As soon as the leaves start falling from the trees, I get excited for the coming season. For me, Autumn means candles; blankets, hot chocolates and cosy movie nights. There are plenty of films that feature the fall season, so I have put together a fall movie bucket list to help warm the chilly nights. Let’s get cosy.
Note: This list is in no particular order and does not contain movies classed in the horror genre (due to personal taste, I don’t have enough knowledge to recommend any!).
If you don’t have access to the streaming platforms that are currently hosting any of the films in this fall movie bucket list, don’t forget that DVDs still exist! YouTube also has a library of movies available for rent.
The information provided about streaming platforms in this post is based on the selections available in the U.K. The information may differ per country.
Remember the Titans (2000)
We’re starting this fall movie bucket list with a movie that centres on the importance of coming together. Remember the Titans follows the story of a high school football team in 1970s Virginia that is forced to integrate.
Players from different racial backgrounds are pushed together and, with the guidance of Coach Boone (Denzel Washington), unite as one team despite prejudice and resistance.
Movies that give us the coming together of characters who come from varying backgrounds are so important. At our core, we are all the same, friends. The more we blend together, the more our lives are enriched.
Remember the Titans shows us that. Watch it, but prepare yourself emotionally.
Available on: Disney+
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
This film is set across multiple seasons, meaning there is room for reasoning behind watching it at different times of the year. However, this movie starts in autumn! Quite a large portion of the film progresses through the fall season, right from the beginning.
“Don’t you love New York in the fall?”
See, even Tom Hanks talks about it (in character).
A gentle romance that blossoms despite all odds, showing that true love exists even in the midst of hardship. This is important!
You’ve Got Mail is so warming, I created an autumnal movie night menu dedicated to it. A cosy movie night isn’t complete without the appropriate snacks, wouldn’t you say?
Available on: Sky Store
Wicked (2024)
Normally, I don’t tend to recommend films that I haven’t seen. Wicked is an exception to that rule. The trailers alone have me BUZZIN for this movie.
Wicked is one of the most popular stage musicals of all time, so naturally a movie version was bound to come along at some point.
Think prequel to The Wizard of Oz in which an origin story focusing on the witches Elphaba and Glinda is told.
There isn’t anything particularly Autumnal about Wicked, it just happens to be a highly anticipated movie that’s coming out during the season this year. One to see in the cinemas, if the trailers are anything to go by!
In cinemas from November 22nd 2024.
The Addams Family (1991)
They’re spooky and they’re kooky and they absolutely have to be on this fall movie night bucket list!
I’m a big fan of the 90s adaptation of The Addams Family – the casting was superb and the quips are unbeatable.
If you’re more old school, stick the 1964 adaptation on! Whichever adaptation you go for, The Addams Family provides apt spookiness for any autumnal movie night. Perfect for those of you who are wanting to host a Halloween movie night, but aren’t huge horror fans (I’m holding my hand up).
Available on: Sky Cinema, Paramount+
Addams Family Values (1993)
It’s rare when a sequel is as good, if not better, than the first movie. Addams Family Values, in my opinion, is even better than The Addams Family.
Some of my favourite lines in any film are in this gloriously funny sequel. Also, Joan Cusack as Debbie? Iconic.
Double up the spookiness with this kooky sequel. You best believe I have an Addams Family movie night in the works this October.
Available on: itvX, Sky Cinema, Paramount+
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Anyone that has read my Arthur Christmas inspired brownie recipe will know how much I admire Aardman Animations. This studio is a British film institution.
Wallace and Gromit has graced our screens – both small and big – for decades. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a childhood classic for me, so it had to make an appearance in this list.
When gardens throughout the village are sabotaged, Wallace and Gromit set out to uncover the mystery and put an end to the destruction of prized vegetables before the date of the annual giant vegetable growing competition.
It’s wholesome, a little whacky, and a whole lot of fun. Plus, there are a lot of pumpkins. I’m excited to see the new Wallace and Gromit movie that is set for release this Christmas on BBC!
Available on: Sky Store
Good Will Hunting (1997)
This movie. Man, it gets me every time. As mentioned in my puff pastry pizza series reduced trees recipe inspired by Good Will Hunting, I finally got around to watching this beautiful movie whilst on a plane from Frankfurt.
It had me sobbing for most of it, which was a first for me whilst ten thousand feet in the air.
A heartwarming story of beating out adversity set to a stunning autumnal background of reds, oranges and browns, Good Will Hunting is one of those films that stays with you long after you first watch it. Like Remember the Titans, this movie is a must-watch – just be sure to prepare yourself emotionally.
