As the weather starts to get colder, one of the most enjoyable pastimes is to load up with snacks and a warm drink, curl up under a fuzzy blanket and watch a movie. For many people, myself included, the hardest part of this process is deciding what to watch that is both entertaining and fits the “fall vibes.” Fortunately, compiled below is a list of a few of the most popular and classic autumn movies.
Hocus Pocus
A quintessential Halloween movie, “Hocus Pocus,” tells the story of the reincarnation of the Sanderson sisters, three witches who were killed during the Salem Witch Trials. 300 years after their death, on Halloween night in Salem, teenager Max Dennison unwittingly lights the Black-Flame Candle, thereby resurrecting the three witches. The rest of the movie follows Dennison as he, a classmate and his sister try to escape from the witches and send them back to the afterlife. The film is rated PG for some intense sequences and some mild and suggestive language.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
This fan-favorite movie, based on the book of the same name, follows 11-year-old Harry Potter as he discovers that he is a wizard and navigates the trials of his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This film is the first of eight subsequent films based on the popular book series by J.K. Rowling. It was a massive box office success and was nominated for numerous awards. The film is rated PG for mild language, fantasy violence and images that may be frightening for young children.
Dead Poets Society
Perhaps best known for its famous quote, “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary,” the movie “Dead Poets Society” is a coming-of-age drama set in 1959 that follows a group of prep-school boys as they navigate the complexities of life with the help of their somewhat-unorthodox English teacher, Mr. Keating. The film has overall received high praise for its emotional impact and acting. It is rated PG-13 for substance use, innuendo, language, potentially disturbing themes and suicide.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
A family-friendly cartoon classic, this 25-minute-long television special is considered by many to be a must-watch for both Halloween and fall in general. Featuring the classic “Peanuts” characters, this short movie is an easy and entertaining watch, and is considered to be the best of the “Peanuts” holiday specials. It is rated G, making it the perfect watch for all ages.
Rudy
“Rudy” is an inspirational football film based on the true story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger. A story of perseverance that is widely considered to be one of the best football movies of all time, the film follows Ruettiger as he struggles to make his way both into Notre Dame and onto the Notre Dame football team. The movie is rated PG for mild language, violence, substance use and some thematic elements.
