40 Best Fall Movies Of All Time Ranked

There is no end to the number of movies that are specifically about certain seasons, but they usually take place in the summer or the winter. There are films about holiday seasons, of course — but in terms of movies that center around specific times of the year, the hottest and coldest seasons tend to get the most cinematic love. Spring usually just kind of gets folded into summer on film, and when it comes to the fall, movies most commonly have a Halloween focus.

Still, there are actually a lot more movies than one might realize that pay tribute to autumn. The leaves change color, the air turns colder, and everything smells and tastes like pumpkin spice. Whether they're movies about going back to school, the beginning of the football season, families getting together for big feasts, or enjoying that crisp autumnal air, these are not just the best movies about the fall, but the best to watch during the fall.

John Hughes was one of the definitive filmmakers of coming-of-age movies for Gen Xers, responsible for such 1980s classics as "The Breakfast Club," "Sixteen Candles," and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." One of his '80s movies that is sometimes relegated to the B tier is "St. Elmo's Fire," which follows a group of friends as they finish school and are faced with having to be adults for the first time in their lives.

But to be the B tier next to those aforementioned movies obviously doesn't mean "St. Elmo's Fire" is a bad movie — in fact, it can be argued that it's Hughes' most underrated. It lacks some of the youthful energy and sillier elements of his other movies of the era and was unfairly judged for that, but it remains a wonderful snapshot of what it was like during that era to be coming down from the big post-college-graduation summer party, and go into the first fall of adulthood with your friends in tow. 

It goes without saying that Disney's take on the real-life Native American woman Pocahontas was much brighter, happier, and more kid-friendly than the real story. Glossing over that history with a colorful animated movie filled with cheery songs and anthropomorphic animals would've been taken to task today far more than it was back in 1995. But there's no changing the fact that, when taking the movie for what it is and the era in which it was released, "Pocahontas" is a lovely picture absolutely brimming with the vibes and the colors of autumn.

In addition, the movie's big song, "Colors of the Wind," was and remains a beautiful tribute to the fall season — even if the Vanessa Williams-sung version was released and saw the majority of its radio airplay during the summer of 1995. Even apart from the movie, just try listening to "Colors of the Wind" at any time of year and not immediately imagine brisk fall air and sipping a cup of hot cocoa. 

Just because a movie's title references fall or autumn doesn't mean that it automatically gets a spot on this list. Neither "Sweet November" nor "Autumn in New York" were worthy of inclusion, for example, despite their on-the-nose names, because they just aren't especially good movies. However, in the case of "Legends of the Fall," the movie isn't just perfectly named for this list, it actually deserves to be here.

One of several star vehicles for Brad Pitt in the mid-'90s when he was first proving capable of headlining a film, "Legends of the Fall" is an epic that spans multiple decades of the early 1900s, focusing on life in the wilderness of Montana during that era. Its Academy Award-nominated cinematography captures not only the lush woods and rivers of the region, but features sweeping autumnal vistas in a way that few other movies do.  

It makes sense that a family of vampires would put down stakes — pun intended — in the Pacific Northwest, as sunny days are few and far between. While sunlight doesn't quite have as dangerous of an effect on the vampires of the "Twilight" franchise as it does for most fictional vampires, that pesky sparkle would still give them away in an instant. And one of the side effects of having a movie that takes place in an area where every day is cloudy and chilly is that "Twilight" ends up feeling like a very autumn-specific film.

While all of the movies in the "Twilight" saga largely take place in the same area, the first movie has the strongest fall vibes. Not only does the movie not globetrot to sunny Italy, like later installments, but as a self-contained story about a love triangle between a teen girl, a vampire, and a werewolf, there are just a lot more scenes of people in light jackets being out in the chilly fall air.

The word "cider" in the title of the film "The Cider House Rules" might automatically invoke those fall feelings — but luckily, it doesn't end up just being a coincidence, because it's basically the cinematic version of a popular autumnal beverage. The story of a WWII-era orphanage, the movie not only has plenty of beautiful fall oranges and reds, but plenty of people wearing sweaters and scarves as well. 

Despite being released in 1999, "The Cider House Rules" has the look and feel of the era it is set in. The coming-of-age story — a lot of these movies are, which is not a coincidence — follows an orphan (Tobey Maguire) who tries to make a life for himself once he leaves the confines of the group home where he has grown up. It's a career-making performance for Maguire as well as co-star Charlize Theron, although Michael Caine arguably proves the defining presence in the film as orphanage doctor and abortionist Wilbur Larch. 

You can't talk about fall movies without talking about football. And there are definitely a few sports films on this list, starting with this Denzel Washington entry based on the inspiring true story of a coach who attempted to integrate a high school football team in Virginia in the early 1970s. Being a Disney production, the movie definitely softens the actual events and glosses over some of the nastier aspects, but it still captures its general essence.

While several professional sports take place in the fall, the season just belongs to football in the U.S. — and "Remember the Titans" is a great movie to watch between NFL or NCAA games. There is very little it does differently than other films in the genre, but that doesn't make it any less inspiring or the stakes feel any less important. Just because you know how a sports movie's big game is going to end, doesn't mean your heart isn't still beating out of your chest in those final moments before the buzzer. 