Available on: DVD
Beetlejuice (1988)
I have to admit it… I watched Beetlejuice for the first time just a couple of weeks ago. As the sequel was nearing release, I thought I’d finally get around to seeing what the hype was all about.
Though a little dated, I can completely see the draw. Beetlejuice is properly weird, but in a way that keeps you watching.
When a couple die suddenly and witness their house being overtaken by another family, they seek out help from the other side to claim back their house… for better or for worse.
This is another good watch for those of you wanting to keep the spooky levels up there, without the major scare factor.
Available on: Netflix
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
The Hotel Transylvania series is a great option for families over the Halloween period. You get all the fun of vampires, werewolves, mummies and the like, all without the fear that horror movies can often instil.
A series of movies about Dracula running a hotel for monsters and dealing with his vampiric daughter falling in love with a human. What’s not to like?
Available on: Sky Cinema (1, 2, & 3), Netflix (1), Prime Video (4)
The Harry Potter Series (2001 – 2011)
I just had to. As a devout Potterhead, I start my annual Hazza P marathon on 1st September each year. There have been exceptions to this rule, like when I was living in Japan. The marathon still took place, just at a different time of the year.
It was even more magical, if you can believe that.
My entire collection of Harry Potter inspired recipes demonstrate how much I love these films. They are a must watch in this fall movie bucket list.
I know plenty of people who dive back into Hazza P around Christmas time – which I can understand – but friends, these films give some serious autumnal vibes. Think Halloween in the Philosopher’s Stone. Oh, and don’t even get me started on Prisoner of Azkaban.
The perfect movies to watch during a cosy movie night in, if fantasy is your thing, of course.
Available on: Netflix
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wes Anderson is one of my top five directors. I adore his style. From the colour palettes to the symmetry, Wes Anderson films are incredibly stylistic and are always on my watchlist.
Though he is mostly known for his quirky live action cinema, Anderson has delved into the realm of stop motion animation a couple of times. One of those times was with Fantastic Mr. Fox.
This brilliant film is a great choice for a family movie night, particularly during the fall season. The entire colour palette alone makes you want to wrap up in a blanket with a nice hot cup of tea.
Cosy movie night mode activated.
Available on: Disney+
A Few Good Men (1992)
“You can’t handle the truth!”
Everyone knows the line, but plenty of people are unaware of its origins. A Few Good Men is one of screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s best pieces.
Chocker-block full of sharp dialogue, this story of corruption and mistreatment in the U.S. Navy (fictional, just so that is clear) makes for an incredibly engaging watch. It keeps you tethered to your seat in the best way.
This is another brilliant movie with a warming and autumnal setting.
Available on: Sky Cinema
Disney’s Coco (2017)
A Disney must-watch, especially during the spooky season. I watched Coco in the cinema when it was first released and balled my eyes out at the end. As with plenty of Disney movies, Coco brings ALL the feels.
Set on the eve of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, Coco gives us the story of young Miguel as he hides his love of music from his family amidst their age-old ban of this form of art.
Upon discovering that his great-great-grandfather was once a legendary musician, Miguel manages to cross into the Land of the Dead to search for him.
The music is sublime, the story is centred around dreams and family, and the visual impact of this lovely movie is second to none.
Available on: Disney+
The Iron Giant (1999)
Another childhood classic for us 90s babies: The Iron Giant.
With a beautifully autumnal-like setting, The Iron Giant comes from the creative vision of The Incredibles writer and director, Brad Bird.
When a giant robot from outer space is befriended by a young boy, he discovers what it means to be a friend and simultaneously finds protection from the paranoia-driven behaviour of a government agent.
Emotions run high with this one… whether you’ve seen it or not, I’m warning you now that tears are entirely probable.
Available on: Sky Store
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The first of many 90s classics. A kooky concept that has warmed hearts for decades.
An artificially constructed man with scissors for hands is taken in by a suburban family, which in turn upends multiple lives as a result.
Edward Scissorhands shows us that anyone can be loved. That love is boundless and limitless.
What more could you want for a cosy movie night in? Hot chocolates and blankets at the ready, it’s time to snuggle.
Available on: Disney+
Dead Poets Society (1989)
I am calling this the “ultimate fall movie bucket list”, so there were bound to be a few tear-jerkers in this mix.
Dead Poets Society is an emotional rollercoaster, but one heck of a film to watch this time of year. Like Good Will Hunting, this heart wrenching movie showcases the acting range of the late, great Robin Williams.
Williams plays a teacher who uses poetry to inspire and embolden the students of a prestigious boys’ boarding school.
It’s not one to miss, but make sure you have tissues ready to soak up the inevitable tears.
