NEDflix: 5 Fall Movies to Make You Feel Cozy
By: Elizabeth Montfort
There’s nothing quite like coming home on a crisp fall afternoon, ready to slip into cozy clothes and settle in for a movie night. Whether you’re snuggled up with friends, a loved one, or your pet, it's a scene we all know well.
Sure, fall snacks and drinks add to the charm, but the real star of the evening is the movie. Once you're wrapped in blankets with the lights dimmed, the question isn’t if you'll watch a movie, but which one will best capture that autumn magic and transport you to a world of fall feels.
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To make your decision easier, here are our top five fall movie picks — each from a different genre, so everyone in the room is satisfied. And since choosing favorites is impossible, we’ll just say they’re in no particular order. Every one of these films holds a special place in my heart.
#1: When Harry Met Sally
Quite possibly the ultimate fall movie, When Harry Met Sally is a timeless rom-com. It begins with two college graduates, Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan), sharing a car ride from Chicago to New York City. Along the way, they argue about everything — from a diner order to the infamous debate over whether men and women can ever truly be “just friends”.
Ten years later, they run into each other again at a bookstore, and the movie traces their serendipitous meetings and whether they can remain platonic. The film's fall scenery and '80s/'90s fashion are a huge part of its nostalgic charm. With oversized sweaters, cozy coats, and an apartment that makes millennials and Gen Z alike wistful for a more affordable New York City, it’s as captivating as it is comforting, filled with witty humor that still holds up today.
#2: Good Will Hunting
Witty humor, a solid storyline, and prime performances by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Robin Williams make Good Will Hunting unbeatable. You know it’s a fall movie when even the promo shots showcase Boston's foliage in all its glory. IMDb describes this film as “realistic, unpretentiously philosophical, and a warm movie about life” — and that couldn’t be more true.
For anyone craving a movie that offers both a fresh perspective on life and a little academic motivation, this is the one. Every show or film about a ridiculously smart yet underappreciated character (Suits, Limitless, etc.) wishes it could achieve the same artistic greatness as Good Will Hunting.
#3: Beetlejuice
Though it technically falls under the Halloween category — which will undoubtedly come up in future posts — this movie is a must-add. While there’s a newer version in the works, I’m specifically talking about the 1988 original, which oozes late '80s humor and nostalgia. Directed by the King of Halloween, Tim Burton, this dark fantasy is family-friendly, engaging, and delightfully silly. Honestly, any short description will probably leave you more confused than if you just sit down and watch it for yourself.
#4: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
While all the Harry Potter movies are fantastic, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is, without a doubt, the best for fall. The iconic banquet scene during Halloween is the ultimate fall vibe, filling you with that late autumn sense of coziness. Plus, let’s be honest — this isn’t anyone’s first time watching the movie (and if it is, you might want to rethink your childhood!). It's all about the nostalgia of magic, the bond of three best friends, and the adventure of a lifetime that makes it a perfect fall rewatch.
Additionally, because of all the fall foods in this wizard world that are shown it is a great opportunity to get creative with your fall movie snacks, meals, and drinks!
#5: Knives Out
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Hysterical, witty, mysterious — and Chris Hemsworth in a cable knit sweater. What more could you want? Fall always feels like the perfect time for a good mystery. There’s something about the murder-mystery genre that keeps you on edge and fully engaged. Maybe it’s the connection to Halloween and all things spooky, but Knives Out masterfully pulls viewers in, creating a visual feast filled with content and intrigue. It’s the kind of film that pairs perfectly with multiple cups of tea as you unravel its twists and turns.