17 Autumnal Movies That Range From Cosy To Downright Creepy
by Benjamin Dzialdowski · BuzzFeedWith the seasonal change fully in motion, it's that time of the year that we crave a different type of cinematic experience; one more 'cosy up under a blanket' worthy, or one that may leave us with a spooky chill.
So, here are some autumnal or spooky-ish films to get you in the mood for the seasonal change.
1. Train Dreams
While this beautiful film, based on a novella by Denis Johnson, isn't spooky, there's something perfectly autumnal about the story and particularly the setting. Think the log cabin along the Moyie River with a fire and a dog. Think vast rolling landscape of pine trees with the sun poking through the canopy and this crisp crunch of leaves beneath the steps of toe-capped boots.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Good Will Hunting
An emotional heavy hitter set on the backdrop of Boston during the turn from autumn to winter, it's a perfect movie to settle down with as the air gets a bit colder and the days become shorter. The colour scheme and general atmosphere make this film a quintessential autumn watch, and sometimes we just need hear Robin Williams saying 'it's not your fault'.
Where to watch: Netflix / Paramount Plus
3. Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of the classic Mary Shelley's classic tale is a spectacle to behold. It's cold, it's sorrowful, it's about love and loss and fear. There's a constant chill in the air in Frankenstein, and the tragic story of a creator and their experiment is a perfect watch as the nights grow longer.
Where to watch: Netflix
4. Knives Out
For more of a fun autumn vibe, Knives Out is a great option. This murder mystery whodunit encompasses much of the autumn aesthetic; Chris Evans' character's jumper is practically an advertisement for the seasonal shift. It's the type of movie to settle down with alongside a mug of cocoa or a glass of red and try an unpick the mystery as it plays out.
Where to watch: Prime Video / Netflix
5. Coraline
If you're after something more dark and spooky, the stop-motion movie Coraline may be a perfect ease into halloween season. It'll scratch that dark fantasy itch that can begin to crop up as the summer months fade away, and has a misty, creepy, autumnal vibe throughout.
Coraline: Apple TV / ITVX
6. The Intouchables
For more of a feel good viewing, I would always turn to The Intouchables. Set in a autumn/wintery Paris, we witness the unlikely bourgeoning friendship between Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic aristocrat, and his caregiver, Driss. It's a truly beautiful film and one that will leave you with some extra warmth in your heart.
Where to watch: Apple TV
7. Sleepy Hollow
For that spooky, creepy atmosphere, shrouded in mist and mystery, few films do it like Sleepy Hollow does. The gothic horror follows New York City police constable Ichabod Crane who heads up to the upstate village of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a serious of brutally violent murders.
Where to watch: Apple TV
8. Practical Magic
This box office bomb turn cult movie is always a great watch as spooky season begins to appear. We follow two sisters who must use their magical abilities in order to overcome life's obstacles. For more of a fun magical watch, give Practical Magic a go.
Where to watch: Apple TV
9. My Neighbor Totoro
Arguably, a fair number of Studio Ghibli films could fit into the cozy, blanket and tea-adjacent films, and My Neighbour Totoro is certainly one of them. With the lush landscape of rural Japan, magical spirit adventures, and the enchanting soundtrack, it's absolutely worth adding to your autumn watchlist.
Where to watch: Netflix
10. Get Out
For a more tense autumn watch, Get Out may be an excellent one to get your heart rate up. The suburban, wooded setting does give a certain autumnal atmosphere, and if you're looking for an actual creepy movie to kick off spooky season, this is certainly one for you.
Where to watch: Apple TV / Netflix
11. Matilda
Perhaps it's the book-loving main character that associates this film with autumn for me, or maybe it's the nostalgic feeling that seems to fit comfortably in this time of the year. Either way, the whole feeling of Matilda is one that makes sense on a brisk autumn day for me.
Where to watch: Netflix
12. Remember the Titans
Definitely not a spooky film, but one that is centered around the return to high school, those cold frosty mornings out training for the football season, and an galvanizing Denzel Washington instigating teamwork and bonding. It's a based-on-a-true-story inspirational story that'll life your mood during the seasonal shift.
13. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Maybe it's more of a winter watch, but it's so aesthetically pleasing that I think it deserves a spot on this list. The pastel-washed drama set in the wintery landscape of Eastern Europe is a subtly swashbuckling watch to enjoy with a hot drink as the chill sets in outdoors.
Where to watch: Disney+
14. The Banshees of Inisherin
This meandering introspective drama set on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland is an excellent autumn watch. The beautiful wide spanning countryside and the rugged coastline makes you want to curl up in a blanket and take a gulp of fresh sea air.
Where to watch: Disney+
15. You've Got Mail
I mean, Joe literally ushers the words, "Don't you just love New York in the fall?" so it's a no brainer really. New York's Upper West Side as the leaves begin to scatter the floor, a rivals-to-lovers romance story, I can practically taste the pumpkin spiced latte just thinking about it.
Where to watch: HBO Max
16. Autumn in New York
Is there really much more to add? This emotional romantic drama is quintessentially autumnal; I mean, they included it in the title for a reason. Think golden leaves strewn across Central Park and trips to little shops and museums – it really does what it says on the tin.
Where to watch: Apple TV / Amazon Prime
17. Pan's Labyrinth
Leaning back into the creepy and the fantastical, Pan's Labyrinth is a wonderfully transporting dark fairytale that gives you all the eeriness you need to kick off spooky season. Guillermo del Toro's patented style is on show as both viewer and protagonist get lost in a new, dark, mysterious world.
Where to watch: Apple TV / StudioCanal Presents