Available on: Disney+
The Twilight Series (2008 – 2012)
People will likely always have their opinions about these movies, but they were popular for a reason.
My best friend loves these films and I respect it. I will sometimes call these movies my guilty pleasure, but really, why do they have to be? If you like them, you like them.
Vampires and werewolves scream autumn to me, so why not?
Available on: Disney+
Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
It’s the age-old question: is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie?
I vote Halloween, but if your Christmas vibe is a little spooky then this Disney hit could be considered a festive classic in your eyes.
Who else noticed the tiny Jack Skellington head on top of Beetlejuice’s hat in the original Beetlejuice? Blink and you’ll miss it, but it’s a very cool nod to this stop motion animated classic.
Complete your Halloween movie night with my The Nightmare Before Christmas character bust cake and make it one to remember.
Available on: Disney+
Corpse Bride (2005)
Now, friends. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have an irrational fear of zombies. It’s not ideal, to say the least.
Corpse Bride is one of the *very* few zombie centred movies that I can not only watch, but also enjoy.
It may well be the one Tim Burton movie that I’ve seen the most.
I feel like the title is pretty self-explanatory. Don’t you?
Available on: Disney+
The Witches of Coventry (Twitches) (2005)
This one is such a throwback. I genuinely still watch the first Twitches movie around Halloween.
Note: I don’t know when or why the title was changed – this movie (and its sequel) has always been Twitches to my understanding.
Either way, this Disney Channel classic is an iconic movie that is perfect for a Halloween movie night. For a kids’ film, it’s pretty scary. At least, I always thought that.
Twins separated at birth meet again on their birthday and discover that they are witches. I know what you’re thinking. If I’d read that as an elevator pitch, I’d have given it the green light, too.
Available on: Disney+
Halloweentown (1998)
I’m ploughing ahead with the Disney Channel classics. Halloweentown could be the OG, right?
Debbie Reynolds is in it so really, what more needs to be said?
Available on: Disney+
Disney’s Frozen II (2019)
There is a common misconception that Frozen is a winter movie, so it’s often shown around Christmastime. Friends, the film literally opens during summer.
Yes, snow is a theme throughout the movie, but technically the entire film takes place in the heat of summer!
I just had to get that out. The film I’m actually recommending as part of my fall movie bucket list is Frozen II. The best Disney sequel of all time, in my humble opinion.
I first saw this glorious movie in Japan during the autumn season. When I came back to the U.K., I watched it at least once a day for weeks during… the time we will not talk about.
I have so many reasons I could list as to why I love this movie, but really, you should see it for yourself if you haven’t already.
Available on: Disney+
An Affair to Remember (1957)
I talk about unconditional love in my Forrest Gump inspired chocolates recipe. It really, truly exists and it saddens me knowing that there are folk out there that don’t believe in it.
Everyone is worthy of unconditional love in all its forms. It’s there for you, friends. You just have to be open to it – including unconditional love from yourself to yourself.
For me, An Affair to Remember represents a true love that is displayed less and less in movies made these days.
Carey Grant and Deborah Kerr play two people who meet and unexpectedly fall in love. They agree to meet again in six months’ time if they are both in a position to do so, trusting that if they are meant to be, they will find their way home to each other.
Fate and destiny are often confused for one another. Really, it boils down to recognising the power we have within ourselves to write our own destiny. An Affair to Remember shows us that fate doesn’t have to have control over us if we consciously choose otherwise.
Available on: DVD
Knives Out (2019)
The first of the Knives Out movies takes place during the fall season, making it a brilliant addition to this list, especially for the murder mystery fans!
When the death of a famous murder mystery novelist occurs, a private detective is brought in to investigate the potential occurrence of foul play. Detective Benoit Blanc navigates a privileged and eccentric family dynamic, digging further beneath the shiny exteriors each member attempts to uphold.
This one is a cracker. Even if you’ve seen it before, it makes a great autumnal movie night watch.
Plus, Chris Evans in a cream knitted jumper.
Available on: Netflix
Casper (1995)
The friendly ghost couldn’t be left out. How could Casper not be a Halloween movie night option? If you watched it as a child, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear you tell me you’ve been hooked ever since.
When a teenage girl and her afterlife therapist father move into a haunted house to rid it of malicious spirits, they encounter a friendly ghost who shifts their priorities and their views.
It may not be award winning, but Casper is a lovely film. A good one for families and those looking to hop on the nostalgia train.
Available on: DVD
Disney’s Hocus Pocus (1993)
A Halloween movie night essential viewing. My Hocus Pocus inspired pumpkin pie certainly agrees with this sentiment.
Salem. Halloween. Witches. Spells. Broomsticks. It screams October, don’t you think?
