With Halloween around the corner and autumn in full swing, now is the perfect time to fully immerse yourself in everything the season has to offer. And what better way to do so than cozy up with a blanket, grab some popcorn, and watch a seasonal classic.
Whether you’re in the mood for something spooky, lighthearted, or even romantic, these movies are perfect for setting the autumn vibe. Here are the top five Halloween and fall films to add to your watchlist this season:
Coraline
Apart from its Halloween-esque cinematography, Coraline’s plot and message are what make the film feel so perfect for fall. While exploring her new home, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a secret door that leads to an alternate world. However, her parallel family tries to keep her there forever, leaving Coraline with the challenge of returning to her real family.
The movie’s overarching message is learning to forgive the past and move forward with gratitude. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the film symbolizes a time for giving back and being thankful, a lesson Coraline learns throughout the movie.
“I always watch Coraline during the fall. It’s one of my favorite movies ever, and I’ve rewatched it so many times. It’s just nostalgic for me,” expresses Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS) senior Ashlyn Shalet.
Scream
Wes Craven’s classic 1996 slasher film Scream redefined the horror genre in many ways, and it remains a beloved classic during this time of year. The movie follows high school student Sidney Prescott and her friends, who become the targets of a costumed serial killer known as Ghostface.
Drew Barrymore’s iconic opening scene sets a suspenseful tone for the rest of the movie, and director Wes Craven expertly creates a sense of mystery and thrill. The film blends genuine terror with commentary on the horror genre itself, making it a fresh slasher classic.
Additionally, the film being made in the ‘90s brings nostalgia to horror fanatics and takes the audience back to the aesthetics of the decade. With six movies to date and Scream 7 on the horizon, it remains one of the longest-running horror movie series ever.
The Addams Family
A must-watch Halloween classic, The Addams Family (1991), perfectly balances dark humor and a chilling plot line. The film follows the eccentric Addams family as they reunite with their long-lost Uncle Fester, or at least someone who claims to be him.
The movie is filled with quirky humor and gothic charm, making it perfect for the spooky season. With Gomez’s dramatic flair, Morticia’s dark elegance, and Wednesday’s deadpan wit, The Addams Family captures the spooky fun of Halloween while reminding viewers of the importance of being different and unconventional.
When Harry Met Sally
With the temperatures dropping, nothing warms people’s hearts like an ‘80s classic romantic comedy, especially When Harry Met Sally. The film follows two strangers who become best friends and fall in love, with a slow-burning romance that spans decades.
The film is a visual representation of fall. Scenes of Harry and Sally walking through the orange autumn foliage in Central Park are iconic. Even the outfits are the perfect fall fashion inspiration, such as Harry’s cream cable-knit sweater. The comforting jazz music also adds to the fall ambience and makes you feel fully immersed in New York City during the autumn season.
Dead Poets Society
Upon first glance, it’s obvious why Dead Poets Society is considered the perfect fall movie. Set in an old-fashioned preparatory school, the movie’s natural setting and cinematography highlight the rich golden color scheme of autumn. However, it’s not only the aesthetics that make the movie so reminiscent of fall, but also the underlying themes.
The movie follows a new English teacher, John Keating, who uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students who face enormous pressures. With his help, Keating’s students learn to break out of their shells, pursue their dreams, and seize the day. At its core, the film perfectly embodies the season’s atmosphere and themes of change and discovery.
The film’s casting also brings the story to life, with each actor perfectly embodying their character. “I personally just love Robin Williams’ performances in anything, so that just makes the movie ten times better,” says PPCHS senior Mia Cichero.
So whether you’re in the mood for something spooky, romantic, or comforting, these movies are perfect for capturing the fall spirit. From Coraline to The Addams Family, each film gives its own take on what makes this season so special.
