Continuing on from my previous post on the books to be reading this autumn season, I thought I would expand on my perfect movies for the season (because I have a lot of thoughts).
There’s something undeniably magical about autumn and Halloween. As the air turns crisp and the trees burst into shades of orange and red, it feels like the world is slowing down, inviting us to get cosy. It’s a season that calls for warm blankets, flickering candles, and nights spent indulging in all things spooky. And what better way to embrace that feeling than by diving into movies that capture the essence of the season?
From whimsical witchy tales to spine-tingling ghost stories, here are six must-watch movies to set the perfect autumn mood.
1. “Hocus Pocus” (1993)
It wouldn’t be Halloween without Hocus Pocus! This is the ultimate nostalgic fall movie, especially for anyone who grew up watching the Sanderson sisters wreak havoc on Salem. Set on Halloween night, this delightful comedy-horror film has it all: witches, black cats, a talking zombie, and plenty of magical mischief. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a bit of light hearted spookiness mixed with feel-good vibes. Plus, with the iconic trio of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, how can you not love it? Hocus Pocus just is fall. And if you really love it, you can find Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+.
2. “Addams Family Values” (1993)
If you want a movie that blends dark humour with Halloween vibes, Addams Family Values is a perfect choice. This sequel to The Addams Family is packed with quirky, spooky charm and follows the delightfully macabre Addams family as they navigate their strange lives with a perfect balance of ghoulishness and heart. The film is filled with over-the-top, hilarious moments, like Wednesday Addams’ iconic Thanksgiving play at summer camp and Uncle Fester’s doomed love affair. It’s the kind of movie that feels like Halloween without being overtly scary, and it has just the right mix of twisted humour and family fun to make you feel warm and festive all at once.
3. “The Shining” (1980)
For those who prefer their autumn movies with a side of psychological terror, The Shining is the ultimate choice. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King’s novel, this horror classic follows Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) as he takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. As the snow sets in, the hotel’s dark history and supernatural forces begin to unravel Jack’s sanity. With its eerie setting, slow-burning tension, and iconic scenes that have haunted audiences for decades, The Shining is perfect for a cold autumn night when you’re craving something that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The film’s isolated, snow-covered landscapes may feel more like winter, but the chilling atmosphere is just right for Halloween.
4. “Practical Magic” (1998)
If you can’t tell, I’m obsessed with anything witchy (I’ve previously gone on about how Charmed is still iconic!). And this heart-warming but still brimming with witchy vibes movie is a perfect pick. Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as two sisters from a family of witches cursed in love, this film blends romance, magic, and sisterhood into one beautiful story. Set in a charming small town, with plenty of autumn scenery and cosy aesthetics, this movie is a fall favourite for anyone who loves a bit of enchantment with their pumpkin spice. It’s like wrapping yourself in a blanket of witchy cosiness—ideal for a chill autumn evening.
5. “Crimson Peak” (2015)
For those who love gothic horror with lush visuals, Crimson Peak is a must-watch. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this film is a hauntingly beautiful blend of romance, mystery, and supernatural horror. Set in the late 19th century, it follows a young author, Edith, who marries an enigmatic man and moves into his crumbling mansion, where she begins to unravel dark secrets. With its breath-taking sets, atmospheric tension, and ghostly apparitions, Crimson Peak feels like stepping into a beautifully twisted autumn nightmare. It’s the perfect film for anyone who loves their horror with a side of elegance and melancholy.
6. “Sleepy Hollow” (1999)
You can’t have a list of spooky, autumnal movies without Sleepy Hollow. Directed by Tim Burton, this gothic horror film, based on Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is a moody, atmospheric masterpiece. It stars Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane, a New York City detective investigating a series of murders in the small, eerie town of Sleepy Hollow. The foggy forests, gothic architecture, and haunting cinematography make it the ultimate Halloween movie—perfect for those who love a mix of mystery, folklore, and a headless horseman or two. It’s the kind of film that feels like Halloween distilled into its purest form.
From nostalgic witches to eerie haunted mansions, these are my six perfect movies for getting into the autumn and Halloween spirit. Whether you’re in the mood for something whimsical, magical, or downright spooky, there’s something on this list for every type of fall evening. Let me know if you have any spooky must-watches!
