Luna’s Favourite Fall Films
Aspen leaves turning yellow, pumpkin spice lattes, and the start of school. For many, these are the tell-tale signs that fall is upon us, however, for me, I know fall is here once I start re-watching the same comforting films that feel like autumn in a blanket. Over my 17 years of life, I have watched my fair share of movies. Romantic movies, adventure, coming-of-age, comedies, short films, and documentaries became a constant form of comfort in my life, as well as a love language. Sharing my favorite movies with the people I love has become a way to share a piece of myself, and shed insight into the way I think. In the spirit of giving – here is a list of my all-time favorite movies that are the ultimate form of comfort for fall.
8. Harry Potter: I have had a soft spot for this series ever since I first read all the books in elementary school, and now every time summer comes to an end I find myself re-watching the series. I’m sure almost everyone has already watched or read Harry Potter, but just in case, the series follows a friend group trio navigating school at a wizarding school. Countless adventures and problems solved create the feeling that you are a part of their group and replicate the feeling of a warm embrace. All of these movies are so easy and fun to watch, but my favorites are Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
7. Pride and Prejudice (2005). To me, this is the ultimate comfort film. The movie inspired by Jane Austen’s novel follows a young woman and her journey to find love. Elizabeth Bennet (played by Keira Knightley), lives a peaceful life with her family in the English countryside during the early 18th century. Headstrong and outspoken, Elizabeth dismisses societal pressures to marry and focuses all her energy on her family, until she meets the wealthy and pompous Mr Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). They immediately butt heads, but over time develop a relationship full of spirit, love, and light. This movie is full of beautiful and poetic cinematic scenes – deep green forests, stretching soaring landscapes, and quiet close-up moments, as well as a captivating score – bold violins and delicate piano, all of which contribute to the comforting and welcoming ambiance.
6. Practical Magic. This movie is just as comforting as it is magical, making it an overall easy-to-watch film that provides pleasure and warmth. Two sisters, Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman) were born into a magical family, free to use magic to excel in life as they please, but burdened with a curse of love. As you watch the two sisters grow up, it becomes apparent how different the two are. Gillian is outgoing, adventurous, and courageous, partying and traveling whenever and wherever she can, whereas Sally is calm, introverted, and living in the town she grew up in with her two daughters. When an unexpected event brings the two sisters together again in their hometown, they must embrace their heritage while celebrating their differences. This movie is sweet, fun, and lighthearted while emphasizing the importance of family.
5. Little Women (2019): This is one of my most loved films of all time created by one of my favorite directors. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women follows the story of four sisters navigating life, love, and sisterhood in the 19th century. Meg (Emma Watson), Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Amy (Florence Pugh), and Beth March (Eliza Scanlen) are sisters experiencing life and coming of age together. From putting on plays in their living room for their mother, and bickering about clothes, it feels as though you are with the March family in their home, growing up alongside the girls. You watch as Jo moves to the city and becomes a writer, Amy travels to Paris to study art, Meg settles down and creates a family, and Beth remains at home in solace. This movie will always have a special place in my heart because it delicately and poetically shows the passage of time, and how growing up happens in the blink of an eye. Director Greta Gerwig does a fantastic job of establishing a difference between life when all the girls are still young, vulnerable, and eager to learn, and life after they have all grown up and gone their separate ways. This movie is perfect for the transition from autumn to winter, as well as a must-see coming-of-age story.
4. Good Will Hunting. Another timeless classic movie that I believe everyone needs to watch at least once. Matt Damon’s character, Will, is navigating early adulthood in Boston where he works as a janitor in MIT. After solving a seemingly unsolvable math equation, Will is discovered by a math professor who encourages him to explore his talents and apply himself in all aspects of his life. When Will has a run-in with the police, they reach a deal to build him a better life as long as he attends sessions with a therapist. Sean Maguire, played by Robin Williams, directs Will as he combats with mental health, poverty, social and love life. Through this process, the two form a special bond and become each other’s found family. The level and intensity of acting by every member of the cast adds so much depth and meaning to the message of this film, accentuating the importance of truth, relationships, resilience, and second chances. “How ‘bout them apples?”
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox. Wes Anderson is known for his creative and innovative directing style, which is expertly showcased in the 2009 movie, Fantastic Mr. Fox. This stop-motion film follows a cunning and witty father fox while he seeks adrenaline, excitement, and a way to provide for his family through stealing from three of the biggest and most important farmers. After successfully pulling off multiple stunts to trick the farmers and steal their goods, he is eventually caught, leaving his family, friends, and community in danger. This movie explores the idea of embracing your animal side while simultaneously portraying the ugly face of greed. Anderson has mastered the idea and production of quirky yet comforting characters to complement his use of vibrant, warm colors. This movie is a perfect watch for fall, both consoling and stimulating the audience at the same time, keeping you engaged and absorbed all the while.
2. Dead Poets Society. I know I have said it for more than half of these movies, but this film is truly one of the best pieces of visual media out there, and probably my favorite movie of all time. Based on the book by Nancy H. Kleinbaum, this movie is set at Welton Academy, a prestigious all-boys private school in Vermont. Respect, tradition, honor, and discipline are the four pillars of the school, leaving little to the imagination about the rigor and severity of the academics and social life. Ethan Hawke plays Todd Anderson, a newcomer to the academy who has been living in his brother’s shadow for his whole life. While adjusting to life at Welton, he begins to learn about branching out and creating his own life as he meets a new group of friends and a new English teacher, Mr. Keating, (Robin Williams). In Mr. Keatings English class the boys learn to “seize the day”, and fill their life with poetry, love, romance, and beauty. This movie reflects the delicacy of friendship and growing up, as well as discussing the societal pressures students are faced with and how they impact and influence mental health. The incredible acting by Robin Williams and Robert Sean Leonard amplifies the remarkably true message about the importance of taking time to study and appreciate art in your life.
1 . Knives Out. To me, this is the quintessential fall movie. It has everything you could want out of a film; mystery, a star-studded cast, great pacing, spectacular cinematography, and an overall intriguing and exciting storyline, making this the perfect movie to watch with your friends, family, or on a night alone. This movie follows the Thrombey family – a wealthy dynasty headed by Halrlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), a writer and entrepreneur who is swarmed by greedy family members using his money. When Harlan dies, the whole family gathers while mysterious Detective Blanc (Daniel Craig) investigates the obscure death, making every person in the dysfunctional Thrombey family a prime suspect. After Harlan’s will is read, leaving characters stunned and confused, chaos ensues taking the plot through twists and turns, while keeping the audience encapsulated at every second. This film creates the perfect fall ambiance through every curveball and grand reveal and leaves you wanting more long after you watch it.
When I watch a movie it stays with me. The costumes and editing allow me to romanticize my own life, the characters bleed into my soul, and the soundtracks and cinematography fuel my passion for film and beauty. As I watch more and more movies, I can go back and curl up with my favorites and remember what emotions they created and why I enjoyed them so much. Each of these movies evokes warmth and nostalgia through their stories, scenery, and characters, making for a perfect fall atmosphere.
LUNA TGIS ARTICLE IS SO GOOD!! I have no actual fixes for you, just all the hyperlinks, which is something you dont know yet! You really convinced me to watch these movies!
