Every year when autumn rolls around and the leaves start turning beautiful, fiery colors, many people think about how they are going to celebrate the season. Some people think of drinking pumpkin spice lattes, some of watching or playing football, and others of the movies and TV shows they will watch this season. However, it can be hard to find the right media that will keep you entertained and in the spirit of the season. I have compiled the perfect list of fall movies and TV for a variety of moods and points in the season. Read on to discover your new favorite show or movie!

If you want to bask in the *fall aesthetic*… 

Gilmore Girls

Imagine you live in a small town where everyone knows each other, and there is boundless fall spirit. That is the essence of Gilmore Girls, the popular drama-comedy from the mid-2000s. Whether you have watched it more times than you can remember, want to rediscover it, or want to finally check it out, Gilmore Girls is the perfect choice for fall. Cozy up with mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory as they go through the challenges of life and love in their darling hometown of Stars Hollow. 

If you want to imagine falling in love with the scent of pumpkin spice and the crunch of crisp fall leaves in the background…

Any fall-themed movie on the Hallmark Channel. 

Hallmark might be best known for its Christmas movies, but they have movies for every time of the year, including autumn. Some new movies coming out this fall include Pumpkin Everything and Autumn in the City. Hallmark movies are best enjoyed with a comfy couch and snacks. 

If you want to watch something that is appropriate for any time of year but has elements of witchcraft that make it perfect for Halloween… 

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch or The Owl House 

Many teenagers these days may know about The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, but they may not be aware of the Sabrina iteration from the 90s: Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. It follows the life of teenage half-witch, Sabrina Spellman, who lives with her aunts Hilda and Zelda, and is learning to use magic. They also live with warlock-turned-cat Salem, who adds humor and zest to the show. Every episode, Sabrina gets into crazy hijinks as a result of improper magic use. Most episodes of the show are funny rather than scary, though there are a few spooky Halloween specials. This makes Sabrina, the Teenage Witch a wonderful choice for those who don’t desire entertainment that will frighten them this Halloween. 

The Owl House is a Disney Channel animated series about a human teenage girl, Luz Noceda, who has always wanted to be a witch and gets the opportunity to do so when she discovers the Boiling Isles. The Owl House is renowned for its accurate LGBTQ+ representation, intriguing storylines, and beautiful animation. It even won a Peabody Award in the category of Child and Youth Programming. Each character’s development, as well as their relationships with each other, keeps audiences coming back. The Owl House is one of my favorite shows these days because of all the real emotions the characters have. While it isn’t a Halloween show, it can get a bit scary at times, which is why I recommend it for people ages eight and over. The show is in its final season, but it’s not too late to discover the magic of the Boiling Isles. It can be viewed on Disney+. 

If you want to watch a fun, magical and very ‘90s Halloween movie…

Halloweentown

Halloweentown is a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM), first released in 1998. It is about a young half-witch, Marnie Piper, who discovers the existence of Halloweentown, a wonderful place where monsters and witches of all kinds live together peacefully. She and her siblings must use their powers to save Halloweentown from evil forces. Marnie is an endearing protagonist and her relationship with her witch grandma, Aggie Cromwell, is precious. Halloweentown is perfect for the whole family with minimal scary scenes and a compassionate look at monsters and magic. There are even three more movies in the series, meaning that those who fall in love with Halloweentown will have a lot to look forward to. 

If you want to feel slightly creeped out while also laughing really hard… 

Hocus Pocus 

Hocus Pocus is a very popular movie that is considered by many to be a Halloween classic. It tells the tale of three young people and their quest to vanquish the villainous Sanderson sisters before they take over the town and spread mayhem. The Sanderson sisters are also witches. Have you noticed a pattern with these recommendations yet? I have to admit that I watched this movie for the first time ever this September and really enjoyed it. This movie definitely has many frightening moments and jump scares, but it will keep you laughing the entire time. I would recommend this movie to audiences of eight and up since younger children may get scared. 

If you want to learn more about Día de los Muertos and Mexican culture…  

Coco 

Coco is a tale of a young Mexican boy, Miguel, who wants to become a musician but is forbidden to do so by his family. Miguel winds up in the Land of the Dead on the night of Día de los Muertos and must make it out before the night is over. He ends up discovering his family history, and many surprising secrets in the process. Coco is a sweet and heartwarming movie that will make you cry at least once while watching it. It emphasizes the importance of family and appreciating what you have. Coco has actually been one of my all-time favorite Disney-Pixar films since I watched it in Spanish class in eighth grade. This year, Día de los Muertos will be celebrated on November 1-2. Consider watching Coco as a way to celebrate and learn about this tradition. 

If you want to relive your childhood memories of watching these movies in elementary school every year… 

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! or A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Enjoy watching Charlie Brown and his friends celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving together. Many students, including myself, remember watching this in elementary school, especially in kindergarten and first grade when they told us it had educational value. While it may be a bit simple, it reminds us of a bygone era in the world and in our own lives. These specials are best for people aged four and up. However, I have to mention that neither of these movies, or any other Charlie Brown movies, will be broadcast on PBS this year since PBS doesn’t have the rights to them anymore. Streaming service Apple TV+ currently owns them, and they will be providing short windows for nonsubscribers to watch the Charlie Brown holiday specials for free. More information can be found in this article. 

If you want to get an early start on celebrating Christmas…

Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

There is always somebody who can’t wait for Christmas and wants to get in the spirit of that season early. Home Alone and its sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are the perfect choices due to their nostalgia factor and whimsy. Kevin McCallister is a beloved Christmas movie protagonist that everyone can appreciate. In the second movie, it is an absolute joy to see how beautiful New York City looks at Christmastime, especially in the ‘90s. Both of these movies are ideal for a Thanksgiving evening spent with your loved ones, as they are perfect for the whole family. 

I hope my list of recommendations helps you find the perfect TV show or movie for this fall or even inspires you to check out something you wouldn’t have otherwise. I love the variety of different media available to watch during fall, and I will be watching some of these as well. I hope you have a wonderful fall season!