It is no secret that almost everyone’s favorite time of year is when temperatures become crisp and the leaves begin to turn to warmer hues. However, it can be difficult to truly experience fall with school, sports, and extracurricular activities also ramping up. Sometimes a good book or movie is all you need to get into the fall spirit, even if you don’t have hours of free time. Whether you are looking for a simple, feel-good fall flick, a classic thriller, or an academia-set mystery, each of these recommendations can kickstart a cozy fall season.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Set in picturesque, autumnal Vermont of 1983, The Secret History follows a group of eccentric classics students at the elite Hampden College who come to commit a horrific crime, sending them down a rabbit hole of conspiracy and evil. This novel covers topics including social class, morality, beauty, and the dangers of devotion. Despite its length of 576 pages, The Secret History keeps you engaged the whole way through with beautiful writing and timeless quotes. This novel’s romantic New England autumn atmosphere and air of mystery and prestige are perfect for those who enjoy academia, classics, and a bit of a thriller. It is a staple in Dark Academia literature, which is known for its gothic and mysterious ambience, and is perfect for autumn reading.
Published in 1992, this novel is often considered one of the best modern classics and is a New York Times bestseller, described by The New York Times as “Enthralling….A remarkably powerful [and] a ferociously well-paced entertainment…Forceful, cerebral, and impeccably controlled.”
My Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads Average Rating: 4.2 Stars
WARNING: This book contains mature themes and material that some may find disturbing. This novel is often recommended for ages 15-17 and older.
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Taking place in the fall and winter of 1997, If We Were Villains tells the story of Shakespeare student Oliver Marks and his friends, who become involved in a brutal and mysterious murder. As the lines between acting and truth start to blend, the characters fall onto dark paths, with the question of who truly committed the murder clouding the narrative until the very end. This novel questions the relationship between reality, fiction, and free will, and warns about the dangers of going to extremes for those you love. With 368 pages, this novel’s fast pace and interweaving of Shakespearean text will leave you engaged in the mystery, and its ending will leave you wanting more. If We Were Villains is yet another staple in Dark Academia literature, and its ominous and gloomy atmosphere is perfect for fans of mystery, Shakespeare, thrillers, and romance.
Published as Rio’s debut novel in 2017, If We Were Villains is often compared to The Secret History, being described by the New York Times bestselling author Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney as “a richly layered story of love, friendship, and obsession…[and] will keep you riveted through its final, electrifying moments.”
My Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads Average Rating: 4.1 Stars
WARNING: This book contains mature themes and is often recommended for ages 15-16 and older.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
On one seemingly normal night in London, England, the famous painter Alicia Berenson unexpectedly kills her husband, and never speaks a word after the fact. Alicia is soon locked away in a facility, but her story and refusal to speak grow into a sprawling mystery, and spike the interest of criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber. Theo relentlessly searches for answers, which leads him into mysteries not only in Alicia’s life, but also in his own, all culminating in an ending that is sure to leave you speechless. This 336-page thriller is fast-paced and intriguing, making it yet another perfect recommendation for fans of mysteries and psychological thrillers, containing all of the ominous and eerie vibes of Halloween night.
Published in 2019 as Michaelides’ debut release, The Silent Patient is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, and is described by Entertainment Weekly as “An unforgettable―and Hollywood-bound―new thriller… A mix of Hitchcockian suspense, Agatha Christie plotting, and Greek tragedy.”
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Goodreads Average Rating: 4.2 Stars
WARNING: This book contains explicit language.
Dead Poets Society; novel by N.H. Kleinbaum, a film directed by Peter Weir
In the fall of 1959, at the prestigious Welton Academy, a timid Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) finds friendship in a charismatic but conflicted Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard) and his group of friends. Under the guidance of their new English teacher, Mr. Keating (Robin Williams), the group is introduced to an unorthodox and enthusiastic new way of living through poetry and literature. Even under the tight constraints of conformity, tradition, and expectations of boarding school, the boys start living their lives according to Keating’s teaching to “carpe diem,” or seize the day. In the process, they pursue dreams that they would have never before thought possible. Even in the midst of an unfathomable tragedy, Keating’s advice supersedes death and pushes Todd and his friends to fight for the new life they have been introduced to. This 2-hour and 8-minute-long film is a feel-good and inspiring watch, while still managing to incorporate dramatic and heartwrenching moments. Perfectly backdropped by gorgeous, lush fall and winter landscapes, this film is a classic fall watch, especially for fans of academia, literature, coming-of-age, comedy, and drama.
Released as a film in 1989 and as a book in 1988, based on the screenplay, Dead Poets Society is the winner of an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and is widely praised for its emotional resonance and touching coming-of-age story, with Robin Williams’ electrifying performance and notable quotes impacting viewers of all types.
MPA Rating: PG
My Rating: 5 Stars
Letterboxd Average Rating: 4.3 Stars
Good Will Hunting, a film directed by Gus Van Sant
Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a troubled yet genius young man, but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT despite his intelligence. When he solves a nearly impossible math problem, he is discovered by Professor Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard), who, after Will is arrested, makes a deal to get him leniency if he gets treatment from therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). Though apprehensive, Will is soon able to find healing and discover his potential for change, developing a true connection with Maguire. Through this emotional story, Good Will Hunting addresses the important theme of living authentically even in the midst of trauma. At 2 hours and 6 minutes, this film’s relatively calm pace makes emotional scenes even more impactful, and it has an ending that makes the build-up worth it, truly succeeding in making the characters and their experiences even more real. This film is made exceptionally beautiful and charming by its warm-toned sets, autumnal atmosphere, and Boston-academia setting, which perfectly accompany and fit the film’s themes.
