34 Of The Best Fall Movies to Watch For a Cozy Night In

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a cozy blanket and a good movie. Fall is the perfect season for indulging in films that offer a warm, comforting escape from the chill outside. Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming classics, spooky thrillers, or seasonal favorites, in this post, I’ve outlined the best fall movies to watch for a comfortable night in and help you fill your evenings with the perfect blend of spooky and entertainment.

The Best Fall Movies to Watch For a Cozy Night In

Here is a round-up of some of the best movies to watch this fall!

Not So Spooky Fall Movies

Whether you’re watching with kids, or you just aren’t feeling the scary or spooky vibes, these movies are perfect for easy watching and are family-friendly.

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001) is a fantasy movie about an orphaned boy, Harry Potter, who discovers he’s a wizard. On his 11th birthday, he gets an invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends, learns magic, and uncovers the mystery of a magical stone that grants immortality. As Harry faces challenges, he begins to learn about his past and the dark wizard, Voldemort, who killed his parents. It’s the first movie in the “Harry Potter” series based on J.K. Rowling’s popular books.

It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is a 1966 animated Halloween special featuring the “Peanuts” gang. In the story, Linus believes in the “Great Pumpkin,” a mythical figure who brings gifts to children on Halloween. While the other kids go trick-or-treating and attend a party, Linus waits in the pumpkin patch, hoping to see the Great Pumpkin. It’s a heartwarming and funny tale about belief, friendship, and the spirit of Halloween.

Hotel Transylvania

“Hotel Transylvania” (2012) is an animated comedy about Dracula, who runs a luxurious hotel for monsters to escape from human civilization. When a human accidentally stumbles into the hotel, Dracula must protect his daughter Mavis, who falls for the human guest.

Halloweentown

“Halloweentown” (1998) is a family-friendly fantasy film about a teenage girl named Marnie who discovers she is a witch on her 13th birthday. She learns about her magical heritage and travels to Halloweentown, a magical realm where supernatural creatures live. As Marnie embraces her powers, she must help protect Halloweentown from a dark force threatening to take over.

Matilda

“Matilda” (1996) is a family comedy about a young girl named Matilda who possesses extraordinary telekinetic powers. Despite her neglectful family and the cruel headmistress mistreating her, Matilda uses her abilities to stand up for herself and her friends.

Good Will Hunting

“Good Will Hunting” (1997) is a drama about Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT who is secretly a math genius. After getting into trouble with the law, he avoids jail time by agreeing to study mathematics and attend therapy. With the help of a professor and a therapist, Will begins to confront his troubled past and realizes his potential. Starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams, the film explores themes of identity, personal growth, and the power of human connection.

A Few Good Men

“A Few Good Men” is a 1992 legal drama about two Marines on trial for murder at a U.S. base. A young lawyer, Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise), defends them and uncovers a bigger cover-up involving a powerful officer, Col. Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson). The film is famous for its intense courtroom scenes, especially when Jessup shouts, “You can’t handle the truth!” It’s a story about justice, truth, and responsibility.

Not So Scary (But Spooky) Fall Movies

If you want to up the spooky factor, but still keep things light, this lineup is perfect! These movies play with the line of humor, spooky and Halloween vibes.

Casper

“Casper” (1995) is a family-friendly fantasy film about a kind ghost named Casper who lives in a haunted mansion. When a paranormal therapist and his daughter, Kat, move into the mansion to investigate, Kat befriends Casper. As they grow closer, they discover the mansion holds a hidden treasure, while Casper learns more about his past.

Hocus Pocus

“Hocus Pocus” (1993) is a Halloween comedy about three mischievous witches, the Sanderson sisters, who are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem. After returning from the 17th century, the witches try to steal the life force of children to become immortal. A group of kids, with the help of a talking cat, must stop them before sunrise.

Beetlejuice

“Beetlejuice” (1988) is a dark comedy about a recently deceased couple who haunt their home and try to scare away the new living occupants. When their efforts fail, they summon Beetlejuice, a wild and mischievous ghost, to help them. However, Beetlejuice’s chaotic and unpredictable behavior causes more trouble than they expected.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) is an animated musical fantasy about Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who grows bored with his usual spooky routine. When he discovers Christmas Town, he becomes fascinated by the holiday and tries to take over Christmas by kidnapping Santa Claus.

