As we progress through autumn, it is time to rip off the Band-Aid and face the facts: it’s definitely not summer anymore. And that is a great thing! There is something so nostalgic and special about fall: the cable-knit sweaters, the pumpkin-spice lattes, the crunchy brown leaves, Spirit Halloweens randomly popping up in a mall….
Yet, there is something else very special about fall: the movies. And not just any movie will do. They have to fit the autumn vibe: is it “Gilmore Girls” if “Gilmore Girls” was a movie? Is the screen slightly grainy? Is there an orange tint to the film? Is there an absence of green leaves? And if it’s a Halloween movie, is it cozy? Christmas movies do not count (with some exceptions), so if there are white cable-knit sweaters, it must be worn for a slight chill, not the winter cold. In other words, is the movie perpetually in autumn?
The New Trier News decided to choose what movies are fall movies, and which ones are not: arguments ensued. The movies featured are our top picks that fit the above criteria. Peruse the collection, gasp dramatically at our blasphemous, border-line choices, and then go sit down on your couch and watch one or two of them. Trust me, fall isn’t the same without them.
— Isabella Castro
Carolina: ‘The Fantastic Mr. Fox’
Even if you have never seen “The Fantastic Mr. Fox,’ it is possible that you have heard a popular line from the movie on TikTok, where the protagonist Mr. Fox says, “I don’t want to live in a hole anymore. It makes me feel poor.” This statement reveals a main plot point in the movie, which is that Mr. Fox wants a better life above ground, all while dealing with breaking the trust of his wife Mrs. Fox after raiding the farms of their neighbors. Director Wes Anderson creates a perfect autumnal vibe in his film adaptation of Ronald Dahl’s classic story, utilizing orange and yellow tones heavily throughout the animation of the film. This is exactly the movie I’d want to be curled up on the couch with some blankets and a cup of apple cider watching. The quirky and fun stop motion animation is not usually something that I like; however, it is everything I could ask for in a fall movie and more. The excellent voice acting of the main characters by George Clooney and Meryl Streep, coupled with the interesting visuals, captivates viewers of all ages for every moment that the movie graces the big screen. I am eager to revisit this film multiple times as the leaves turn orange.
Margy: ‘School of Rock’
I am by no means a movie person. I think I’ve made it through about 12 movies without falling asleep within the first 10 minutes, and even that’s a stretch. But one of those 12, and the perfect fall movie in my opinion, is “School of Rock,” starring Jack Black. The plot follows Dewey Finn (Jack Black), who is a middle aged, broke, rockstar-wanna-be who lives with his brother Ned (Mike White). Desperate for a job, Dewey serves as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school, pretending to be Ned. Dewey then leads his class through a rock competition, training them in music as he tries to mask his true identity to the school. For me, this movie means more than its humorous plot. It is one of the first memories I have of me and my dad: we used to watch it together each year before the start of school, my dad laughing at every joke, despite having seen it tens of times. Now, we can recite the movie nearly line-for-line. The comedy’s warm storyline and developing characters, amidst the changing leaves and thick sweaters, make “School of Rock” the perfect fall movie.
Allison: ‘Knives Out’
“Knives Out” is my all time favorite autumn movie. The foggy November atmosphere, old money mansion, timeless murder mystery, and stacked cast—from Chris Evans and Ana de Armas to Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Daniel Craig, and more—make the entire film absolute perfection. I would watch this movie at any time of year, but it is undoubtedly best in the fall. The Thrombey mansion consists of an interior complete with libraries, leather chairs, and fireplaces, plus expansive outdoor grounds covered in crisp fallen leaves. The wardrobe—particularly Chris Evans’ iconic sweater—would also feel at home in any fall collection. Despite knowing how the mystery unfolds, “Knives Out” is still a movie I perpetually return to every year. I believe I saw it for the first time in eighth grade, yet the way every piece falls perfectly into place never ceases to amaze and captivate me. Ultimately, no fall is complete for me until I have watched Ana de Armas step out onto the front balcony of the Thrombey mansion, with the whole family staring up at her, while I lay comfortably beside a crackling fire.
