Comforting Autumn Film Recommendations Without the Scares
Written by Cara MacDonald, edited by Charlotte Lewis
To me, autumn offers one of the most cinematic seasons in film. The rich hues, golden-hour light, and crisp outdoor backdrops evoke change, nostalgia, and the perfect atmosphere for character transformation. Whether it signals a fresh start or a pivotal turning point, autumn on screen feels both familiar and full of possibility.
When I was putting this list together, I thought about not just the visual setting and use of colour, but also the way autumn influences the story’s tone and setting – how it underscores themes of growth, reflection, and renewal.
You’ve Got Mail
IMDB
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, this romcom kicks off in the New York autumn. Hanks plays Joe Fox, who unknowingly falls for his email pen pal, only to find out it’s actually Kathleen Kelly, the owner of a small bookshop who he runs out of business. The two are familiar co-starts, having already charmed audiences in Joe Versus the Volcano and Sleepless in Seattle.
When Harry met Sally
Another classic Meg Ryan film, When Harry Met Sally follows the story of two people who continue to cross paths and become closer over time. Starting off as polar opposites who justify their negative qualities as a reason to not get along, Sally Albright and Harry Burns, played by Billy Crystal, mature with age and find comfort in each other’s company, which surprises them both.
It's another classic New York romcom that shows how the right people come into your life at the right time. Harry and Sally go through a lot, but you see them grow up, let go of old baggage, and just figure things out as they go.
Vogue
Good Will Hunting
A permanent fixture on my Letterboxd top four, Good Will Hunting is a film that shaped the way I view storytelling. This was the first film to get me so interested in filmmaking and storytelling. The discussion of mis-en-scene, colouring, camera work, and character development was so exciting to me and opened up the world of movies.
Set in 1990s Boston, the film follows Will, a gifted but emotionally guarded young man working as a janitor at MIT. Despite his intellect, he hides his potential behind a tough exterior – until a chance encounter puts him on a path of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.
Through meeting new characters who challenge his thoughts, Will is surrounded with a support system who challenge his thoughts and beliefs of himself for the first time in his life. It’s a really well made movie with an amazing cast, including Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Stellan Skarsgard, Ben and Casey Affleck, and Minnie Driver.
IMDb
Knives Out
Another film which gives all the autumnal feels is the Netflix murder mystery Knives Out. This is the first in the growing series, kicking off Benoit Blanc’s, played by Daniel Craig, intense quest to find the murderer of crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. The mansion’s cosy yet mysterious vibe perfectly creates that crisp, suspenseful autumn feeling –warm-toned interiors contrast with the crackling leaves and cold outside.
Mona Lisa Smile
Silver Petticoat Review
This is a great autumn watch to add to your list if you’ve not seen it already. Julia Roberts plays the recent UCLA graduate at the start of her teaching journey at the all-female Wesley College in the 1950’s. A time period where women were pressured to conform to the idea of being a homemaker, Julia finds herself trying to guide students to be brave and courageous in searching for more in life rather than believing their sole purpose is to be a wife. She encourages women to get an education for themselves in a field they desire, however her way of thinking isn’t approved by everyone at Wesley.
Remember the Titans
An American tale of integrating high schools brought together in 1970’s Virginia. The film tackles racial bias and shows how a team overcomes prejudice, building strong bonds through changing perceptions and a life-threatening incident.
Through challenges both on and off the field, the team members develop deep bonds that transcend race, demonstrating the strength that comes from understanding and respect.
Buzzfeed
Monododes
Little Women
Looking at the 2019 version, the colouring and setting changes throughout the film. But when I think about it, I picture the warm orange tones – the flowers at Amy’s wedding, Jo and Laurie’s fight in the golden-lit field, and the autumn leaves in the background.
It’s a comfort film with a familiar story that I think is so well captured by Great Gerwig. Each character’s personality comes through in their costume, their manner and way of speaking.
Scent of a Woman
One of Al Pacino’s best characters, I think of his courtroom speech when defending quiet student Charlie, who works as an assistant to Pacino’s character following him to New York to carry out a ‘bucket list’ while his family leave the state for the weekend.
The film is set over Thanksgiving weekend in New York, where Charlie looks after a blind, sharp-tongued veteran played by Al Pacino. Their dynamic forces both of them to open-up – Pacino’s character finally feels heard, while Charlie finds the confidence to stand up for himself and trust his instincts.
These characters help each other with their own thoughts. Pacino’s character finally has someone to really listen to what he says and sees his pain in the experiences he’s lived through. While on the other hand, Charlie has somebody batting in his corner, who sees past the Baird School demeanour and sees someone who wants to succeed in life.
The Hollywood reporter