As the summer winds down and the sun begins to set earlier, I typically find myself craving more cozy evenings spent at home – particularly on the couch with a glass of wine, a pile of blankets and a big bowl of popcorn. Fall movies happen to be some of my all-time favourites, so I thought I would do us both a favour and compile a list of the very best cozy movies, romantic autumn movies, and best movies for Halloween!
And because I never know where to find them, I also wanted to include where you can stream each one in Canada in 2024! If a movie is free with a subscription, I’ve listed the streaming platform where it’s available. If it’s one that is only available to rent or buy, I’ve listed that as well.
So whether you’re hosting a girl’s movie night, wanting a comfort movie on in the background, or you and the family are watching together – there’s something for everyone in this list!
K, let’s get into it!
Cozy Fall Movies
1. Julie & Julia (2009)
A delightful story about cooking and following your dreams. The comfort food and warm interiors are ideal for cooler fall days – you’ll probably want to whip up a savoury soup after watching this one.
Available On: Netflix
2. Harry Potter (2001-2011)
The back-to-school setting, Halloween feasts, and cozy common room scenes make these perfect for fall marathons. There’s nothing like settling in for a multiple-flick magical adventure at Hogwarts (and this one can carry you into the holiday season – because it’s equal notes Fall and Christmas).
Available On: Crave
3. Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)
A coming-of-age story set during a school year. The back-to-school vibes and changing seasons really do capture the essence of fall.
Available On: Netflix
4. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
A quirky animated film with a warm colour palette. Its harvest themes and woodland setting are perfect for autumn and will make you want to go spend some time admiring the changing leaves.
Available On: Disney+
5. Dead Poet’s Society (1989)
An inspiring drama about seizing the day, set in a New England prep school. As someone who grew up on the east coast, they really do experience fall in a whole different way. The academic setting and autumn scenery definitely make this one a quintessential fall film.
Available On: Disney+
6. Mystic Pizza (1988)
Another coming-of-age story, and this time it’s set in a small coastal town. The themes of change and transition make it perfect for autumn reflection.
Available On: Apple TV (to rent)
7. Little Women (1994)
A classic tale of four sisters growing up in Civil War-era Massachusetts. The cozy family scenes and changing seasons make it ideal for fall.
Available On: Netflix
8. School Of Rock (2003)
A fun comedy about a fake substitute teacher forming a rock band. You might not consider this one particularly “fall-themed” but in my opinion, the school setting and themes of self-discovery fit the bill!
Available On: Netflix
Romantic Autumn Movies
9. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
A charming romantic comedy about two rival bookstore owners who unknowingly fall in love online. The cozy New York City setting, the autumn scenes, and the abundance of scarves truly do feel like the best parts of fall.
Available On: Crave
10. Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
A fun rom-com about rediscovering your roots. The small-town charm and changing seasons in the film beautifully capture the essence of fall.
Available On: Disney+
11. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
A classic romance set in the English countryside. The misty mornings and cozy interiors are perfect for crisp autumn days.
Available On: Netflix
12. Notting Hill (1999)
A sweet romantic comedy set in London. The changing seasons and cozy bookshop scenes make it great for autumn viewing.
Available On: Netflix
13. Runaway Bride (1999)
Another Julia Roberts 90’s flick but one that definitely deserves to be on the list. This romantic comedy is about finding yourself and happens to have one of the best movie soundtracks of all time (and possibly my favourite film montage too). The small-town charm and changing leaves in the background make it a cozy fall watch.
Available On: Crave
14. Sleepless In Seattle (1993)
A classic romantic comedy with beautiful Seattle and New York settings. The cozy interiors and themes of new beginnings fit well with the changing of the seasons.
Available On: Netflix
15. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
A romantic comedy following a friendship over many years. The New York City fall scenes make it a perfect autumn watch. You’ll definitely be adding a trip to New York City to your fall bucket list after watching this one.
Available On: Crave
16. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
A quirky romantic comedy-drama about second chances. The football season backdrop, cooler weather and themes of change align well with fall.
