The movies I consume in the fall vary depending on my mood, but the overarching theme is one I have dubbed the “fall ache.”
The “fall ache” is the craving for movies that emotionally destroy you while simultaneously rebuilding the soul. I want my chest to hurt, my eyes to well, and my mind to light up. I want to feel intellectually uplifted while being emotionally wrecked to the core. Movies that feel like fall; the Halloween classics filled with nostalgia, the horror movies, and the ones that just give that fall vibe. I love collapsing into a night of Halloweentown (1998), wrapping myself up in childhood favourites to celebrate the season. I’m not strong enough to brave horror films alone, but with friends it can become the best night ever, screaming and then laughing at your own fright. I truly love it all.
Below is a list comprised of the movies that make fall special to me:
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): Wes Anderson uses stop-motion to create a striking dance of characters. The colour pallet screams autumn and the provoking dialogue seeks comfort, which formulates a concoction perfect for a fall bucket list.
- Coraline (2009): this famously creepy film plays with the uncanny and sends shivers down your spine, leaving excitement after the rush of eeriness gives way. Visually beautiful with a plot full of conspiracy and intrigue. Terrifying in the best way — it is popular for a reason.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): possibly the cult-classic movie. Displaying Tim Curry’s genius in full force, this movie is camp and outrageous in the best of ways. It is over-the-top, flamboyant, eerie, and shocking, with unbelievable musical numbers that scream stardom.
- The Goonies (1985): a perfect classic with an everlasting special something. The gripping nostalgia effortlessly jumps out of the screen as an adventure between friends unfolds into an epic. It’s quotable and funny, embodying the magic of childhood. It remains a feel-good film with a thoughtful narrative that teaches viewers the power of holding on to that which we do not want to lose.
- Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors(1987): my dad and I have dubbed this the best of the series (original — we still love you) as a slasher film that finds humour in itself. It is fun, punchy, foul-mouthed, and tricky with thrills that leave your heart pounding. A wonderful experience all around, “Welcome to prime time, bitch.”
- Harry Potter (2001-2011): best 19 hours and 39 minutes of your life. Need I say more? It is not autumn without Harry Potter.
4.Hocus Pocus (1993): a seasonal family favourite, Hocus Pocus always provides laughs. A timeless Halloween classic that everyone needs to watch this spooky season.
- Scream (1996): a 90’s slasher cult-classic. Jump scares and pace increases in all the right places with perfectly timed laughs, centred around the love for movies — what more could you ask for? Scream is brilliant to its core.
- It (2017): hilariously horror, It makes for an enjoyable watch every time. The kids make this movie great with their epic acting, one-liners, and stellar sense of humour. The summer backdrop lets you soak in those last moments of sunshine as you watch a horror movie in the heart of autumn. It’s creepy and riveting wrapped up in one beautiful remake.
- Dead Poets Society (1989): it may be biased of me throwing this in at number one, but I will stand proud on this mountain for eternity. This movie is a literary genius projected onto the big screen. It’s gut-wrenchingly beautiful, with its raw humanism, and empowering motive. It is gorgeous and I declare it a masterpiece. I will never not give Dead Poets Society five stars.
Movies make life special; they hold language bending value and meaningful memories. Autumn movies have a magic in them that I believe we are all a sucker for. So, my greatest advice — beyond any list — is to snuggle up, light a candle, pass the popcorn, and enjoy movie nights this season!