Knives Out

“Knives Out” (2019) is a murder mystery that follows renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) as he investigates the death of wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. After Harlan’s sudden death, his dysfunctional family becomes the prime suspects, each with their own motives. As Blanc unravels the web of lies and secrets, the film delivers twists, humor, and suspense.

Death Becomes Her

“Death Becomes Her” (1992) is a dark comedy about two rival women, Madeline (Meryl Streep) and Helen (Goldie Hawn), who discover a magical potion that grants them eternal youth and beauty. However, the side effects of immortality soon lead to hilarious and disastrous consequences as their bodies begin to fall apart.

Ghostbusters

“Ghostbusters” (1984) is a supernatural comedy about a group of eccentric scientists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. Armed with proton packs and high-tech gadgets, they battle a series of paranormal threats, including an ancient god threatening to destroy the city.

Frankenweenie

“Frankenweenie” (2012) is a stop-motion animated film directed by Tim Burton. It tells the story of a young boy named Victor who, devastated by the loss of his beloved dog Sparky, uses science to bring him back to life. However, Sparky’s return sparks unintended chaos in their town.

Corpse Bride

“Corpse Bride” (2005) is an animated fantasy film directed by Tim Burton. It tells the story of Victor Van Dort, a young man who accidentally proposes to a deceased bride while rehearsing his wedding vows in the woods.

Retro Silly Horror Fall Movies

These retro fall movie picks are a little bit scary and a little bit silly. The movie effects look outdated compared to films made now, and the storylines can sometimes seem a bit comical.

The Thing

“The Thing” (1982) is a sci-fi horror film about a group of researchers in Antarctica who encounter a deadly alien life form that can imitate any living being. As the creature begins to infiltrate their camp, the men grow paranoid, unsure of who among them is still human. The tension builds as they try to survive and stop the alien from escaping.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) is a cult classic musical comedy about a young couple, Brad and Janet, who seek shelter at a mysterious castle after their car breaks down. Inside, they encounter the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist who reveals his creation, a muscle-bound man named Rocky.

Monster House

“Monster House” (2006) is an animated adventure about three kids who discover that a creepy house in their neighborhood is alive and dangerous. As they investigate, they realize the house has a dark secret and must find a way to stop it before it harms anyone. Blending spooky fun with humor, the film is a thrilling and heartwarming tale of friendship, bravery, and facing fears.

Little Shop Of Horrors

“Little Shop of Horrors” (1986) is a musical horror-comedy about Seymour, a meek flower shop assistant who discovers a strange plant that brings him fame and fortune. However, the plant, named Audrey II, has a dark secret—it feeds on human blood. As Audrey II grows, so do its demands, leading Seymour down a dangerous path.

The Addams Family

“The Addams Family” (1991) is a comedy about a strange, spooky family that loves all things creepy. The story follows the family as their long-lost Uncle Fester returns, but they’re not sure if he’s really Fester or someone trying to steal their money. With lots of humor and quirky characters, the movie shows how the Addams family handles everything in their own unique and fun way.

Gremlins

“Gremlins” (1984) is a horror-comedy about a young man who receives a mysterious creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas gift. He receives three rules: keep it away from bright light, don’t get it wet, and never feed it after midnight. When someone breaks the rules, the cute Mogwai transforms into mischievous and destructive Gremlins.

Army Of Darkness

“Army of Darkness” (1992) is a fantasy horror-comedy and the third installment in the “Evil Dead” series. It follows Ash Williams, a hero from the modern day who gets transported back to the medieval era. There, he must battle an army of the undead and retrieve a mystical book to return to his time. The film combines slapstick humor, campy special effects, and over-the-top action.