Mara: ‘Dead Poets Society’
What do you get when you mix Robin Williams, poetry, and adolescent discovery? The masterpiece that is “Dead Poets Society,” a hopeful yet heart wrenching fall film. Set in an all boys boarding school, the movie features several shots of the landscape with orange leaves covering the grass, and a very autumnal color grading. It fits into the “light academia” aesthetic, with its Gothic Revival buildings and formal uniforms. It’s a coming of age story that highlights the struggles of adolescent self-discovery and self-expression, perfect for fall because the characters spend so much time grappling with change. Fall is a transitional season between the sunny days of summer and the existential dread that comes with the approaching Chicago winter. “Dead Poets Society” is about a group of teenage boys discovering their passion for poetry in a youthful, secretive way, thanks to their atypical new teacher (Robin Williams). Yet this film is not all sunshine and rainbows; it pulls at the audience’s heart strings as characters struggle with their identities and strive for parental validation. The tragic ending left me heartbroken, but simultaneously refreshed by the lessons the film taught me. “Dead Poets Society” is the perfect movie to watch while curled up with a pumpkin spice latte, if you’re looking for a bittersweet reminder of the struggles of growing up and the beauty of literature and self-discovery.
Declan: ‘The Blind Side’
If you’re in the mood for a feel good, comeback sports story for fall time, the Blind Side is a great option. The movie tells the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless kid turned D1 football star. The movie combines great sports scenes and heart-warming family relationships to create a great sports story. In the beginning, Micheal Oher gets picked up by the Tuohy family, and the mom, played by Sandra Bullock, decides to let him stay the night. After some time, Michael starts to become a part of the family, and begins his football career because Mr. Tuohy is the head football coach at the local high school. He soon becomes a star on the o-line after the famous bus scene, where Micheal picks up a defensive lineman, carrying him all the way to the fence and throwing him over. I’ve been watching this almost every year since I first saw it in 5th grade. I think the feel-good football story is a great watch for fall.
Gaia: ‘Donnie Darko’
Time travel, teen romance, and a dooming, bunny-like figure following your every move; what’s not to like? In all seriousness, “Donnie Darko” isn’t the kind of cozy movie to watch while curled up on the couch with a pumpkin spice latte in hand. Instead, it captures the darker, spookier side of fall. Taking place during the Halloween season, “Donnie Darko” follows an angsty teenager named Donnie Darko who miraculously avoids an accident (involving a jet engine crashing into his bedroom!) by sleepwalking out of his house the night before. During his improbably-timed stroll, Donnie comes across a giant rabbit-creature named Frank who tells him the world will end in 28 days. What begins as a quest to save the world, turns into a journey of self-reflection, inspiring questions about fate and free will. This movie has been one of my favorites for a long time. The utterly unique, compelling storyline and chilling performances make this movie a must-watch. Between the grainy screen texture and the Halloween vibe, there’s no doubt that “Donnie Darko” is a certified fall movie.
Isabella: ‘Legally Blonde’
So yes, it’s true that Elle Woods is a girl synonymous with summer: sorority president, “History of Polka Dots” expert, and an avid watcher of soap operas—all with her tiny dog by her side. What makes the movie a fall movie is that it takes place at Harvard Law; The Ivy League is perpetually in autumn, no matter what season it is. Elle herself slowly becomes more fall-like as she becomes a budding lawyer—which perhaps can be seen as a symbolic transition from summer to fall. Besides, there is something very satisfying about Elle declaring the words “ammonium thioglycolate” in a wooden courtroom, which cements her status as a Harvard-taught lawyer. Watching Reese Witherspoon, in what could arguably be her most famous performance, play opposite the calm-and-collected Selma Blair and the unforgettably funny Jennifer Coolidge is such a comfort to me; As “Legally Blonde” (not “Legally Blind” as some people I know have misheard it) was my first rom-com, it holds a special place in my heart, and is a great cozy movie that I have returned to year after year. As I say goodbye to summer and say hello to fall, it’s only right that I watch Elle do the same.
