There's something about cooling temperatures and changing leaves that just makes you want to cozy up with a warm blanket. We think leaning into those autumn vibes calls for a feel-good movie marathon whether you're ringing in back to school, the end of the hot summer months or even the return of high school football. If you're looking for a laugh, an emotional roller coaster, or just some good old-fashioned nostalgia, these movies are sure to bring you all the warm and fuzzy feels this fall.
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We've rounded up all of the best fall movies, as well as found where you can stream them this year. So, if you're looking to get into a cozy fall state of mind, here are some of the best autumn films to binge that are best served with a cup of hot cider, whether or not the leaves have actually started changing.
St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Who's in it: Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, and Mare Winningham
Your favorite 80s teen heartthrobs are all grown up and struggling to figure out life after college in this coming-of-age classic. The film follows a group of friends who recently graduated from Georgetown University and reunite for a night out on the town. But tensions begin to rise as they discover adulthood is a lot more complicated than they imagined.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Paramount/Getty Images
Who's in it: Steve Martin, John Candy, and Laila Robins
No Thanksgiving would be complete without this John Hughes comedy. Neal Page is trying to get home for Thanksgiving when a series of unfortunate events leads him to pair up on a wild journey across the country with an incredibly talkative shower curtain ring salesman.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Francois Duhamel/Sygma via Getty Images
Who's in it: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, and Ethan Hawke
Between the back-to-school feels and the New England fall scenery, this iconic film is a must-watch. Robin Williams stars as an English teacher at a prestigious boys' prep school whose unconventional methods of teaching inspire his students to take risks and seize the day.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Miramax Pictures
Who's in it: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck
There's nothing cozier than a Robin Williams flick. In this Oscar-winning drama, the lovable actor plays a psychologist who helps a troubled young janitor at M.I.T. discover his true potential. The film is an emotional roller coaster that's sure to have you in tears by the end.
Practical Magic (1998)
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Who's in it: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman and Stockard Channing
Most Halloween films don't fall under the category of "feel good," but this witchy comedy is the exception. Two sisters use their magical powers to help break a centuries-old family curse that prevents them from finding everlasting love. The film is packed with humor, heart, and of course, plenty of romance.
You've Got Mail (1998)
Warner Bros.
Who's in it: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan and Greg Kinnear
Where to stream: Prime Video and Apple TV
This timeless romantic comedy, directed by Nora Ephron, is the perfect pick-me-up. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star as two rival business owners who hate each other in real life but don't realize they're actually falling in love online—all of which takes place while the leaves are turning.
October Sky (1999)
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Who's in it: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper and Laura Dern
Get ready to cry! This coming-of-age biographical drama follows the real-life story of Homer H. Hickam Jr. and his quest to build rockets and pursue a career in science. The coal mining town he lives in may not be the most encouraging environment, but he perseveres in pursuit of his dream.
Remember the Titans (2000)
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Who's in it: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Donald Faison, Hayden Panettiere, Kate Bosworth, and Ryan Gosling
You can't have a fall movie marathon without at least one football story. Herman Boone, the newly appointed head coach of the T.C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia, is tasked with leading a racially integrated squad in a tumultuous season. Whether or not you're a football fan, this inspiring sports drama will have you cheering by the end.
Autumn in New York (2000)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios
Who's in it: Richard Gere, Winona Ryder, Anthony LaPaglia and Elaine Stritch
Could there be a more aptly titled autumn movie? In this romantic drama, Will Keane is a successful restaurateur who's spent his life being a playboy. But when he meets Charlotte Fielding, a young woman dying of an incurable disease, his world is turned upside down—for the better.
Sweet November (2001)
Warner Bros
Who's in it: Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron, Jason Isaacs, and Lara Graham
This tearjerker follows the story of Nelson Moss, a workaholic advertising executive who's been going through the motions of life until he meets Sara Deever. She's a free-spirited woman who invites him to live with her for a month in an effort to help him find joy and happiness.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
The Weinstein Company
Who's in it: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro
When a former teacher is finally released from a stint in a mental health facility, he returns home determined to win back his estranged wife. But along the way, he meets Tiffany—a woman going through her own struggles—who helps him realize there is light after the darkness.
Knives Out (2019)
Claire Folger
Who's in it: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield and Christopher Plummer
A modern-day whodunit, this highly acclaimed murder mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. When renowned mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey throws a lavish birthday party for himself, things take a deadly turn. It's up to the renowned detective Benoit Blanc to investigate and solve the case before it's too late.
Friendsgiving (2020)
Red Hour Films
Who's in it: Malin Akerman, Kat Dennings, Jack Donnelly, Aisha Tyler, and Chelsea Peretti
This heartwarming comedy follows two friends who decide to throw a low-key, impromptu Thanksgiving dinner. But when more and more guests start to show up, the dinner quickly turns into a hilarious rager.
