A few films instantly spring to mind when autumn arrives. The obvious ones are You’ve Got Mail and When Harry Met Sally. Their green alleyways, cosy bookshops, cafés, and the ideal balance of romance and charm have made them shorthand for the season. Of course, they are classics, but you’ve probably seen them more than once. Instead of following the typical selections, I have compiled a list of films that may not immediately spring to mind but nonetheless manage to evoke the spirit of autumn in their own unique ways. These five films, in my opinion, go well with cool evenings, cosy jumpers, and maybe a cup of tea.

1. Autumn in New York (2000)

The title itself could not be more fitting. This film is autumn distilled into a narrative. With Richard Gere and Winona Ryder in the film, it is full of rich, warm colours and cool evenings by the water’s edge, all wrapped in that bittersweet atmosphere which defines this time of year. Romantic, moving and at times truly heart-rending, it feels perfectly made for an autumn evening.

2. Dead Poets Society (1989)

This movie shows what an autumn with a soul would look and feel like. Ivy walls, fog drenched New England boarding schools, and flaming greenery set the scenes. In as much as the tale's appearance, it elicits a deep outpouring of thought and change like an autumn would. Students, guided by their great teacher, Robin Williams, learn about life, love, and identity.

3. The Craft (1996)

Autumn offers more than just comfort and fond memories. Additionally, it has a witchy undertone, particularly as October approaches. The Craft does a fantastic job of capturing that emotion. It centres on four adolescent girls who experiment with witchcraft and is stylish, moody, and distinctly 1990s. The ambience reflects the season’s blend of magic and darkness. When you want a film that has a strong Halloween vibe, this is the perfect choice.

4. Before I Fall (2017)

In a slightly different manner, this movie brings to mind the feeling of autumn. A teenage girl slowly comes to the understanding of truths about herself and those in her life as she undergoes the same day over and over again. The film exemplifies this season with a calm feeling, the colors and muted cold tones providing the backdrop of a chilling yet elegant day. Even endings can be beautiful, and this film embodies the spirit of the season and the falling of leaves.

5. Indian Summer (1993)

This film is a hidden treasure. It centres on a group of friends from childhood who meet up at their former summer camp years later, full of laughter, nostalgia, and a peaceful sense of time passing. The chilly air foreshadows the transformation that lies ahead, but the golden warmth of late summer persists. It’s warm, tender, and bittersweet which is perfect for the season.

Final Thoughts

Something about the autumn season makes watching films feel very cosy. With the longer nights and darker evenings, we have an excuse to slow down, unwind, and bury ourselves in a good story. This season is marked by introspection, nostalgia, and a hint of sorrow, and the ideal film can perfectly capture all of that. It’s not just about passing the time when you watch a film in autumn. To enjoy the beauty of the season before it disappears, it turns into a cosy habit.

Cinema for Sweater Weather: Five Films That Capture Autumn’s Spirit