It’s hard to believe that Fall is just around the corner. It’s almost time to dig out those cozy sweaters and buy bucket loads of apple cider, and we are here for it. There’s nothing cozier than curling up with a comfy blanket and a cherished movie. Naturally, there are some films we crave more than others at this time of year. These are the movies that help get us in the right mood for Fall. They don’t necessarily have to be spooky, but they certainly get all the bonus points for getting us in the mood for Fall and Halloween.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Typically, the Fall is when blockbusters take a bit of a break, at least until the holidays start ramping up. This gives us time to go back and re-watch classic films that many of us have grown up loving. That said, there’s nothing wrong with adding a newer film to the re-watch roster.
5) Practical Magic (1998)
Practical Magic is a romantic fantasy movie based on Alice Hoffman’s beloved novel. The story follows the Owens family, who have been plagued with a tragic curse for generations. Every Owens woman brave enough to fall in love is guaranteed to experience loss and grief. Enter Sally and Gillian Owens. They’re the second most recent generation, and they’re in position to break the curse – they just don’t know it yet.
This unforgettable film may be over two decades old, but the fandom is still alive and well. The film stars Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest, Stockard Channing, Aidan Quinn, and Goran Visnjic. Notably, fans have more reason to re-watch and celebrate than ever, as a sequel has finally been announced. It’s anticipated to be released next Fall, but there’s no harm in getting ready now.
Practical Magic is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.
4) Matilda (1996)
For many, the Fall season screams of back-to-school times, even for those who no longer need to worry about such things. That makes us crave movies that dive into the educational world, with a few magical twists. Enter this 1996 film, Matilda. It’s a fantasy comedy revolving around the titular character, Matilda. She’s a gifted soul who develops psychokinetic abilities after embracing her love of books, and one can only hope there’s a good lesson to learn there.
Matilda – which stars Mara Wilson, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris, Danny DeVito, and Rhea Perlman – is based on Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name, and is easily one of the most charming family movies released during the 1990s. It’s watchable any time of the year, but there’s an aspirational coziness to the finale in particular that makes it perfect Fall comfort viewing.
Matilda is available to stream on Tubi.
3) Hocus Pocus (1993)
Would any Fall or Halloween movie list be complete without at least mentioning Hocus Pocus? This 1993 film is a classic for a reason, and while the movie originally flopped in theaters, it has since, rightly, perfected the cult classic origin story. As if you didn’t know, it’s the story of three witches, the Sanderson Sisters, who made a gamble for eternal life, and paid the price accordingly. However, on All Hallows’ Eve, they make their way back, thanks to an idiot lighting the black flame candle. All to impress a girl.
On the bright side, his mistake was our gain, as Hocus Pocus is an unforgettably delightful film and one of the best of Disney’s Halloween catalog. It’s funny, irresistibly quotable, and in the Sanderson sisters – played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy – has three of the most underrated comedy performances of the decade.
Hocus Pocus is available to stream on Disney+.
2) Knives Out (2019)
There’s something about murder mysteries and fall that go hand-in-hand. That brings us to Knives Out, a mystery film following Benoit Blanc. It’s the first in what we hope will be many Benoit Blanc mysteries, and this particular installment screams of fall, thanks to the cozy sweaters all around and steaming cups of tea proffered every time there’s a grand reveal.
While Knives Out may be a murder mystery, there is something oddly calming and entertaining about it. This might be due to the ridiculously loaded cast, which includes often against type performances from Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, and dozens of others. The second film, Glass Onion, allowed the beloved detective to reprise his role and is currently available on Netflix. The third film, Wake Up Dead Man, will be available in December, so the Fall makes for the perfect time to work your way through the first two films in preparation.
Knives Out is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
1) The Secret of Kells (2009)
Those looking for an animated film to enjoy at the beginning of Fall should consider The Secret of Kells. This underseen animated fantasy drama is perfect for anyone who has a bit of magic in their hearts. Set in medieval Ireland, the story follows 21-year-old Brendan, who is fortunate enough to live in the Abbey of Kells. Here, he’s fortunate enough to witness the arrival of master illuminator Aiden and the precious book he’s working on.
The Secret of Kells is the first in a trilogy directed by Tomm Moore. If you love the first, be sure to check out Song of the Sea and Wolfwalkers. The Secret of Kells starred the voices of Evan McGuire, Brendan Gleeson, Christen Mooney, Mick Lally, Michael McGrath, Liam Hourican, Paul Tylak, and Paul Young.
The Secret of Kells is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
What movie will, without fail, get you into the Autumnal spirit?
Most Viewed
-
Image courtesy of Paramount+ -
Image courtesy of Seeker Games -
A closeup of a PlayStation 5 with a controller on top.
