REVIEW
Cinnamon, apple butter, pumpkin spice, and everything nice; fall is here. If you’re like me, and are constantly searching for something to watch that fits the season, this list is for you. I’ve compiled eight movies and TV shows that emanate the vibe of the season. This watchlist is being broken into three different categories.
Period Pieces
With countryside settings, dramatic romance, and old-world charm, these shows are perfect for cozy fall nights.
Our first movie is Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of “Little Women”. This piece is set in the years after the Civil War and tells the story of four sisters, with an all star cast helping Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel come alive. Jo, Amy, Meg, and Beth each get their coming-of-age story coupled with romance and feminism. The display of walks in rolling fields, a sister’s love of writing, and simple late Victorian fashion create a wonderful fall color scheme and feel.
The second period piece is the TV show “Anne with an E”, another late 1800s story adapted by a team of directors from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables”. This story follows Anne, an outspoken and slightly awkward orphan, in her teenage years as she seeks love, friendship, and peace. The beautiful scenery and heartfelt message make it a worthy fall watch.
Dark Fall
These shows tie in the eerie feel of Halloween with increasingly dark weather, making them ideal for enjoying Spooky Season with a little more depth.
Starting off the dark fall category is “Wednesday”, which recently released its second season, and follows an adaptation of the character Wednesday Addams. While attending Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for kids with magical abilities, Wednesday attempts to solve a spree of killings and unravel an old school mystery. Though passionate about her independence and consistently woeful mood, she bonds with her roommate and is caught in a love triangle. Wednesday includes a dark color scheme and creepy feel that can both extend and add depth to Halloween viewing season.
Chris Weltz’s “Twilight” is both a teen-romance and Vampire classic, with a telltale blue/gray color scheme and woodsy setting. The story follows Bella Swan and her interactions with her mysterious new classmate, Edward Cullen. “Twilight” sparked the iconic Team Edward vs. Team Jacob debate that continues to rock Millennials, yet remains the perfect “so-cringey-it’s-good” movie to watch with modern friends.
Another teen drama with the spooky inclusion of vampires is Julie Plec’s “The Vampire Diaries.” The show follows the adventures of Elena Gilbert and her relationships with mysterious brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatorre, who are both vampires. Their small town’s supernatural history continuously brings drama for the group of teens, who include other vampires, vampire hunters, and a psychic. This fun fall watch has great suspense that gives the show a creepy vibe which fits right in with Halloween and the season.
Warm Fall
These quintessential fall watches feel like orange leaves and cups of cocoa, making them perfect for fall lovers everywhere.
As someone with the strong belief that anything set at a boarding school belongs on a fall watchlist, I consider the “Harry Potter” series required fall viewing. Whether you enjoy the childish warmth of the early movies or the more serious storytelling of Harry-all-grown-up, these adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s classic book series are perfect for the autumn season. Cloaks, wands, and heavy books, Diagon Alley’s storefronts and the candlelit dining hall of Hogwarts all exude a fall glow. Regardless of if you watch one installment or all seven, the escapades of Harry, Hermione, and Ron will always entertain with magic.
For viewers who enjoy heavier movies that will make you laugh, cry, and rethink all your life choices, Gus Van Sant’s “Good Will Hunting” is for you. This film follows Will Hunting, a mathematical genius from the wrong side of the tracks who chooses not to fulfill his potential. He is discovered by a professor and eventually forced to meet with a therapist, who are both committed to helping Will live a fuller life he couldn’t have envisioned for himself. The story of friendship, growth, and imperfection is one that will honestly change your life and leave you with a warm feeling inside. The academia, color scheme, and stunning score all put you in a fall mood as you watch the incredible story.
And finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t include the pinnacle of fall viewing: “Gilmore Girls.” Amy Sherman’s show following the iconic mother-daughter duo of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore features a romantic small town and immense pop culture references. The quick paced banter between all the characters tells the story of romances, friendships, and daily inconveniences that make the show such a fun watch. Not to mention the obsession with coffee, the town’s adorable fall decor, and the 2000s fashion that give the show its iconic fall feel.
