Fans can finally rejoice at the release of the highly anticipated sequel Hocus Pocus 2. The movie will see the return of the beloved yet villainous Sanderson Sisters as they come back to wreak havoc on another Halloween night.
But Halloween is not the only thing to be excited about in Fall. Thanks to the magic of autumnal settings and a chill beginning to set in the air, fall is possibly the best time for an impromptu movie night with friends or family. The best fall movies range from scary thrillers to sweet love stories, or something else entirely.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wes Anderson's 2009 adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl book follows a tight-knit fox family navigating life next to three antagonistic farmers. It brings the story alive with its rustic stop-motion style and charming, witty characters.
The family, friends, and feasts make it a cozy fall movie, along with the signature autumnal color palette and picture-book-style background. It also reminds audiences of the importance of staying close to family and friends, even through tough times.
You've Got Mail (1998)
The appeal of You've Got Mail is as old as love and as newly inspired as the age of the internet. This charming love story taking place over chats is one to warm viewers' hearts. Joe and Kathleen meet in a chatroom and share some pretty deep secrets.
As the leaves brown and the season changes, the audience watches their relationship develop surrounded by the deep oranges and rich reds of fall. With the lovable chirp of the 'you've got mail' message, this is the perfect movie to switch on to prepare for fall.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
The spooky Halloween story about a coven of witches set in Salem, Massachusetts is a classic movie to watch to get into that fall spirit. Hocus Pocus is on the TV almost every night throughout September and October. It is a staple of Halloween culture and is loved by many over the world.
Hocus Pocus has an appeal to it that isn't always associated with Disney, with the inclusion of mildly spooky themes. The autumn foliage, Halloween setting, and memorable characters in the movie make it a cult classic to watch around the fire with the family at Halloween.
Little Women (2019)
Set in the 1800s, this heartfelt movie tells the beautiful story of four sisters of various ages as they navigate life in the 19th century as young women. The movie starts off very festive already, and the backdrop of rolling, snowy hills captures the cozy feel of the story.
The classic story has been adapted many times, but Greta Gerwig's adaptation perfectly displays fall in New England. The coziness of a fireplace and the beauty of the untouched landscapes with golden trees, and the gorgeous outfits add to the autumnal feel.
Coraline (2009)
The stop-motion autumnal animation Coraline tells the story of a young girl who moves into a new neighborhood with some strange residents. Once she discovers a secret door in the wall, things get even stranger.
This might not be the first choice to watch with small children, but the spooky atmosphere and unnerving characters make Coraline one to grab for the family and watch by the fire. Not only is the backdrop of a quaint, gloomy town what makes it uncomfortable, but the story it tells is just as disturbing. It is a movie perfect for watching as the nights draw in and Halloween approaches.
Scream (1996)
The tale of a faceless killer is one done many times, but Scream is one of the most iconic. The 1996 slasher hit is the origin to the iconic 'Ghostface' killer, and revolves around Sidney, who is tormented by creepy phone calls.
The killer uses references to other horror movies, which is one appeal to the franchise. It has become a phenomenon online, and around Halloween people seem to dress up as the characters themselves, making it a classic horror movie watched by generations.
Halloween (1978)
Fall wouldn't be complete without horror, and the perfect Halloween movie is, well, Halloween. This classic horror movie franchise, with the first one being released in 1978, is the original slasher flick about the notorious Michael Myers.
The relentless, unforgiving killer makes the movies full of suspense and perfect to watch around October. The 2018 remake saw many of the original cast reprise their roles and arguably, the story became even scarier.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas, a Tim Burton classic, tells the story of Jack Skellington, a being from Halloween Town who becomes obsessed with Christmas and ends up abducting Santa himself.
The movie is centered around Halloween and makes for a perfect family favorite to prepare for the spooky holiday. Tim Burton's distinct style, the songs (especially the opening number "This is Halloween"), and the spooky yet cheerful world of Halloween Town set the fall mood effortlessly.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Another classic Halloween movie, Ghostbusters tells the interesting story of three unlikely friends who lose their jobs as scientists and start a company called Ghostbusters with their iconic red car, to rid New York of ghosts.
They include a lot of neat effects, and the audience feels like the group is just winging it, adding to the overall appeal of the movie. It is a family-friendly comedy to watch in the spirit of Halloween, an iconic film that produces many quotable lines, and an earth-shattering epic battle between good and evil.
Twilight (2008)
Love it or hate it, the vampire movie Twilight isn't the first movie that comes to mind for fall movies. Yet there are factors to this love story that can set the mood for a movie night in the fall.
First, the soundtrack is very fitting for cool September walks. And with a backdrop of misty Washington surrounded by pine trees and a cooling atmosphere overall, the whole movie gives heavy autumnal vibes.