Izzy: ‘Coraline’
Watch “Coraline” —based on a book by Neil Gaiman— if you’re in the mood for some uniquely eerie yet comforting stop motion animation. I don’t think I’ve seen a more meticulously detailed cartoon in terms of both animation and story telling. The incorporation of autumnal colors into the visual palette, blended with a dark fantasy aesthetic, creates a cozy and melancholic atmosphere perfect for a chilly fall evening. It’s also one of the few movies I can think of that gets creepier as you get older. It tells the story of Coraline, a tween girl who’s just moved into a new house and wishes for a better life— more specifically a better Mom. But when she finds herself trapped in a chilling parallel universe, she is forced to undergo a journey of change and self discovery that mirrors the transitional nature of autumn. It’s a truly visually stunning film and the narrative is engrossing, reminding us that horror can be so much more than just mindless jump scares. The end leaves you with an unsettling feeling and a heap of unanswered questions. Watch this once, and you’ll find yourself revisiting it each fall.
Lorelei: ’It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is the perfect movie for anyone looking to relax during an October afternoon. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” centers around a group of kids, the Peanuts, during Halloween night. From Linus and Sally waiting for the great pumpkin to give them toys, to Charlie Brown receiving rocks during trick-or-treating, there is not a dull moment in this movie. My favorite fall memories come from watching “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” I remember watching this movie on Halloween eve with my family for the first time when I was four years old, and loving all of the fun the kids had: attending a Halloween party like Charlie Brown, bobbing for apples like Lucy, waiting for the Halloween version of Santa Claus (the great big pumpkin), and going trick-or-treating. All of those activities defined fall for me, and they still have since. Every year, on a random fall afternoon after school, I decide to watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and it feels like hugging an old friend. If you are looking for a cozy, funny fall movie, then “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is for you!
Luca: ‘The Shining’
Ok sure, the movie “The Shining” isn’t the most family friendly film, but it is the perfect fall movie to grab some blankets, popcorn, and relax while autumn thunderstorms pelt your house. The movie starts out with a man becoming a caretaker at an old, haunted hotel in the Canadian mountains, and as soon as his wife and child arrive, the hotel’s underlying mysteries come to life. This movie about psychotic episodes and breaks is the paramount of fright right before Halloween. At the ripe age of six my dad first brought me into the world of terror with “The Shining” the night before halloween, a horror movie tradition which we continue to this day, but every Halloween he repeats the infamous phrase “Red-rum, Red-rum” in sync with the twins’ sinister voices. The graininess of the movie, seclusion, and thrilling scenes from this frightful picture illuminates screens during this spooky season. Halloween, and all of fall, would not be the same without this amazing film from Stanley Kubrick.
Zoey: ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is far from a nightmare, but a cozy Halloween movie. From stunning visuals, catchy songs, and characters to relate to, this movie is everything you need for a happy Halloween. As a child, I was obsessed with the make-believe world and towns of individual holidays. I would imagine what other holiday towns would look like, what songs they’d sing, and how Jack Skellington would steal that holiday. Each character represents an iconic scary myth, each song has that classic spooky undertone that rings through your head for days after, creating the perfect comforting fall atmosphere that makes you question what exactly the wind is trying to tell you.
Alexia: ‘Corpse Bride’
“The Corpse Bride” is the story of a groom, Victor, who accidentally marries a corpse bride while rehearsing his vows in a forest, and is swept away to the Land of the Dead. Due to its gothic and melancholic aesthetic, this movie is perfect for a cold, rainy night in October. “The Corpse Bride”, one of my favorite dark and theatrical fall movies, was perfectly crafted by filmmaker and artist Tim Burton. Burton’s signature style, a blend of dark fantasy and uncanny characters mixed with a little bit of whimsy, sets him apart from the spooky-scary and adventurous themes in popular Halloween movies. The film’s stop-motion animation sets the bar high, bringing characters to life in an eerily, charming way. When the autumn leaves start to fall, and their brittle, papery edges turn to wisps, there couldn’t be a more perfect time for a rewatch of “The Corpse Bride”.