Widely loved and critically acclaimed, this 1997 film is the winner of multiple Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Performance by a Supporting Actor, won by Robin Williams for his inspiring, classic, and heartfelt performance.
MPA Rating: R
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Letterboxd Average Rating: 4.4 Stars
Fantastic Mr. Fox, a film directed by Wes Anderson, based on the novel by Roald Dahl
In this iconic stop-motion film, Mr. Fox (George Clooney) is tired of his simple, rural life and raids the farms of his human neighbors, breaking the promise he made to his wife, Mrs. Fox (Meryl Streep), which was to remain underground. When the farmers force Mr. Fox and his family even deeper underground, they, along with their friends, fight back. Though a simple story at first glance, this film is widely acclaimed for a reason; with jaw-dropping visuals of nature, impressive use of stop-motion, and layered characters, this movie is more than meets the eye. It masterfully tackles the themes of nature versus responsibility, pride, the importance of family, and accepting imperfections. Anyone can find something to relate to in this nearly 90-minute film, and it is a perfect segue into fall. Wes Anderson’s iconic penchant for color is showcased in this film, with earthy and autumnal tones taking the forefront. This makes for a warm and inviting feeling that is sure to make you even more excited for the changing of seasons.
Released in 2009 and often cited as Wes Anderson’s best work, Fantastic Mr. Fox was nominated for two Academy Awards and is the winner of many others. It is described by The New York Times as “Wes Anderson’s most fully realized and satisfying film.”
MPA Rating: PG
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Letterboxd Average Rating: 4.3 Stars
Little Women, a film directed by Greta Gerwig, based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women is an adaptation of the classic story of Amy (Florence Pugh), Beth (Eliza Scanlen), Jo (Saoirse Ronan), and Meg March (Emma Watson), four sisters trying to navigate life in a post-Civil War setting. Each sister has their own hopes and dreams, and is willing to do anything to achieve them; Jo aspires to be a writer, Amy an artist, Meg a mother and wife, and Beth a pianist. This 2-hour and 15-minute-long film begins in the future, following Jo as a writer in New York, and tells the girls’ story in a nonlinear narrative through flashbacks, yet still manages to flesh out every unique aspect of the girls’ lives. This reimagining of the iconic tale gracefully tackles the themes of familial bonds, coming-of-age, and gender roles. It is often regarded as a perfect fall and winter watch, with its rural Massachusetts backdrop, sentimental feeling, and cozy interior sets. The film’s setting in the change from fall to winter perfectly accompanies the sisters’ coming-of-age, and it is utilized masterfully to make darker, sadder moments even more stark, allowing you to truly connect to the characters and the story.
Little Women, released in 2019, was nominated for six Academy Awards, notably for Florence Pugh and Saoirse Ronan’s particularly entrancing performances, and won the award for Best Achievement in Costume Design. This film is often viewed as faithful to the 1868 novel in terms of characterization and themes, but it adds depth to characters like Jo and Amy, and is viewed from a more feminist lens.
MPA Rating: PG
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Letterboxd Average Rating: 4.2 Stars
Scream, a film directed by Wes Craven
If anything screams classic Halloween vibes, it is this aptly titled movie. Scream follows high schooler Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) as she is targeted by a mysterious masked killer, who is also killing other high schoolers in the idyllic suburban town of Woodsboro. Reporter Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox) is determined to uncover the murderer’s true identity, leading to mystery and plot twists. This 1-hour and 51-minute slasher flick is truly a cult-classic, blending comedy and horror perfectly, and will leave you wondering who the true killer is up until the last moments. It is an easy and fast-paced must-watch for all movie lovers, especially for fans of scary movies, mystery, and comedy, and is a true fall staple. If any movie is sure to fling you into spooky season, it is this one.
Released in 1996, Scream is one of the most iconic and influential horror films of all time, inspiring many other scary movies and remaining a true staple of Halloween and fall in general. This film is the winner of many awards, including the MTV Movie Award for Best Movie in 1997.
MPA Rating: R
My Rating: 4 Stars
Letterboxd Average Rating: 4 Stars
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, a film directed by Bill Melendez
To complete this list, it is only right to recommend one of the most defining fall movies of all time: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. This feel-good, renowned 25-minute short film is full of all the good vibes needed to bring your fall to life. This film follows Charlie Brown (Peter Robbins) and his friends through various Halloween night activities, shows Linus (Christopher Shea) and Sally (Kathy Steinberg) as they wait in a pumpkin patch for the illustrious “Great Pumpkin”, and illustrates Snoopy (Bill Melendez) on his own adventure. This movie’s iconic characters, cozy fall setting, and nostalgic soundtrack make this movie all the more heartwarming and charming. It is another must-watch for fall, especially if you are short on time and need simple, feel-good autumn vibes.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown needs little more introduction, and for a good reason. This 1966 short film is part of one of the most popular franchises worldwide; Peanuts can truly be found anywhere, offering nostalgic and happy vibes wherever you may be. This TV short film was also nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards, adding to its already legendary status.
MPA Rating: G
My Rating: 5 Stars
Letterboxd Average Rating: 4.1 Stars