Available On: Netflix
17. Autumn In New York (2000)
Another romantic drama set against the backdrop of New York City in fall. The title says it all – it’s made for autumn viewing. You’ll definitely be adding a trip to New York City to your fall bucket list after watching this one.
Available On: Apple TV (for rent)
Nostalgic October Movies
18. About Time (2013)
A heartwarming time-travel romance. Its themes of cherishing moments and family make it ideal for reflective autumn nights. Get your tissues ready for this one – my husband and I always have a good cry when we watch this movie.
Available On: Netflix
19. Remember The Titans (2000)
An uplifting sports drama about overcoming racial divides. The football season setting makes it perfect for fall.
Available On: Disney+
20. Stepmom (1998)
A heartwarming drama about family relationships and acceptance – another one where you’ll need to get the tissues ready because you’re in for a good cry. The beautiful fall scenery and Thanksgiving time-line make it a great autumn watch.
Available On: Netflix
21. Good Will Hunting (1997)
A touching drama about potential and relationships. The academic setting and Boston scenery secured it’s spot as a one of the fall movies to watch!
Available On: Crave
22. Anne Of Green Gables (1985)
A charming coming-of-age story set in Prince Edward Island. This one is particularly nostalgic to me, as I grew up visiting P.E.I. as a kid raised on the east coast of Canada. The beautiful colours of the leaves changing and the back-to-school themes are ideal for autumn.
Available On: CBC Gem
23. Fly Away Home (1996)
A heartwarming family film about a girl who leads geese on their migration. This was one of my favourite movies when I was young and I think about every time I see the geese migrated in the fall. The themes of change and beautiful flying scenes really capture the essence of this time of year.
Available On: Apple TV (for rent)
24. Matilda (1996)
A charming adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book about a gifted girl. The school setting, the scenes of Matilda walking with stacks of books and the themes of personal growth align well with fall.
Available On: Netflix
25. Hook (1991)
A magical reimagining of Peter Pan as an adult. Its themes of rediscovering childlike wonder make it perfect for cozy fall family nights.
Available On: Netflix
Best Movies For Halloween
26. The Sixth Sense (1999)
A supernatural thriller with a twist ending. Its eerie atmosphere and Philadelphia setting are ideal for spooky fall nights.
Available On: Disney+
27. Practical Magic (1998)
A whimsical tale of two witch sisters. Its Halloween vibes and cozy small-town setting are perfect for the month of October.
Available On: Crave
28. The Village (2004)
A mysterious thriller set in a secluded community. I remember seeing this movie in theatres more than once when it first came out. Its harvest scenes and autumnal colour scheme feel exactly like an eerie movie set in the fall should feel like.
Available On: Disney+
29. ET (1982)
A classic sci-fi adventure about friendship. The suburban fall setting and Halloween scene make it a great autumn watch. This one is a classic for a reason!
Available On: Netflix
30. Casper (1995)
A fun, family-friendly ghost story. Its Halloween themes and New England setting are perfect for fall viewing.
Available On: Netflix
31. Twilight (2008)
A supernatural romance set in the rainy Pacific Northwest. The moody atmosphere and forest scenes capture the feel of autumn.
Available On: Netflix
32. Hocus Pocus (1993)
A Halloween classic about three witches in modern-day Salem. It’s the ultimate fall movie with its Halloween theme and autumn scenery.
Available On: Disney+
33. Knives Out (2019)
A clever whodunit with a star-studded cast. The New England setting and cozy sweater aesthetics make it perfect for chilly fall nights.
Available On: Prime Video
34. Beetlejuice (1988)
A quirky supernatural comedy. Its Halloween vibes and eccentric visuals make it perfect for spooky fall nights.
Available On: Crave
There you have it – 30+ fall movies to add to your watch list this season and a round-up of where you can find them for streaming (or rental) in Canada!
Feel free to add any other movies to the comments that you think I missed! Happy autumn movie night to you!
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