The start of the semester can be stressful, but there’s nothing more comforting than when the time comes to walk into Target or Trader Joe’s and be engulfed with all things autumn: pumpkin-flavored food, coffees topped with cinnamon and new candles to light. Then, when you get home, there’s a haven of relaxing shows and films to help you decompress.
However, with the ongoing actors’ strike in Hollywood, the production of most American series is at a halt, leaving fans without a continuation of their latest infatuations. This gives us all the more reason to crawl into our beds and binge watch some of the classics.
Here are 20 shows and movies that are perfect for watching for the first or hundredth time this fall:
TV Shows
1. Gilmore Girls (Netflix)
Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother-daughter duo, take on a small town in Connecticut called Stars Hollow. In the same way that it’s always summer for Phineas and Ferb, it always feels like fall in Stars Hollow. Despite their seemingly mundane suburban life, the two are engulfed with twists and turns caused by love triangles, family drama and healing friendships. The characters draw you in with their charming, yet quirky personalities, and you’ll quickly find yourself rooting for them.
2. Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
When three neighbors start to bond over their love for true crime podcasts, a death in their building allows them to experience the drama firsthand. Together the sassy trio tries to crack the case of this murder mystery. Season three recently premiered, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats. The show takes place in a chilly New York setting, which is a recipe for cuddling up as you watch the mysteries unfold. As for the actors, Selena Gomez’s character Mabel is just as charming as she is in real life. She acts as the youngest member of her friend group with Steve Martin (Charles-Haden) and Martin Short (Oliver). Their onscreen dynamic is so commendable, it’ll have you wishing you were in on whodunnit.
3. Stranger Things (Netflix)
A young friend group experiences supernatural forces and grotesque monsters, and meets a girl with psychokinetic and telepathic abilities. The first two seasons take place in the fall, featuring special Halloween episodes and amazing costumes. How could viewers forget the iconic moment in season two when Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) changed viewers’ perception of his character by taking Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) under his wing and fulfilling his unofficial role as the “babysitter.” Rewatching the first couple of seasons will bring the nostalgia of the show’s release that many fans wish they could see for the first time again.
4. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix)
Netflix’s adaptation of the 1996 show “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” takes a dark turn as Sabrina discovers secrets about her family and tries to defeat the evil forces that threaten her human world. This series focuses on horror, romance and witchcraft — a perfect formula for the fall. In each season, a new problem arises for Sabrina that you just can’t peel your eyes from until she solves it. Even if you are an easily frightened watcher, this show is still for you, as it balances the natural and the supernatural in a digestible way.
5. Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)
Alternating between two timelines, this supernatural horror drama tells the past and present stories of adults who are haunted by their experiences at Hill House. This story is based on a 1959 gothic horror novel by Shirley Jackson and the characters come face-to-face with paranormal phenomena as children, which causes them to flee the house. When they reunite as adults, they make it their mission to confront how the Hill House has affected their lives. Critically acclaimed for its acting and directing values, a follow-up series entitled “The Haunting of Bly Manor” was released in 2020.
6. Supernatural (Netflix)
Two brothers, Sam and Dean, follow in their father’s footsteps as monster hunters, defeating the forces of evil supernatural creatures. The show encapsulates their thrilling ventures as they encounter unfamiliar and demonic enemies that play on urban legends. Chances are, your parents may have watched this show while you were little, and would probably love the chance to hear your recaps. Also, if you were team Dean in the “Gilmore Girls” series, you’ll get to enjoy Jared Padalecki on screen once more as Sam.
7. Over the Garden Wall (Hulu)
A pair of brothers get lost in the Unknown, a forest-like world, and stumble across mystical entities as they try to find a way home. Almost everyone they meet tries to warn them of the dangers of the forest, but the boys try to remain optimistic about their journey and befriend creatures along the way. The visual animations and the music are stellar, and if you’re anything like me, the contrasting dynamic of Wirt and Greg may remind you of your own siblings.
8. The Last of Us (Hulu Prime, Prime Video)
Paying tribute to a post-apocalyptic video game, “The Last of Us” features two main characters who journey through a world that has undergone a major pandemic. Sound familiar? The adventures Joel and Ellie endure as they try to survive and find a cure for the world are sure to leave a few hairs on your arms standing. The creatures are terrifying, the actors put on amazing performances and the storyline is unbelievably captivating. Not to mention, USC student Storm Reid plays an important role as a guest star in one of the episodes. Watching or rewatching the thrilling events of season one is a great chance to catch up while we wait for season two.
9. Pretty Little Liars (Max)
There’s no secret that this series belongs in the lineup. A notorious group of best friends lead mysterious lives, receiving recurring threats by an anonymous person under the alias, “A.” Although they are in a dire situation, the show somehow still manages to stay grounded through their discussion of life, relationships and fears. Get ready to immerse yourself in the mysteries of Rosewood, Pennsylvania — many of which reveal themselves on cold, dark autumn nights.
