Is there anything more perfect on a crisp fall evening than holing up on the couch to watch an autumn-centric feature film? There’s something about cuddling in your most expensive throw blanket with a cup of something steamy and Doordash on the way that heals my soul more than chicken soup alone can. Bonus points if you get to watch without worrying about someone’s delinquent son acting like he was raised by wolves (my secret weapon to a restful sleep). Yes, Gilmore Girls is right there but there are plenty of movies worthy of your attention this season of thanks too. When I think about the perfect fall flick, a couple of warm and fuzzy qualities come to mind: a little bit of magic, a lot of foliage, and too many chunky cable knit sweaters to count. With pumpkin spice coursing through my veins, now feels like the perfect time to unveil a list of all the best cozy fall vibes movies.

Best Cozy Fall Movies

Matilda

The minute the calendar hits October 1, I immediately want to dress like Miss Honey. My favorite fun fact about this movie is that Danny Devito’s on-screen wife is his real-life wife, Rhea Perlman.

While You Were Sleeping

Sanda Bullock’s first (but not last) appearance on this list is a romcom about a man in a coma, and frankly, nothing is cozier than that. Plus this movie satisfies the Peter Gallagher craving you didn’t even know you had.

St. Elmo’s Fire

While the teen angst of every Brat Pack film is inherently comforting, this story about a group of Georgetown grads coming of age in Washington, D.C. is particularly warming (and not just because of the titular fire). Almost makes me want to take a standardized test hungover and make out in a bar. Almost!

Practical Magic

Sanda Bullock’s second appearance on this list happens to be a cult classic co-starring Nicole Kidman. Between Nicole’s iconic shade of red hair, Sally and Gillian’s truly perfect wardrobe, and two BS-free old aunts, this movie will convince you time and time again that being born a witch isn’t all that bad (except for that demonic ex, obvi). A spell that summons the perfect man to a house Nancy Meyers would drool over? Bring me nine cover sisters (twelve is better) and a midnight margarita, stat.

The Secret Garden

You would think the story about an orphaned British heiress sent away to live with a cold mistress on a haunting estate would be a bit of a bummer but director Agnieszka Holland turned the bleak premise into a bouquet full of whimsy. You just have to get through that one scene of Master Colin screaming for ten minutes straight.

Stepmom

Don’t let Rotten Tomatoes fool, you this movie is a cinematic classic to moody betches with authority problems everywhere. Two of the most famous redheads of all time??? In this economy??

When Harry Met Sally

After you get past the movie’s biggest punchline (Billy Crystal passing as a college student) you will fall head over heels for the grouchiest lovebirds of all time.

A Troll In Central Park

Ring, ring, that’s your childhood calling. One day when I’m a cranky old grandma (basically now) this is the movie I’ll point to when I’m scolding my grandkids about “they just don’t make kids movies like this anymore”.

Soul Food

If your family doesn’t fight like cats and dogs just to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders the next day are you really family? With a ’90s cast to die for (Mekhi Phifer, Nia Long, Vanessa Williams, and Vivica A. Fox, for starters) you’ll want to join this crew for dinner every Sunday.

Now And Then

Though Now And Then is a slumber party saga so sweet that there’s no wrong way to watch it, I highly recommend gathering the girlies for maximum inner child healing.

Harriet The Spy

I think pop culture has a bit of a Rosie O’Donnell deficiency, so get your second dose of Rosie with the movie that made us all think we should play pranks on our siblings and not get in any trouble for it.

Cinderella

Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the best Cinderella and it’s not even close. There are few days that go by that I don’t miss Whitney Houston but listening to her unbeatable duets with Brandy makes her loss sting a little bit less.

Adventures In Babysitting

This colorful Elizabeth Shue vehicle has the essential balance between action, comedy, and heartwarming moments. It will make you feel like a kid again and there’s nothing more cozy than nostalgia.

Brown Sugar

How Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan managed to convince the general public they weren’t secretly in love across the entirety of the 2000s with this level of chemistry in multiple films is beyond me. Brown Sugar is the romcom you put on when you can finally laugh about that awful breakup.

Moonstruck

Does anything scream fall louder than the full moon? If you think Cher flirting with Nick Cage might get a little weird, you’re absolutely right, but in the best way possible. Don’t forget to order Italian for your screening because the incredibly cozy Grand Ticino is bound to make an empty stomach grumble.

Good Will Hunting

Ugly crying alone in your bed is extremely autumnal, and Robin Williams’ questionable therapy practices are gonna make me do that every single time.

Soul

Speaking of crying, here’s a Pixar movie!! I’m not huge on causal Jazz consumption (sorry Damien Chazelle) but when you contextualize the art form in unravling the fabric of the universe which divines our very purpose on earth, I can def dig it.