With fall’s arrival comes the anticipation of streaming cozy and nostalgic movies. Bundling up in blankets, with a warm cup of tea and family or friends while watching a film is undeniably one of the best parts of autumn. Whether it’s classic or cozy, this compilation contains some of Rochester students’ top picks for this season.
Freshman Isaac Davis says, “There’s only one movie that I really associate with fall, it’s the original Hocus Pocus.” When asked why, he shared that it was the nostalgia of watching it with family for years that made it his favorite. “Hocus Pocus” absolutely embodies fall and Halloween in every aspect. From the autumnal setting to the vibrant characters, this movie is a must-see for anyone looking for a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit.
A great movie for fall that doesn’t have anything to do with Halloween is “Little Women.” Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic is one of the most beautifully crafted movies of the time. It is an emotional film that’s constructed to hook watchers and leave them contemplating for hours afterward. For fans of classic literature (or Timothee Chalamet), this movie is perfectly cozy and warm while still embracing enough of a modern layout to feel relevant.
Another perfect classic for a season that thrives off of warm colors and cool air is “You’ve Got Mail” starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. The cliche of the romance, rather than being annoying and predictable, provides a charming vibe to this rom-com. “You’ve Got Mail” tells the story of a rivalry between a small-town bookshop owner and the heir to a massive bookstore chain who end up falling for each other. A blanket, warm drink, good friend or partner are the perfect companions to watching this movie.
For those who prefer weird and wacky, “Beetlejuice” fits perfectly into that category. It starts in a charming town with a perfect couple. Almost immediately, the seemingly perfect life is overturned by a car crash. The newly deceased couple remain as ghosts in their house and enlist the help of Beetlejuice to help drive the new homeowners out. Although the movie borders on insane or even uncomfortable to some, it contains an interesting enough plot to remain entertaining to the end.
Freshman Teagan Pigott watches “Halloweentown” every year and loves the nostalgia of it. The movie itself is what one would expect of a Disney Channel movie. That is to say, incredibly corny with a lot of plot holes. However, it’s fun and reminiscent of Halloween from elementary school. It’s a great movie to pass the time this October, especially to get into a Halloween mood.
Recently, Disney released a movie adaptation of their famous “Haunted Mansion” attraction. The star-studded cast provides the movie with creative acting choices that really pop. The story itself has many references to the original “Haunted Mansion” that fans of the ride will quickly pick up on. Regardless of some of its harsh critiques, it’s a fun movie for a rainy day spent at the theaters.
“The Princess Bride” holds a lot of nostalgia for many movie lovers. It has a pretty unforgettable and unique plot. It’s a movie about love and revenge set in the perfect autumn setting that could be appealing to all ages. “The Princess Bride” is a great movie to watch for any time of the year, but something about watching it in the fall feels particularly special.
“Gilmore Girls” deserves an honorable mention despite it being a TV show. The amount of suggestions for it was overwhelming and can be easily called a favorite of the RHS students. Sophomore Audrey Henckle says, “It’s my zone-out show. It’s something I’ll watch while doing homework.” “Gilmore Girls” romanticizes small-town living and school. It’s aesthetically pleasing in every aspect. The show radiates all the best parts of autumn like crisp windy days, cozy fall fashion, and steaming cups of coffee.
Movies have become a huge part of celebrating seasons and holidays, and fall definitely doesn’t break this trend. There’s a kind of comfort in keeping this tradition of watching movies that evoke the feelings of each season. Overall, these films will surely entertain any audience while giving a distinctly autumnal feeling.