Killer Clowns From Outer Space

“Killer Klowns from Outer Space” (1988) is a sci-fi horror comedy about extraterrestrial clowns who land on Earth and start terrorizing a small town. These clowns, who look whimsical but are deadly, use their circus-themed weapons and tricks to capture and kill people. As the town’s residents try to survive and fight back, the film blends dark humor with campy horror elements.

Pumpkinhead

“Pumpkinhead” (1988) is a horror film about a grieving father who seeks revenge after a tragic accident involving a group of careless teens. He summons a demonic creature called Pumpkinhead to exact his vengeance. As the creature carries out its deadly mission, the father realizes the horror of his decision and tries to stop it.

Scary Fall Movies

These Fall Movies are not for the faint of heart. They combine scary with creepy and thrilling effects that create terrifying scenarios. These picks are not kid-friendly.

Hannibal

“Hannibal” (2001) is a psychological thriller and the sequel to “The Silence of the Lambs.” It follows Doctor Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant but psychopathic cannibal, who is living in Europe under a new identity. When someone discovers him, former FBI agent Clarice Starling, who is still haunted by their past encounters, becomes involved in the investigation.

Van Helsing

“Van Helsing” (2004) is an action-adventure film starring Hugh Jackman as the legendary vampire hunter, Gabriel Van Helsing. Set in 19th-century Europe, Van Helsing must defeat iconic monsters like Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein’s Monster. The film combines elements of horror and fantasy with high-octane action and visual effects, as Van Helsing battles these supernatural creatures to protect humanity and unravel the dark mysteries surrounding them.

The Legend of Fall Creek

“The Legend of Fall Creek” (2021) is a horror film about a town haunted by the events of a Halloween night many years ago when a young boy named Bobby went missing. As the anniversary of his disappearance approaches, strange and terrifying events begin to unfold, and people in the town start to disappear. The movie blends slasher elements with eerie suspense as the dark secrets of Fall Creek slowly reveal themselves.

The Watchers

“The Watchers” (2019) is a horror-thriller about a group of friends who encounter mysterious and malevolent beings while camping in a remote forest. The film combines suspense and psychological terror with eerie visuals as the friends struggle to survive and uncover the dark secrets lurking in the woods.

Sleepy Hollow

“Sleepy Hollow” (1999) is a dark fantasy film directed by Tim Burton. It follows Ichabod Crane, a police constable played by Johnny Depp, who travels to the eerie village of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of mysterious murders. The legend of the Headless Horseman, a vengeful spirit who terrorizes the town, links the killings. The film blends gothic horror with Burton’s signature style, featuring a mix of suspense, dark humor, and visually striking scenes.

Prince Of Darkness

“Prince of Darkness” (1987) is a supernatural horror film directed by John Carpenter. It follows a group of scientists and students who discover an ancient, mysterious liquid in a church’s basement. As they investigate, they realize the liquid is a vessel for an evil force trying to break free and unleash chaos.

Incantation

“Incantation” (2022) is a Taiwanese horror film about a mother named Li Ronan who, after violating a religious taboo, experiences disturbing supernatural events that threaten her family. As she struggles to protect her child and uncover the truth behind the haunting, she must confront dark forces and unravel a sinister curse.

The Others

“The Others” (2001) is a supernatural horror film about Grace (Nicole Kidman), a reclusive woman who lives in a dark, old mansion with her two children. When a group of new servants arrives, strange and unsettling occurrences begin to happen. As Grace investigates the mysterious happenings, she uncovers shocking truths about her family and the house.

Dracula Untold

“Dracula Untold” (2014) is a dark fantasy film that serves as an origin story for the legendary vampire Count Dracula. The film follows Vlad the Impaler, a prince who makes a dangerous pact with a dark entity to gain superhuman powers to protect his family and kingdom. As he transforms into Dracula, he grapples with the consequences of his newfound powers and the monstrous nature they bring.

Hopefully, you found the perfect Fall Movies to Watch For a Cozy Night In. For more fall content, check out these other posts:

The Best DIY Halloween Costume Ideas for Families

15 Modest DIY Halloween Costume Ideas For Women

The Best DIY Disney Villains Costume Ideas For Women

Taylor Swift Halloween Costume Ideas

xx,

Lauren