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“Strawberry Shortcake and the Beast of Berry Bog.” Photo: courtesy Netflix
Is it just me, or has September flown by at warp speed? As the back-to-school excitement starts to fade and the sunset comes sooner each night, it feels like a good time to get some family moves in the queue. And since fall officially begins on Sept. 22 (the autumnal equinox), I’ve gathered up a list that will keep the family entertained while soaking in the fall vibes.
From gentle autumn colors, to blustery days, to adventure and mystery, these fall movies will make you embrace the changing season.
“The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”
From Christopher Robin’s yellow rain coat, to the rather blustery day, to the soft colors of the 100 Acre Wood, this movie is the epitome of fall. Watch Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends as they come together to solve problems and help each other. The beautifully hand-drawn animation, simple songs and slow (but engaging) storylines are a welcome change from today’s fast-paced, flashing animated shows. Curl up with the kids and watch this classic today. Stream on Disney+, rated TV-Y
“The Fox and the Hound”
This heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship follows the story of Tod the fox and Cooper the hunting dog. After Tod is orphaned, he is raised by a farmer and befriends Cooper. As the animals grow up, things get more complicated, as is often the case with human friendships as well. This movie’s rich, fall-colored scenery and touching story make it a perfect film to cozy up with as the leaves change and temperatures drop. Stream on Disney+, rated G
“Charlotte’s Web”
Ok, we all know this story, and we know we’re gonna cry, that’s a given. But this sweet live-action version of E.B. White’s classic story is worth the emotional rollercoaster. While the story starts in spring when Wilber the pig is born, the fair and climax of the story take place in late summer/early autumn. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated G
“Strawberry Shortcake and the Beast of Berry Bog”
Looking for something short, fall-feeling and not scary? This 45-minute special is just the thing. Strawberry and her friends must work together to stop the Beast and save their Fun Fair. This show has an impressively diverse cast and looks like a great way to get into the fall spirit. That is, if you can handle the berry large amount of puns. Stream on Netflix, rated TV-Y
“Paddington”
This charming live-action movie follows a lovable bear’s (Paddington) journey to find a home in London. Its delightful blend of humor, heart and cozy London scenes makes it an ideal movie to enjoy during the crisp days of fall. Cuddle up with your favorite teddy bear and enjoy the adventure. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
“Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Mr. Fox has worked hard his whole life and is sick of living in a hole in the ground. After purchasing a home in a tree, Mr. Fox finds himself neighbors with three notoriously mean farmers. Despite promising Mrs. Fox he will change his ways, Mr. Fox is drawn back to his old habits. This star-studded cast of voice actors in this stop motion film includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson and more. The red, yellow and brown colors of the movie make it a must-watch for fall. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
“The Princess Bride”
This movie is an absolute childhood classic and needs no explanation. (If you’ve never seen it, right that wrong today!) From the countryside, to the Fire Swamp, to Buttercup’s red dress, the colors of this movie scream fall. So pop some popcorn and watch (yes, again) this can’t-miss family favorite this weekend. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
“The Goonies”
This classic 1980s movie takes place not only in the Northwest (in the small town of Astoria on the Oregon coast) but also in the fall. A group of friends (who call themselves the Goonies) gather together for one last weekend adventure. They find an old map in Mikey’s attic, and head out to find the ancient pirate treasure. This movie is packed with kid-friendly adventure, not to mention plenty of familiar faces (including Sean Astin and Ke Huy Quan). Like many movies of the ’80s, not everything has aged well and there are some jokes that don’t land the same when watching the movie today. Plan for some follow-up conversations about racial stereotypes and body shaming. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
“Rudy”
Mikey from “The Goonies” is going to college! Well, not quite, but this movie does star Sean Astin, only this time he’s playing Rudy, a kid with a singular dream: to play college football at Notre Dame. This true story follows the life of Daniel Eugene “Rudy” Ruettiger, a kid in the late 1960s. Rudy was obsessed with Notre Dame, but lacked the grades and money needed to attend, and was too small to play college football. But, if this movie teaches us one thing, it’s to never give up on our dreams. You never know where support, hard work and dedication can lead you. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
“Little Women” (2019)
There have been eight film adaptations of “Little Women,” the first dating back to the early 1900s! This 2019 version (directed by Greta Gerwig) is a vibrant adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. It follows the lives of the March sisters — Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy — as they navigate the challenges of growing up, striving to find their own paths. Its warm tone and focus on family and personal growth make it an ideal watch during the fall, a season of reflection and coziness. Stream on Hulu, rated PG
“Remember the Titans”
