Broderick was the hero of the movie. Now I know better.

5. The Cider House Rules

No film captures the abundance of harvest better. Set among New England apple orchards, it’s a story steeped in autumn’s sweetness and melancholy, where cider presses and falling leaves echo themes of change, choice, and impermanence. Honestly, it’s been a long time since I’ve watched this, but the presence of apple cider warranted its inclusion.

4. Practical Magic

October wouldn’t be complete without a little witchy enchantment. With its pumpkin-lined porches, candlelit rituals, and coastal breezes, Practical Magic bottles the spell of fall—equal parts spooky and heartwarming. Honestly, I wanted to include The Craft but my partner said that was a Halloween movie and not a Fall/Autumn one. But here we are.

3. Remember the Titans

Football and fall go hand in hand, and this story of perseverance and unity is drenched in the rhythms of the season. Friday night lights, marching bands, and the crisp snap of helmets remind us why autumn feels inseparable from the game. As someone who didn’t grow up playing the sportsball, it’s taken me a long time to come around on not only this movie, but also Varsity Blues and Friday Night Lights. But I’m glad I did.

2. Dead Poets Society

Autumn is a season of change, and this classic captures that beautifully. Set at a New England prep school, the film glows with golden leaves and crisp mornings, but it’s the themes of renewal, rebellion, and fleeting youth that make it timelessly autumnal. Again, a non-comedic Robin Williams performance that is absolutely devastating. Also, for those in the know, “carpe diem” was the “YOLO” back in the day.

1. Knives Out

Few films feel more like a fall weekend than this modern whodunit. With its stately New England mansion, tartan-clad characters, and misty landscapes, Knives Out is steeped in cozy autumn vibes. It’s the perfect film for a chilly October evening with a blanket and a cup of cider. And Chris Evan’s sweater—which I think had its own Tumblr—inspired a new generation of #menswear (there’s even a New Yorker article about the sweater. Seriously.).

🍂 Why Autumn Belongs on Screen

Autumn is more than just a backdrop—it’s a mood. It’s the season of transformation, when endings and beginnings coexist, when the air itself feels alive with possibility. Each of these films captures that essence, whether through falling leaves, back-to-school energy, or the magic of long nights by the fire.

So brew a pot of tea, curl up with a blanket, and let these stories remind you why autumn is cinema’s coziest, most contemplative season.