There’s nothing I love more than cozying up next to B on a chilly evening and enjoying one of the best fall movies on this list. Hand’s down my favorite room in my home is my living/dining room combo. In New York City homes have a lot of combo purposes. Cream tones leave their mark on every corner of this room, reminiscent of a Nancy Meyers film with pillows and candles tastefully placed about. I think it’s important to have at least one room in your house that you’re completely obsessed with.
Although you may be sick of Covid-19 movie-nights in, this list will conjure up all those warm and cozy feelings that only a crisp fall night can bring. From fall outfit research to interiors that will make you want to re-decorate (again), I’m here to help you through these troubling times with a list of the 14 best fall movies that have gone down in history as classics. Pop over to My NYC Kitchen and spend the evening baking up something delicious before settling in for the night.
You’ve Got Mail
There’s nothing better than the scene where the cranberries blast as Meg Ryan comes out of her apartment into a beautiful fall day in New York City. I’ve got to admit it I watch this movie about once a year. The love story between Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks is so oddly charming even though, in reality, they’re both cheating on their partners. Make sure to pay attention to the love story happening on the side with the Upper West Side. I regularly head to Cafe Lalo on 83rd in NYC where they’re supposed to meet on their first date. It’s just as adorable in real life as it is in the movie, and they have fantastic deserts.
“What will NY152 say today, I wonder? I turn on my computer I wait impatiently as it connects, I go online and my breath catches in my chest until I hear 3 little words, you’ve got mail”
Practical Magic
Interior design lovers will have a field day with the gorgeous Victorian house featured as the main backdrop, set within an idyllic New England town. With a double dose of Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, this movie can’t get any better for conjuring up those cozy feelings that only fall can bring. Don’t forget to partake in a bit of outfit research while you’re at it!
“In this house we have chocolate cake for breakfast, and never bother with silly little things like bedtimes, or brushing our teeth.”
October Sky
This was one of those middle school movies your teacher makes you watch and you end up loving. Based on the true story of Homer Hickam who strives for more than the hole his father wants to put him in, quite literally. If you’re looking for a fall movie with a side of inspiration this is it. Fun fact, they made the movie about Homer’s life when the real Nasa Engineer was only 56.
” Sometimes you really can’t listen to what anybody else says. You just gotta listen inside.”
Halloweentown
A childhood classic like Halloweentown doesn’t need an introduction. I’m not even sure I can explain why, to this day, I love this movie besides maybe the idealized Halloweentown seems pretty wonderful. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of it all. Either way, it’s always in the queue when the air starts cooling off.
” Being normal is vastly overrated.”
What Women Want
I don’t think that I can list movies without including something from Nancy Meyers. Anyone who knows me knows my obsession with the director runs deep. From her inspiring female-led stories to the cult worthy interiors, you can’t help but fall in love. Although Mel Gibson leads this story, his life is transformed when he can suddenly hear What Women Want.
“You talk to me like a woman, you think like a woman. Nick, come on, admit it. You’re totally and completely gay!”
Stepmom
Grab a box of tissues before settling in for this tear-jerker. An award-winning cast and idyllic settings make this the perfect fall flick. I remember as a kid cuddling up to my mom to watch this, it took me years to find my way back to it but, it stands the test of time.
“Yep. Life’s a tradeoff. It’s finally legal to smoke dope, but you got to have cancer.”
When Harry Met Sally
There are so many great one-liners in this movie you may find yourself quoting it for years. The outfit research’s not bad either. Although I may not agree with the central theme that men and women can’t be friends, it’s still one of the most charming movies. Something else to make you fall in love with this movie as if you needed more reasons, is the iconic New York City spots they use as backdrops from Katz’s deli to The Loeb Boathouse.
“They should put the two sections together, real estate and obituaries– Mr. Klein died today leaving a wife, two children, and a spacious three-bedroom apartment with a wood-burning fireplace.”
Hocus Pocus
I’m not sure if I even need to explain why this movie made it into the best fall movies list. You obviously can’t beat the gorgeous New England town of Salem, Massachusetts, and who doesn’t love the Sanderson Sisters and their fabulous dance number. When B and I first moved to New York City, we took a drive up to Salem for Halloween celebrations. We visited the village from the opening scene, and they had spooky story readings and jack-o-lanterns guiding our path.
“Oh look. Another glorious morning. Makes me sick!”
Casper
Did you ever wish when you were a kid that you could end up in a haunted house with an adorable ghost that becomes a cutie for one night ten takes you to a dance? No just me? Okay but seriously this story has some weirdly touching scenes for its seemingly jokey storyline. I still cry to this day when Casper tells the story of how he died.
“I told you I was a good dancer. Can I keep you?”
It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
I love the peanuts characters with their funny one-liners and their inaudible teachers. To be honest I own all the holiday peanut’s episode and if you aren’t just randomly saying I got a rock after this then something is seriously wrong.
“There are three things I’ve learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.”
Sleepy Hollow
I’m not sure how often you would find this rendition of Sleepy Hollow on best movie lists, but I can’t help it, I love it. Johnny Depp is adorable as Ichabod Crane, and Christina Ricci is always fantastic. I also can’t help but feel some sort of pride that sleepy hollow is only about 30-minutes from my home. I’ve taken more than one trip up there for Halloween and visited the cemetery on a tour of some of the famous gravestones, including Washington Irving, who wrote the short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
“Truth is not always appearance.”
St. Elmo’s Fire
A stunning cast portraying recent college graduates bring up all the necessary fall feelings. As a huge Andrew McCarthy fan, since I developed a crush on him in 8th grade after seeing Pretty In Pink, this is one of his most adorable roles. The fashion in this will also give you some much-needed inspiration for this fall. If you can’t get enough, head over to this amazing retrospective of the 1980s-90s J. Crew Catalog from Town and Country.
“Love, love, you know what love is? Love is an illusion created by lawyer types like yourself to perpetuate another illusion called marriage to create the reality of divorce and then the illusionary need for divorce lawyers.”
Harry Potter
I feel like for a story about wizard’s this series somehow ends up on best Christmas movies lists way too often. I posted the first movie, but let’s be honest, who doesn’t start the first one knowing they’re just going to marathon it through to the end.
“It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
Mona Lisa Smile
I’m a sucker for a strong-female led story and cast, you should see my Netflix account. Not only is this story incredibly inspiring when depicting the strength of a woman, but it’s also hard not to get all those fall feelings when thinking of going back to school. Does anyone else miss the magic of the first day of school?
“Not all who wander are aimless. Especially not those who seek truth beyond tradition, beyond definition, beyond the image.”
Penelope
I never felt like this movie got the recognition it deserved. From the costume to the set design this movie screams fall and should be featured on more best fall movie lists. This is also one of the first films Reese Witherspoon was a producer on and had a small role. The incredible cast and the storyline of an ambitious girl finding her voice after being hidden away because she was born with a pig nose are incredibly charming.
“I like myself the way I am!”
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