Here are Cinephile Corner’s picks for 35 cozy autumn movies for the fall season, ranked:
35. Dead Poets Society (1989)
34. Dan In Real Life (2007)
33. Heathers (1989)
Winona Ryder‘s star power is at the center of Heathers, the 1989 teenage dramedy that became a cult hit and spawned many, many future imitators. It has just about everything, from crude high schooler humor to big, starry performances from the likes of Ryder and Christian Slater, to ONE DEAD, GAY SON (whom his dad loved very much)! It’s an eventful movie that packs a lot within 103 minutes, and director Michael Lehmann never takes the material too serious, often opting for a dose of absurdist situational comedy to intensify the plot in motion.
32. Clueless (1995)
31. The Village (2004)
30. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
29. North by Northwest (1959)
28. Moonstruck (1987)
27. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
26. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
25. The Prestige (2006)
24. Bottoms (2023)
23. The Breakfast Club (1985)
22. Scream (1996)
Scream is an incredibly important film in horror movie history. It helped to redefine the genre and set the stage for a new wave of more violent, self-aware horror movies. The film’s impact can still be felt today, and it remains a must-watch for horror movie fans.
21. Rushmore (1998)
Even if decades have passed since Rushmore first hit movie theaters, Wes Anderson’s sophomore film still has characters and tonal inflections that he hasn’t quite matched since. Jason Schwartzman proves he’s a perfect match for Wes’ desired movie-making style.
20. Coraline (2009)
An absolutely beautiful stop-motion movie, Coraline supplies enough whimsical joy for kids, while still being thoughtful and profound. Henry Selick‘s best film is also Laika Entertainment’s best film.
19. The Sixth Sense (1999)
18. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
17. The Virgin Suicides (1999)
16. Young Frankenstein (1974)
15. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
14. Lady Bird (2017)
13. The Straight Story (1999)
Endlessly fascinating as a divergence from the usual style of David Lynch, The Straight Story is the acclaimed director at his friendliest. Made for Disney and sandwiched between Lost Highway and Mulholland Drive, this movie of a farmer just trying to see his brother is an uncomplicatedly intimate and sincere picture of family at its warmest.
12. Kicking and Screaming (1995)
11. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
10. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
9. Ghostbusters (1984)
8. Lost in Translation (2003)
7. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Fantastic Mr. Fox is more than just one of the best Wes Anderson movies or one of the best animated movies—it’s one of the best movies, period. A singular work of creativity and charm that continues to inspire, entertain, and resonate.
6. Knives Out (2019)
5. The Holdovers (2023)
The Holdovers is a gem that sits among the best films of 2023. The movie‘s engaging narrative, stellar performances, and melancholic tone makes it a standout addition to the holiday film canon. Three central performances by Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph pull the film together.
4. Days of Heaven (1978)
3. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Years after its release, the impact of Good Will Hunting is still being felt across the film industry. From the stardom of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, to the timeless performance of the late great Robin Williams, this movie still resonates with generations after it hit theaters in 1997.
2. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
1. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