Just one more football movie for this fall-themed list. This is the true story of a high school football team in Virginia during the early 1970s. The film follows the challenges faced by the team as they navigate racial integration. As the players learn to overcome their differences, they become a symbol of harmony and teamwork. Stream on Disney+, rated PG
“The BFG”
There’s something about a sweet, slow-paced movie that makes me feel like fall. This movie is based on the excellent book by Roald Dahl and tells the story of the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) and his young human friend, Sophie. While the other larger, meaner giants eat humans, the BFG is gentle and kind. He catches dreams and gives the good ones to children and locks the bad dreams away. Together, Sophie and the BFG work to make the world a safer place for children everywhere, and even get to meet the Queen. Stream on Disney+, rated PG
“Frozen II”
“Let it go! Let it go!” Sorry, wrong movie. “Frozen II” largely takes place in the fall, and continues the adventures of Elsa and Anna as they journey to discover the origin of Elsa’s powers. They travel to an Enchanted Forest that has been magically sealed for years. The sisters learn about their past and work together to restore balance and protect the world and their kingdom. Stream on Disney+, rated PG
“ParaNorman”
Norman seems like your everyday kid, with one little difference: He can see and talk to ghosts. He must use his unique skill to save his town from a vengeful zombie uprising. This unique movie was the first stop motion film to use a 3D color printer to make the characters’ faces, and took three years to shoot. Stick around after the credits roll for a 35-second, time-lapse scene showing how Norman was made — it’s pretty cool. The movie has fall and Halloween vibes for sure, and lots of laughs. But be aware if you are watching with younger viewers that things get pretty weird toward the end and legit scary (like terrifying witch-ghosts in the sky, weird), but it all turns out alright in the end. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG
“Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
This epic tale of adventure and friendship starts at Bilbo Baggins’ farewell party, held on his 111th birthday on the autumnal equinox, Sept. 22. As Frodo and his companions (including Sean Astin once again, playing Frodo’s constant companion, Samwise Gamgee) set out on their journey to destroy the Ring of Power, they travel across the unbelievably beautiful countryside — valleys, mountains, caves and forests. The beautiful scenery and classic story of adventure and fantasy might even make you welcome an early sunset and cozy night in. But you’ll want to get this one started well before bedtime. The version released in theaters clocks in at two hours and 58 minutes, while the extended version will keep you in your seat for three and a half hours! Stream on Max, rated PG-13
“Moonrise Kingdom” (really, anything by Wes Anderson)
Almost any Wes Anderson movie could be on this list. The music, the sepia toned-everything, the costumes. Everything about this movie feels cozy, gentle and just a little bit epic. Two young runaways (Sam and Suzy) embark on an adventure, prompting a search party led by eccentric adults in their small island community. The cast is perfect, starring some of Anderson’s favorites including Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Edward Norton. This movie is best for teens, and will have adults laughing too. Stream on Amazon Prime, rated PG-13
“Clue”
A group of strangers gather at a creepy mansion during a dark rainstorm (total fall vibes) and discover that they have something in common: They are all being blackmailed. Who is blackmailing them? Why? And why do people keep getting murdered at their dinner party? This movie is based on the board game of the same name, and stars some legendary comic actors, including Tim Curry and the late, great Madeline Kahn. Like many movies from the ’80s, there is some raunchy humor and this one is best for teens. I honestly don’t know how many times I have seen this movie; it was one of my favorites in high school. Stream on Amazon Prime, rated PG-13
“Knives Out”
If you like “Clue,” you’ll love this movie. This clever whodunit is centered around the mysterious death of a wealthy crime novelist. The family is gathered to celebrate his 85th birthday party when he dies, and while the police do not suspect foul play, Detective Benoit Blanc does. A web of family secrets and deceit unravels in this smart and funny film. Its autumn setting makes it a perfect fall watch, blending cozy mystery vibes with a crisp, intriguing atmosphere. There is some violence and swearing (though it’s not a scary movie), so best for teens and older. (If you like this, check out “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.” It has nothing to do with fall, but it’s worth a watch!) Stream on Amazon Prime, rated PG-13
“Stranger Things”
Looks like Mikey found the pirate treasure, played football at Notre Dame, dressed up as Samwise Gamgee for Halloween, and now he’s working at Radio Shack and fighting monsters! Did this accidentally become a Sean Astin’s greatest hits list?
Season 1 of this popular show is set in November 1983 and season 2 in October 1984, and it is full of fall and Halloween imagery and feelings. Follow the exciting (sometimes scary) adventures of another group of friends in the 1980s led by a kid named Mike. But these teens aren’t after pirate treasure, they are looking for a way to defeat monsters from the Upside Down. As the seasons progress, this show gets much scarier and more intense, so proceed with caution when starting out with younger viewers. Stream on Netflix, rated TV-14
More family movies for cozy fall evenings: |
