The air is getting crisper, and the leaves are changing colors, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to settle into the perfect lineup of shows and films that capture the true feeling of autumn. Whether you crave wholesome cartoons, magical adventures, or something with a bit of fright factor, this curated list has any vibe you could be looking for.
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“Gilmore Girls” (TV show)
Rating: TV-14
Where to watch: Disney +, Hulu, Netflix
Preview: This beloved early 2000s TV show is one of the ultimate autumn watches. Starring Lauren Graham as the witty Lorelai Gilmore and Alexis Bledel as her book-loving daughter Rory, the show will whisk you away to the tiny foliage-filled town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. With tons of small-town charm and quirky characters, this show is sure to make you feel at home.
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“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (film)
Rating: PG
Where to watch: HBO Max, Peacock
Preview: This magical children’s film is great for first-time watchers or rewatching a fall classic. Featuring Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, a young boy who discovers he is a wizard, the story begins as he enters his first year at Hogwarts, a school for wizards. He quickly finds himself in the center of a mystery involving a hidden stone and the dark wizard who killed his parents. From enchanted hallways and candlelit feasts to the magical first snowfall, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” captures the true feel of the season.
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“Twilight” (film)
Rating: PG-13
Where to watch: Philo
Preview: This moody teen drama takes place in the fog-ridden town of Forks, Washington. Kristen Stewart stars as Bella Swan, an Arizona teenager who finds herself drawn to the world of vampires, specifically the mystifying Edward Cullen, played by Robert Pattinson. With endless rain and deep forests, “Twilight” is the perfect vibe for a gloomy autumn day.
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“Hocus Pocus” (film)
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Disney+
Preview: This nostalgic Halloween film brings tons of autumn magic and mischief to your screen. Starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as the wicked Sanderson sisters, “Hocus Pocus” follows a group of kids after accidentally resurrecting three witches on Halloween night. As the witches wreak havoc in their hunt for eternal youth, it’s up to the kids to stop them before sunrise. This film brings a mix of sweet and spooky that never gets old, no matter how many times you watch.
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“Coraline” (film)
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Tubi
Preview: If you like your fall films cozy with a touch of creepy, “Coraline” is the film for you. Dakota Fanning voices Coraline in this stop-motion film about a young girl who discovers a secret door leading to a seemingly perfect parallel universe. As the illusion of perfection unravels, Coraline must defeat the Other Mother to save herself. This film is a visually stunning story that blends wonder with a chilling edge.
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“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (film)
Rating: G
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Preview: This ’60s cartoon featuring the beloved Peanuts gang is the perfect wholesome Halloween watch. As Charlie Brown and friends head out trick or treating, Linus and Sally, younger siblings of Charlie and Lucy, stay behind, determined to spend the night awaiting the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. With simple animation and a lighthearted plotline, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is a great film to watch with the whole family.
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“Wednesday” (TV show)
Rating: TV-14
Where to watch: Netflix
Preview: This Netflix show took the world by storm in 2022, spending a record 20 weeks in the global top 10. Jenna Ortega stars as the classic Wednesday Addams character, who is sent to Nevermore Academy, a school for misfits. As she unravels a mystery related to her family’s past, she balances school, friendship, and even love. With dark gothic energy and supernatural forces, “Wednesday” is sure to be a fall favorite!
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“E.T.” (film)
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Netflix
Preview: This heartwarming classic takes place in October and captures the joy of childhood with a science fiction twist, making it perfect to watch with kids. Featuring Henry Thomas as Elliot, a young boy who discovers and befriends a kind alien stranded on Earth, “E.T.” blends October nights and bike rides at dusk into an emotional and iconic story.
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“Stranger Things” (TV show)
Rating: TV-14
Where to watch: Netflix
Preview: This thriller series captures what it would be like to see monsters in a small town, adding the perfect amount of scare to your fall watch list. Taking place in Hawkins, Indiana, “Stranger Things” follows a group of middle school students who uncover a secret science experiment and a terrifying alternate reality after the disappearance of their friend. Now is the perfect time to watch seasons one through four, as “Stranger Things 5,” the final season, releases Nov. 26th!
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Each of these tales invites you to wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and immerse yourself in the true essence of autumn. These films and series are sure to be your fall favorites, so grab your pumpkin-flavored treats, invite a friend, and dive into this season’s best picks!