Bayla: ‘Little Women’
“Little Women” is the perfect fall movie to sit back and relax while immersing yourself into 1800s America. I’d specifically recommend the 2019 adaptation, which includes actors like Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Saoirse Ronan, and of course, Timothée Chalamet. The film has a flawless comforting and crisp warm tint to it, creating the ideal fall ambiance to cozy up and enjoy a pumpkin spice latte. It’s set in 1860s New England, which at first glance, screams fall. The interiors of the homes are super cozy, including items like candles, quilts, fireplaces, and rustic furniture. “Little Women” centers around the lives of the March sisters as they come of age during the Civil War. This is a beloved selection of mine because I’m a big fan of period pieces, and “Little Women” is an adaptation of the novel written by Louisa May Alcott in 1868. I also really enjoy the film because it navigates themes like self discovery and the importance of family. I’ll always return to this movie when the leaves start turning shades of orange and red, and I strongly recommend you do the same.
Gabriella: ‘Coco’
“Coco” is a heart-warming movie that takes place during Day of the Dead, which goes from Nov. 12. The film is unquestionably a fall movie, as November is in the heart of fall. The movie follows the story of Miguel, a young boy who loves to play music on his guitar. He goes through a journey through the Land of the Dead in search of uncovering his family legacy. He wants to find the story of his great-great-grandfather, a famous musician. This story is inspirational as Miguel is trying to follow his dream of playing music by uncovering his family’s past. It is a cozy movie to watch close to the Day of the Dead with family, even if you don’t celebrate the holiday. “Coco” is a great reminder of the importance of family and belonging. I love watching this movie just after Halloween because it reminds me how important my family is. If you are looking to spend a cozy, relaxing night in November, “Coco” is a great movie to watch with family and friends.
Isla: ‘Good Will Hunting’
There’s something about “Good Will Hunting” that just screams fall. Maybe it’s the Boston setting, with all the brick buildings, changing leaves, and characters in oversized jackets who look like they’ve read at least one philosophy book—or maybe it’s just the overall vibe. Honestly, everyone knows Boston is the fall city, and now that we’re approaching the best season, “Good Will Hunting” is an obvious watch—it has the essence of autumn in that bookish, cozy, “sit with your feelings” kind of way, and I guarantee you won’t regret watching it. The plot is centered around Will, a janitor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology who is a secret math genius, and who would rather get into a bar fight than work through his trauma. But once he’s dragged into therapy, things start to shift, slowly, and really awkwardly. Watching him reluctantly open up, solve impossible math problems like it’s no big deal, and argue with Robin Williams about life is weirdly comforting—like a warm, spiced beverage for your soul. “Good Will Hunting” strikes the perfect balance of heart, humor, and will probably cause a few tears to be shed, if you’re anything like me. Autumn is the perfect time to slow down and get a little introspective, and this movie nails that vibe. It’s thoughtful without being preachy, emotional without being too mushy rom-com, and full of all the sweater-weather moments that make fall, fall.
Kaden: ‘Lisa Frankenstein’
Equal parts quirky and murderous, “Lisa Frankenstein” follows the peculiar Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton) as she develops a relationship with the reanimated corpse, known as The Creature (Cole Sprouse), that broke into her house. The movie plays up the camp and late 80s vibe to turn what might have been a slasher into a fun and sometimes touching rom-com with “future cult classic” written all over it. Lisa’s kindness towards The Creature combined with the humor, saturated colors, and overall lightheartedness of the movie makes the general spookiness of a story about a zombie and a series of killings feel cozy. It takes place around the beginning of Lisa’s senior year at her new high school, which is supposed to be in a Chicago suburb. The leaves may not be green yet, but that’s outweighed by the prominent foggy abandoned “haunted” cemetery in the middle of the woods. The extremely 80s soundtrack, featuring “Wave of Mutilation” by the Pixies and “Strange” by Galaxie 500, matches exactly what fall sounds like to me. I watched it for the first time last fall with my sister and all she told me was that it was “a rom-com for the weird girls”. Honestly, that’s the best description of this movie you can get.