10. Freaks and Geeks (Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount)
Following a group of misfit high school students growing up in the ‘80s, this cult classic launched the careers of many well-known actors like James Franco and Seth Rogan. This show emulates what it feels like to be in school through a self-aware, sarcastic tone: the struggle to fit in and find friends that many of us have felt at one time or another. This show takes place during the start of school in the fall and presents us with likable characters that make for an easy watch.
Movies
11. Dead Poets Society (Apple TV, Prime Video)
An English teacher begins teaching at an all-boys preparatory school and uses unorthodox methods in efforts to connect more with his students. Although it has its cheesy moments, the themes of naivety and idealism are captured well. The students learn how to see the world from a new perspective and find a safe haven within class to pursue their dreams.
12. Coco (Disney+)
In this animated movie, viewers follow Miguel, a young boy who has a passion for music despite his family’s generational ban on the art form. When Miguel ends up in a new world, The Land of the Dead, he takes the opportunity to try and become a great musician. The Land of the Dead is a colorful and mystical land where Miguel meets his ancestors and discusses his family’s history. This is a great tribute to the fall holiday of Dia de los Muertos in Mexican culture, where spirits of late family members are believed to resurface and spend time with their relatives. Prepare to sing along to Miguel’s songs and cry at endearing moments of familial connection.
13. Pride & Prejudice (2005 Adaptation, Netflix, Prime Video)
Based on Jane Austen’s 1813 novel, the audience follows five sisters and the hardships they face during the 18th century time period. The main issues they face deal with marriage, morality and most importantly — town gossip. The main characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, undergo a major romance revelation that sets the standards to what true love can look like. This film features a cold, rainy forest setting that can transport viewers into the misty past and encourage viewers to hold on tight to their loved ones closer.
14. Knives Out (Max, Hulu Premium)
From the whodunnit mystery to the fashion of each character, “Knives Out” gives the ultimate fall vibes through the epic scenery and costuming of the characters. But behind each well-dressed character is just another web of lies. As the police and private investigator deal with a number of different clues and dubious suspects, this eleven-actor ensemble provides a thrilling energy. Just when you think you’ve cracked the case, a huge plot twist will prove you wrong. The acting is outstanding, and the set design enhances how chilling the stakes are.
15. The Edge of Seventeen (Prime Video, Apple TV)
There’s never a bad time for a coming-of-age film. Nadine is a high school junior, and when her best friend starts dating her much more popular older brother, she must find a way to be the bigger person. This film cleverly combines comedic moments with the awareness of growing up and feeling alone in the world. In a heart-wrenching series of events, Nadine discovers the importance of her relationships with family and friends while also learning the impact of her actions. Get your Kleenex ready, and enjoy the emotional rollercoaster.
16. Fantastic Mr. Fox (Disney+)
In a Wes Anderson adaptation of Ronald Dahl’s book, the titular Mr. Fox gives into his past habits and raids highly secured farms and factories of his human neighbors. As to be expected from Anderson, the imagery and movement blend seamlessly with the musical elements and style. Featuring a plethora of vibrant, warm tones, the aesthetic of the film offers a complete autumn feel.
17. The Age of Adaline (Netflix, Max, Prime Video)
Featuring Blake Lively, this movie follows her character Adaline, a woman who stops aging at 29 after she is brought back to life from a deadly accident. We accompany Adaline as she deals with the complications of not growing old. The film discusses romance, heartbreak, grief and loss. It is a beautiful, heartfelt story best accompanied by a fuzzy blanket and a warm drink.
18. Persuasion (2022 Adaptation, Netflix)
Sorry, but there’s always room for one more book-to-movie adaptation. Based on Jane Austen’s 1817 novel, Anne Elliot (Dakota Johnson) must navigate life after the end of her relationship with an undistinguished naval officer. Johnson shows a charming and cheeky side in her acting, magnetizing us into her 18th-century whirl winded life. The movie explores a wide spectrum of emotions, while characters run through misty fields setting up the perfect scene for blankets and hot tea.
19. Coraline (Max, Prime Video, Apple TV)
This fantasy is a Halloween classic, with the stop motion style giving it that extra eerie feeling. Viewers travel alongside Coraline as she discovers a dark, sinister place with secrets unfolding at every turn. As a young child I was utterly afraid of this movie, but after rewatching it, I can say it is a captivating thriller film.
20. Twilight (Peacock, Hulu Plus)
No fall roundup would be complete without a little “Twilight.” In the first movie, viewers meet the iconic Bella, the point of a love triangle with Edward Cullen and Jacob Black. As she moves into a new town and adjusts to social life, she becomes entangled with the supernatural world of vampires and werewolves. We probably all know the “Twilight” series and have chosen our favorite relationship. The upcoming dark and cold weather of fall is a great time to relive their complicated and stormy love stories.