Autumn this year is ‘giving’, from the early fall foliage all the way to the return of warm colour palettes a-la the Gilmore Girls aesthetic. As ‘Nap Girl Summer’ (coined by Alexa Chung) fades away, it’s time to get out your pumpkin-spiced scented candles and take advantage of the last bits of cool weather before the winter freeze dominates the Earth beneath your feet.

Although most aren’t looking forward to the early nights and gloomy mornings, I refuse to let ‘Sad girl Autumn’ take over. To quote Miranda Priestly, “No, No, No”. I’m officially decreeing this Autumn as one filled with hygge nights, magical sleet mornings and costume parties.

But how does one get into Falloween mood when there’s studying, working and chores to do? Watch movies, of course! Although some may view movie lists as repetitive and unoriginal, the list I have provided will hopefully introduce you to something new this Autumn. Something that is simultaneously inspiring and bewitching.

10. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

“Don’t go. I’ll eat you up; I love you so”

Although this movie will definitely take you on an emotional rollercoaster, I encourage you to embrace its nostalgic atmosphere, childlike-playfulness and gloomy autumnal vibes.

Based on Maurice Sendak’s picture book, the movie explores the whirlwind emotions children can feel whilst growing up. Although children appreciate the movie’s wild and fun scenes with the monsters (as I did when I was younger), its message is crucial for adults. The movie aims to normalise children’s intense emotions, imagination and the fear created when these two universal experiences are combined.

P.S. Enjoy the chaotic setting filled with oversized Labubus and a frosty halloween forest.

9. The Secret of Moonacre (2008)

“The real curse of this valley is pride”

Not to overhype this movie but I’ve watched it so many times it has literally seeped into my DNA. Filled with the magic of childhood, legends, and curses, the movie follows young orphan Maria Merryweather’s new life in Moonacre Valley.

This movie is a perfect mix of whimsical romance and a period piece, with its autumnal red velvet costumes, black eyeliner on men (my fave) and gloomy, fall forests.

8. You’ve Got Mail (1998)

“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies.”

More of a well-known one but, to be honest, I still think this movie is overlooked. A perfect fall 90’s movie that simultaneously introduced one of the first virtual relationships on-screen whilst portraying a passionate enemies-to-lovers affair.

Starring the queen of Autumn, Meg Ryan herself, along with Tom Hanks as the love interest, both characters meet online via the site “You’ve Got Mail” and immediately form a tight connection. Funnily enough, the two do meet in-person but instead of realising they’re virtual bond, they become heated business rivals unable to stand each other’s presence.

7. Practical Magic (1998)

“The moon tonight, there’s a circle around it. Sign of trouble not far behind”

I feel like this movie is one you’ve definitely heard about or seen edits on, but never actually taken the time to watch it. Or at least that was the case with me until last year I finally decided to give it a watch and absolutely fell in love with the witchy, sisterly aesthetic.

Practical magic is based on the 1995 novel by Alice Hoffman and places its focus on two unusual sisters played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The two young girls grow up with their ‘aunts’ who teach them all about their special gifts of magic and warn the girls of a family curse. As the girls grow up, they face the curse’s horrible impacts and overcome it together.

Think spells, witchcraft, sisterhood and murder!

6. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

“I’m a traveler. I’m a businessman. I love this country… I’m going to be home for the holidays.”

If you’ve already watched this movie then this quote will hit harder. It is more of a late autumn movie, perfect for watching when Thanksgiving is just around the corner and the last of the orange leaves are falling. It’s too early to start celebrating Christmas (excluding Christmasholics) but Halloween has already passed.

Starring Steve Martin and John Candy (yup, peak 80s movie), both Neal and Del try to get home for the holidays and encounter a series of hilarious and frustrating obstacles. This movie will make you belly laugh, but also teach you a valuable lesson at the same time.

Not to spoil it too much, but what makes this movie such a gem is its touching ending, worthy of the rollercoaster of a journey you’ve been taken on.

5. Charade (1963)

 “Oh, I love you Adam, Alex, Peter, Brian, whatever your name is. Oh, I love you”

Starring the timeless Audrey Hepburn and iconic Cary Grant, this who-dunnit murder series is the perfect Autumn mystery. Although it starts in the Swiss alps, the setting swiftly moves onto the gloomy streets of Paris, surrounded by bare, autumnal trees and elegant fall outfits.

Regina Lampart’s husband is thrown off a train, landing her an unspeakable amount of money that she cannot find. She pairs up with the mysterious Peter Joshua in order to find her husband’s money and save herself from ending the same way.

The plot twist in the movie actually surprised me and I entreat you to just sit back, relax and enjoy without trying to guess who it was that pushed old Charles out the train because, hopefully, you won’t!

Also, another fun guessing game is how and where the money is found which, honestly, is more intriguing than the murder mystery, if you ask me.

4. Penelope (2006)

“You cannot live your life looking at yourself from someone else’s point of view.”

Whether you’re a child or adult, this movie is for you. Main character Penelope was born with the unfortunate family curse of having a pig’s nose that scares away all of her suitors. With a family that can afford the greatest of luxuries, except their daughter’s happiness, Penelope grows up in isolation until one day she is tired of hiding and runs away into the streets of New York in October.

The overall message is one that will never grow old: accepting your flaws rather than fighting them. A heart-felt romantic fantasy filled with the magic of Halloween, where even Penelope’s bedroom feels like you’ve been transported into a dimension where Autumns are eternal.

3. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

“Honey, I am seven non-fox years old. My father died at seven and a half. I don’t want to live in a hole anymore, and I’m going to do something about it”

Saying that this movie is good would be the biggest understatement. It’s a literal masterpiece that is not only fun to watch as a child and visually pleasant, but presents us with important existential questions.

Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, the story is set around a family of foxes who seem to live almost human lives with jobs and depressing thoughts. However, the factory owners Boggis, Bruce and Bean go after Mr Fox’s family, intending to win his tail as compensation for stealing their chickens.

The movie is filled with an array of autumnal colours – mostly warm oranges, dull yellows and deep browns. Accompanied by its aesthetic and surreal visuals, the dialogue is not only philosophical, with Mr Fox’s constant questioning surrounding the meaning of life, but also incredibly sarcastic. A perfect Falloween watch.

2. The Love Witch (2016)

“I’m the love witch! I’m your ultimate fantasy!” 

Heavy on the Halloween side, this movie is not just an imitation of a 1950s witchy aesthetic but much more.

Although both heavily praised and criticised for its lack of clear messages and ambiguous-teetering-on-psychotic protagonist, the movie is a cinematic masterpiece and definitely worth a watch.

Elaine, an aspiring witch, moves to California to start anew after her husband’s death. However, nothing really goes to plan (or so we think) as Elaine goes through a series of male victims who fall for her alluring charms and sex magic.

Warning as there are a few intense scenes, but I encourage you to really examine the movie’s commentary on feminine ideals and parodic lines, as it will really get you thinking on what the overall message is.

1.Mystic Pizza (1988)

“A woman’s heart is an ocean full of secrets” 

This movie is so autumnal that there is almost not a single scene without autumn leaves, knitted sweaters or grey skies.

Revolving around two sisters, Daisy and Kat Arujo, and their close friend, Jojo, the three young girls explore romance in contrasting ways whilst also, and more importantly, finding out who they are. Taking place during the fall semester, the three work at their local pizzeria and attempt to balance their work and social lives.

A beautiful and heartwarming story that doesn’t just ‘butter up’ romance, but presents it with all its harsh edges. Plus, the overwhelming amount of fall scenery makes it hard to watch any other time of the year.