With the fall season coming up, it’s definitely the right time to begin planning movie nights with some of the best fall films. “Fall films make me so nostalgic which is why I love watching my favorites every year,” says Precious Hoang (12). 

1. Dead Poets Society 

I loved every part of this movie because of its captivating scenery, characters, and symbols. It is without a doubt one of those movies that you could watch over and over again without growing bored of it. This movie makes you appreciate life in a different perspective. It does an amazing job of drawing the fine line between reckless actions and taking a once in a lifetime opportunity. The film follows these private school high school students who are used to conforming within traditional familial and societal expectations.

However, when they encounter their new English teacher, Mr. Keating, they find that he contradicts traditional values by being a freethinker. He teaches them the phrase “Carpe Diem” (Seize the Day) which influences his students to listen to their own free will and to live out their lives to the fullest.

2. When Harry Met Sally

I especially enjoyed this movie because of how much I was able to connect with the characters on another level. The characters, Harry and Sally, feel extremely realistic because of their flawed personalities and difficult challenges they must overcome. This romantic comedy showcases the slow burn of a classic “friends to lovers” plot which takes place in New York. Throughout the movie, Harry and Sally coincidentally find each other on several different occasions which ultimately leads them to growing a stronger attachment to each other each time they meet. The film focuses on not only the growth of their relationship, but also the growth of both characters. 

3. Little Women 

This film has beautiful visuals that submerge you into another reality because it’s full of warm colors that truly make it feel like fall. I also have a deep appreciation for the soundtrack of this movie because it captures the feelings and messages so well. With themes of family and sacrifice, this movie is a perfect way to start off the autumn season. Little Women follows the lives of four sisters who transition from girls into women in a society that has very minimal expectations for them even though they are ambitious and ready to strive for their dreams. YLHS Student Tara Chen (12) comments, “Little Women is my favorite fall film, and I enjoy rewatching it every time fall comes around again.”

4. Coraline 

Coraline brings me nostalgia from my own childhood, which is why I rewatch this movie every fall. I especially admire the stop-motion animation because it has such a unique style even though it leans more toward an eerie feeling rather than a cozy feeling. The movie follows a little girl named Coraline who gets trapped in an alternate world, but when she realizes it’s not all it was made out to be, she begins to go on a journey to regain her real life. 

5. Twilight

Twilight is one of the most popular fall movies for a reason. I love how gloomy and dark the setting is throughout the film. The Twilight Series was one of the first series I watched, which is why it holds a special place in my heart. The film follows a girl named Bella Swan who moves to Forks, Washington due to unpredicted life circumstances. In an unknown place, Bella ends up meeting a vampire named Edward Cullen, but she must face the risks of being in a relationship with him and decide if it’s worth the dangers that come with it. 

I hope that you enjoy these recommendations!