Watching
Watching (and re-watching) cozy, atmospheric, and on-theme media is my top priority as we enter the- ber months. A new season means beginnings and change (the way the leaves do). Comfort makes change a whole lot easier. I become a serial rewatcher during the fall, but I am trying to make an effort to watch new things too, becuase I might find a new favorite. As the heat dies down and the chill in the air begins, I want to permanently live on the couch in my pjs with tea, popcorn, and cookies. Alas, I can’t do that every day, but I can share what my favorite fall movies and TV are! Let me know what your must-watch movies and tv shows are in the fall!
Movies
I could make an endless list of fall movies, but to make this list only 5 movies long, I’m not including Halloween-specific movies (we can argue whether Practical Magic belongs on that list but I say it’s firmly just general fall). Maybe I’ll make a list of my favorite Halloween movies in October!
National Treasure (2004) → A treasure hunt involving stealing the Declaration of Independence, what more could you want? This gives me all the fall vibes; New England, yellow filter, following clues. It’s also just so funny and quotable. And Nicholas Cage is hot, I’ll say it! The second one is also great just FYI.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003) → Julia Roberts's character is the new art history professor at an all-girls university (students include Julia Stiles and Kirsten Dunst, among others) as they go through their final year of college. It’s again, set in New England and has major academia vibes (it’s also set in the 50s, so you can imagine the gender norms that get played out). If you like Dead Poets Society (1989) then you’ll like this movie.
When Harry Met Sally (1989) → It wouldn’t be a movie list without at least one romcom. And unless you’re living under a rock then seeing this movie on a fall list is no surprise. It’s cozy, fall in New York City, best friends to lovers (over many years). Everything is iconic (diner scene) but especially the ending at the new years eve party.
“I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible”.
Practical Magic (1998) → Midnight margaritas anyone? The perfect mix of womanhood, romance, witches, and you guessed it, fall in New England. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are just the best as witch sisters. I dream of living in their aunt's house. After watching this movie for the first time, “This Kiss” by Faith Hill immediately became my most listened-to song.
“There are some things I know for certain: always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.”
5. How to Train Your Dragon (2010) → It also wouldn't be a movie list (of mine at least) without an animated movie on it. Not only is it pure comfort and has the best soundtrack, but fantasy equals fall in my head. Dragons are cool, and I wish I could ride Toothless. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is also good (yet slightly less magical and nostalgic) and has the added benefit of a Hippcup that has gone through puberty (hot)(sorry).
TV
I have only 3 fall comfort shows, mostly because TV isn’t my strong point. I definitely gravitate more towards movies and books in the fall (I don’t know why). Since TV isn’t my favorite, there are many fall-ish TV shows I have never seen (The Vampire Diaries, Friday Night Lights, Only Murders in the Building) or just haven’t rewatched enough for them to become comfort shows (Wednesday or Stranger Things). Anyway…
Game of Thrones (2011-2019) → As I said above, my brain connects fantasy with cozy fall vibes. I wouldn't necessarily call Game of Thrones cozy but it is wonderful. I am currently watching it for the first (season 7!!!) and I get it. I understand why everyone was obsessed for 8 years because now I can put this on my favorite TV show list.
2. Criminal Minds (2005) → Again, I wouldn’t call this show cozy, it’s literally about serial murderers, but it’s a show I always return to in the fall. Ultimately it’s comforting because of the characters, Reed and JJ are my favorites. I’ve also never finished this show, I always get to about season 6 and give up, and when I go to rewatch I just start again at season 1.
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) → Because, duh. When fall is mentioned, you can hear every twenty-something girl turn on Gilmore Girls, Carol King playing through the speakers. La La La’s are the theme song of fall. Honestly thank goodness for this show. It truly got me through high school. The first time I watched it was with my mom, which is something I will never forget or take for granted (my mom is also my best friend).
Listening
I exclusively use Spotify and as the years go by, I’ve become obsessed with creating playlists for the seasons and also random vibes. I now have four years of fall playlists.
First, here are some of my favorite fall songs:
“Campus” Vampire Weekend
“Wonder” Shawn Mendes
“Wouldn’t Come Back” Trousdale
“NFWMB” Hozier
“These Days” Still Woozy
“Seeing Blind” Niall Horan, Maren Morris
“Sleep On The Floor” The Lumineers
“This Kiss” Faith Hill
“That’s Where I Am” Maggie Rogers
“Crowded Table” The Highwomen
“Visions” Norah Jones
“In My Life” The Beatles
“Easier Said Than Done” Thee Sacred Souls
That’s a lot of songs LOL, so if you just want the full vibes, here is my most recent playlist. You can go to my profile to see the other playlists! (2023 is one of my favorites).
I love indulging in movies, TV, and music and fall is the best time for it. I’ll have reading lists for the season up soon. Hope you enjoyed my list! Please let me know your favorite fall comforts in the comments!
Lots of love,
Lizzy