Sept. 22 marked the official beginning of fall, and it seems as though fall is truly setting in. The days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing color and — if you take a step outside on campus — you’ll be sure to see a fair share of pumpkin spice lattes and seasonal Blank Street matchas clutched by sweater-covered hands. It’s the perfect time to wind down with a blanket, some snacks and a good movie or TV show to fully embrace the fall vibes.
As we leave the summer of brother love triangles and cowboys behind — if you know, you know — here are a few of my favorite movies and TV shows to get you into the swing of fall.
Gilmore Girls (2000)
It’s cliché, but there’s a reason why “Gilmore Girls” has to be number one on this list. The series takes place in a small town called Stars Hollow, full of quirky dreamers, artists, coffee addicts and your average Joes. It follows a young mother-daughter duo as they take on the ups and downs of life — like friendships, family, romance and drama — as Rory Gilmore moves through high school and college.
The whole first season is filled with the fall essentials: color-changing leaves, sweaters and — of course — coffee. The main characters, Lorelai and Rory, are full of spunk and sass, and the evolution of their individual characters and their mother-daughter relationship throughout the show will warm your heart.
Nobody Wants This (2024)
With the second season premiering Oct. 23, it’s the perfect time to binge this series if you haven’t seen it yet.
“Nobody Wants This” follows Joanne, an agnostic woman running a sex and relationship advice podcast with her sister. Joanne falls in love with Noah, a newly single Rabbi trying to survive. Throughout the first season, you get to watch as Joanne and Noah reconcile their drastically different lifestyles and overinvolved families. The show has a perfect mix of clever humor and cozy, swoonworthy romance.
Dept. Q (2025)
Taking a detour from the romance genre, “Dept. Q” is a British Netflix-original series following Carl Morck, a top-rated detective who is returning to the station after having been shot on the job. Wracked with guilt because his best friend and partner was paralyzed in the incident, Carl looks for a distraction by investigating the cold case of a woman who went missing years ago — a case that will consume his life.
A compelling story full of plot twists and ultimate creepy vibes, this is a great pick for the crime junkies.
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
“The Queen’s Gambit” is an absolute must-watch for those who haven’t managed to see it since its release in 2020.
Set during the Cold War era, “The Queen’s Gambit” follows Beth Harmon, a recently orphaned child and chess prodigy, as she strives to become the world’s best chess player — all while struggling with addiction behind the scenes. The show’s 1950s to 1960s aesthetic with warm lighting, forest greens, vintage fashion and cozy textures is perfect to enjoy at this time of year.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (2024)
Back to the mystery genre, this Netflix adaptation of Holly Jackson’s novel follows Pip, an awkward teen investigating the murder of Andie Bell for a school project. Everything seems fine until Pip uncovers a part of the mystery that sends the small town of Fairview spiraling.
Each episode will have you on the edge of your seat — or the edge of your twin XL bed for us college students. Either way, it will definitely satisfy your craving for a fall mystery.
Anne with an E (2017)
Saving the best TV show for last, the adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” is peak fall vibes. Set in the late 1890s on a small island in Canada, a fiery orphan girl who suffered abuse from the foster care system is taken in by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert.
Uniquely spirited, intelligent and imaginative, Anne is the catalyst for change in her small community, ahead of her time in many ways. It has everything you could want in a bingeable TV series. The acting is brilliant, there’s a perfect mix between funny and emotional, and it’s both heartwarming and just as romantic and whimsical as the fall season.
Enola Holmes (2020)
Millie Bobbie Brown leads the film “Enola Holmes,” which revolves around a girl trying to find her mother after she mysteriously disappears. To find her mother, Enola pairs up with a runaway lord and untangles a web of mystery, discovering her true worth in the process.
Set in 1884, the film has a certain Victorian charm that is perfect for fall. Plus, it’s easy to relate to Enola when she navigates becoming a young adult and finds her place in the world — just like us, but with flouncy dresses, carriages and evil dukes.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Nothing says fall more than “Pride and Prejudice,” the ultimate Jane Austen classic. The film follows the story of Elizabeth Bennett, a young woman who lives with her parents and four sisters in the countryside of England. As the eldest of five daughters, Elizabeth faces intense pressure from her parents to get married. To be married is a fate she wouldn’t dream of — until she meets the enigmatic, mysterious and handsome Mr. Darcy.
This movie blends hilarious social commentary on classism and contemporary romance. With its slightly grainy 2000s cinematography, foggy morning views of the English countryside and a stunning love story that will sweep you off your feet, this movie is perfect for lovers of fall and romance.
Little Women (2019)
Keeping with the theme of classic adaptations, Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film version of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” serves as the perfect coming-of-age story for fall. Set in the 1860s after the end of the Civil War, the movie revolves around the lives of the four March sisters from childhood to womanhood.
Filled with beautiful shots of New England fall foliage, horse carriages, warm fires and the homey atmosphere of the March family’s strong bond, this film makes for the perfect cozy fall movie.
I hope at least one of these shows or movies caught your attention, and that your fall will be filled with cozy sweaters and many pumpkin-flavored sweet treats.