Plus, Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) is also there if one movie’s worth of the Sanderson sisters just isn’t enough.
Available on: Disney+
Ghostbusters (1984)
I mean, how could I not?
Whilst I’ve only listed the first one in my fall movie bucket list, there are now a handful of Ghostbusters movies, so you can absolutely make it a movie marathon.
All the ghosts and all the ghost busting you’d ever need this autumn.
Available on: Netflix
Matilda (1996)
Ah, yes. This live action adaptation of a Roald Dahl classic.
Who else wanted telepathic powers growing up? Hang on. Who am I kidding? I still want telepathic powers. Matilda can do some wild stuff with those powers, which we get to see so joyfully in this movie.
The recent musical movie adaptation (2022) is also pretty great, but the 1996 version has that air of charm and nostalgia to it. Not to mention the autumnal colour palette.
Available on: Netflix
Gosford Park (2001)
Here’s another murder mystery for all of you keen detectives out there. An Academy Award winning one at that (for best screenplay, in case you were wondering).
It has an air of Cluedo about it, which is enough of a draw I reckon. That, and the autumnal British countryside.
A group of wealthy and obnoxious figures convene for what is supposed to be a serene weekend spent relaxing at a hunting resort. Which it is… until someone is murdered and each member of the group becomes a suspect.
This movie hosts a stellar cast of acting royalty like Dame Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Kristin Scott Thomas, Dame Helen Mirren, Stephen Fry and Charles Dance… and that’s just to start with!
Available on: Disney+
Lemonade Mouth (2011)
I had to squeeze another Disney Channel movie into this list. In the era following the success of High School Musical, it seemed somewhat unlikely that Disney Channel would be able to follow up with a movie that could achieve the same level of popularity.
I’m not arguing that Lemonade Mouth did achieve such magnitude, but I am absolutely declaring it as one of the greats of the Disney Channel movie days.
The soundtrack is banger after banger. The track titled “She’s So Gone” performed by Naomi Scott is one of the best.
Oh, and the Halloween bash? Iconic.
Available on: Disney+
An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
Time for another swoon worthy romance and we’re heading back to the 80s for it. The era of Richard Gere as the leading man in… everything.
Gere plays an aspiring aviator who must train at a Navy Officer Candidate School. Similarly to A Few Good Men, this is another movie that just feels like an ideal cosy movie night choice.
Also… U.S. Navy uniforms get a yes from me.
Available on: Paramount+
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
I wonder, if you typed “definition of iconic” into a search engine, would this film come up?
If it doesn’t, it absolutely should.
Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway butt heads at a prestigious New York fashion magazine, with Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci sticking their noses in whenever there is a chance.
This takes me back nicely to You’ve Got Mail in a slightly obscure way: it features New York in the fall.
Are any of your blankets cerulean?
Available on: Disney+
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Based on the novels by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, this movie about a magical world unseen by the human eye is a feast for the autumn lovers.
Freddie Highmore seemed to play a rather large part (or number of parts) in the movies of my youth and The Spiderwick Chronicles is one such film.
If you are partial to stories about faeries and other magical creatures, this one could be for you.
It’s a shame they didn’t continue with the film series, but I’m excited to see the revival set for release this year.
Available on: Paramount+
Penelope (2006)
Genuinely, I think this may well be one of the most underrated movies I’ve seen.
Generations after her ancestors were cursed, Penelope is born into aristocracy with the features of a pig. Hidden from society by her mother, Penelope is sheltered from a world she so desperately wishes to experience.
The only thing that will break the curse? Finding true love.
“The one who will accept her as one of their own”.
Don’t be fooled into thinking this film is about a prince rescuing a princess and breaking a curse that has held her captive. Ohoho, no. This film is about self-love above all else. Which is one of the reasons I truly enjoy it.
Also, Christina Ricci is in four of the movies I have listed in my fall movie bucket list. Vibe check confirmed.
Available on: Netflix
Back to the Future (1985)
I’m finishing off my ultimate fall movie bucket list with one of my favourite films of all time. The Back to the Future trilogy just hits every mark. The first film is by far the one I like the most, with Back to the Future III in close second, followed by Back to the Future II.
The colour palette and fashion makes me feel cosy. The fact that the first film was released in October also helps.
If you haven’t seen these movies… I beg you to. That’s right, friends. Hands and knees. They are just SO good.
Available on: Sky Cinema
Fall Movie Bucket List 2024
There you have it, friends. Over thirty movies to keep you warm and entertained during the chilly nights ahead. I hope your autumn is pleasant at the least and magical at the most. I’m off to get myself a hot chocolate. See you in the next post!
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