the ultimate list of the coziest fall shows & movies
Now that fall is officially upon us (Sunday, September 22 at 8:44 AM EDT, to be exact), it is only fair to begin the tradition of bombarding my readers with all things fall the minute the first leaf turns even a smidge brown. If you’re like me, romanticizing seasons is a tried & true hobby and chai lattes, burnt orange and overalls are staples in your life from the very first of September to 11:59pm on November 30th. For those who get an indescribable rush of serotonin at the first whisper of a chilly breeze or the first sip of a pumpkin drink, this is for you. We (00’s babies, that is) all remember our childhoods being filled with special Halloween episodes & spooky Disney channel original movies, and despite all of the nostalgic posts lamenting the death of our childhoods and the magic of holidays, I think there are ways to infuse that wonder & happiness once again. So, without further ado, this is my ultimate list of the coziest fall shows & movies.
1. Gilmore Girls
Arguably the most autumnal show of all time. Cozy sweaters, coffee shops and an idyllic, quaint New England town. Set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Gilmore Girls follows the trials & tribulations of the witty, outspoken Lorelei Gilmore and her teenage daughter, Rory, who is the ying to her yang with her more uptight, practical personality — that is… until she goes to Yale. IYKYK.
2. Practical Magic
My favorite fall movie of all time. Gillian & Sally Owens, witch sisters with opposite personalities yet an unbreakable bond, come together after Gillian finds herself in a troubling situation with her lover. Add a handsome, oddly familiar detective into the mix, and the story perfectly encompasses sisterhood, womanhood, love and all things witchy & enchanting.
3. You’ve Got Mail
Another cozy classic. Set in New York City in the 90’s, Kathleen Kelly runs a picturesque children’s bookstore in the Upper West Side that she inherited from her mother, donning the signature pixie of the time and countless cardigans & endless plaid. Joe Fox, whose family runs the large corporation of Fox Books, opens up an establishment down the block from Kathleen, sparking an intense hatred on her end and amusement on his. Little do they both know, they’ve been anonymously emailing back and forth and falling in love all the while.
4. When Harry Met Sally
Nothing compares to You’ve Got Mail for me, but When Harry Met Sally is a classic autumnal movie, especially if friends-to-lovers is your favorite trope. Meg Ryan rocks her luscious blonde curls in this one, alongside a dry-humored Billy Crystal. Sally is a neurotic, type A with anxious attachment who finds herself tied with an invisible sting to Harry, who uses biting sarcasm to mask his avoidant attachment. What could go wrong?
5. Pretty Little Liars
Known for the iconic Halloween episodes, Pretty Little Liars is a fall staple. The fictional town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania is a cozy, small town that seems to be in a perpetual autumn year-round. The warm glow of street lamps and the cozy coffee shop donned “The Brew” are frequently in the shot, making it a perfect show to cozy up to on a crisp fall day.
6. The Vampire Diaries
This one is a no-brainer. Vampires, witches, werewolves, all things supernatural. On top of that, Season 1 is the perfect September fall kickoff, with lettermen jackets and fall football games as we meet Elena and watch her fall in love with vampire, Stefan, all while unraveling the mystery of why he is so intrigued by her.
7. House of The Dragon
While there is no direct correlation to fall from this show, the cobblestone castle walls, medieval dresses, and frequent shots of ornate, crackling fireplaces earns it a spot on this list. With only two seasons so far, it’s an easy watch with dialogue so seamless and special effects so realistic that you’re instantly transported to the world of King’s Landing.
8. The Haunting of Hill House
I’m not a horror fan, so I was reluctant to watch this, but was ultimately so glad I took the chance. Admittedly, there are a few jumpscares, but the most fascinating aspect of this storytelling is how the horrifying shots in the beginning take on a new meaning as the story unravels and you understand the context behind them. The meaning behind this show is deep and metaphorical, meaning it could be watched a few times and a new meaning could be uncovered every time. Our biggest demise & fears are ourselves, is the crux of the show, and often we find ourselves drawn & tied down to the genesis of our trauma, no matter how dangerous or menacing.
9. Grey’s Anatomy
The plethora of seasons can be daunting, but Seasons 1 & 2, with the classic 00’s soundtrack of Teagan & Sara and the Cranberries, are a must to round out your nostalgic, cozy fall show list. The first few seasons (the best, imo) follow Meredith Grey’s journey as a surgical intern at Seattle Grace Hospital, where she finds herself falling for her attendee and developing a strong bond with her four other fellow interns, Izzy, Georgia, Alex and of course, Cristina. <3 The rainy backdrop of Seattle and 2004 vibes is everything you need to be transported back to a simpler time.
I’m guilty of rewatching my favorites over and over again and sometimes overlooking the potential of new shoes. Hopefully, I didn’t miss anything, and if I did, comment below to add to the list! 🍂🕯️🤎