"Dan in Real Life" is the kind of movie that isn't going to challenge you or push you too far out of your comfort zone, but it also isn't trying to. It's just an old-fashioned feel-good movie about a man trying to reconnect with his family as well as find new love. It takes place during the point in Steve Carell's career where he was trying to break out of the shadow of Michael Scott and prove he could be more than just a laugh-out-loud-comedy guy — and he demonstrates that very well here.

The movie takes place in Rhode Island, one of the most gorgeous places in the United States, particularly during the fall. It not only provides a suitably cozy backdrop for the happy vibe of the movie, but it also gives everyone an excuse to constantly wear sweaters and flannels — not only the characters on screen, but likely the people watching the movie as well. 

One of the lesser-known movies on this list is the 2002 period drama "Far From Heaven." But one need only look at trailers and screen grabs to see why it belongs here, as you'd be hard-pressed to find a single frame that isn't a glorious celebration of fall and all of the season's most vibrant colors and views.

In addition to being an absolute feast for the senses, "Far From Heaven" is also an excellent and superbly polished period romance that features top-notch performances from an incredible cast that includes the likes of Julianne Moore, Patricia Clarkson, Dennis Quaid, Viola Davis, and many others. Not only did Moore earn a best actress nomination for the film, but so did Edward Lachman for his breathtaking cinematography. Even if romantic melodramas aren't typically your thing, give "Far From Heaven" a chance, if for no other reason than how sumptuous it all looks. 

At least two generations have fond memories of growing up with the film work of Robin Williams, his movies on constant repeat at countless slumber parties and family gatherings. Part of what made him so effective is that he starred in movies for all ages, from carefree kids to serious adults — not to mention teenagers. 

Gen Xers in particular probably still get goosebumps when they see the iconic "O Captain" scene from "Dead Poets Society," as it was a movie that defined their teenage years. Not only is it a wonderful look at how the right teacher can turn around a group of disaffected youths, but "Dead Poets Society" is also a great fall movie given how many scenes are shot outside among the New England foliage. And, spoiler alert, it's not even the best Robin Williams film set in autumn (more on that later).

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan seem like they made a dozen movies together, although they actually only starred in four. But they have such effortless on-screen chemistry and have made several undeniable classics that it's not hard to see why people might assume they've been cast against one another frequently. Contrarians might say "Joe vs the Volcano" is their best movie. More traditional rom-com lovers would probably vote for "Sleepless in Seattle." But as far as movies where fall is the primary setting, "You've Got Mail" takes the cake.

That's not to say it's only deserving of mention here on that seasonal technicality, however. It's an extremely sweet and charming romantic comedy about two people who start up an online flirtation — back when such a thing felt like a niche novelty to the average moviegoer — not realizing that they run rival businesses in real life. Like any good rom-com, there are countless scenes of the pair walking through beautiful parks and down impossibly clean city streets, with the added bonus of much of it taking place during the fall and having those associated colors spice up the frame.

Now we move on to Pennsylvania, another part of the country that is especially breathtaking in the later months of the year. That's the setting of "Silver Linings Playbook," one of the most critically acclaimed films by writer/director David O. Russell. It stars Bradley Cooper as Pat, a man struggling with mental health issues who is trying to get back on his feet after a stay at a hospital. He meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) who tries to get him out of his shell, all while Pat is also attempting to navigate his complicated relationship with his dad (Robert De Niro).

All three leads are playing a bit against type, but they are all fascinating to watch in their own ways. Chris Tucker also puts in an impressive turn, proving he can handle non-manic, non-slapstick characters very capably. It's an excellent movie all around, made all the better by its charmingly autumnal backdrop. 

If we have to explain to you why "Mean Girls" is a fall movie, then you definitely can't sit with us. Any fan of the movie knows that October 3rd is "Mean Girls Day" (per Today), as it is famously the date when Aaron Samuels (Jonathan Bennett) asks Cady (Lindsay Lohan) what day it is. Clearly, that proved he was in love with her ... duh. While a movie having its unofficial real-life holiday take place in the fall would've been more than enough to qualify it as a fall movie, there's plenty more to earn "Mean Girls" that distinction. 

A pivotal portion of the movie takes place during Halloween, and continues on right through to the ill-fated Christmas pageant and beyond. Truth be told, the entire movie essentially follows the whole school year. But so much of it takes place in the fall, when Cady first starts going to North Shore High School and ends up meeting both the "Plastics" and the "Art Freaks" — and, like so many teenagers, quickly loses track of which one she's supposed to love and which she's supposed to hate. 

These is one reason and one reason only that the 2002 martial arts epic "Hero" is on this list — the iconic leaves fight scene that takes place between Ziyi Zhang and Maggie Cheung. The two masterful performers battle in a forest dense with yellow leaves, which swirl around the women as they kick, slash, and fly in breathtaking slow motion. It's one of many brilliant set pieces in the historical drama about the Warring States period of Chinese history, but it's easily the most iconic — which is saying something, considering it doesn't feature star Jet Li.

Amidst the beautiful orange leaves are the eye-poppingly red outfits worn by the actors, a color combination that makes the whole scene look like fire. Most stunning of all is the end when, after one of the warriors finally falls, the leaves all magically turn from autumn orange to blood red. It's just one of many examples of the movie's incredible use of color to help tell the story, one that becomes instantly unforgettable.

The cable-knit sweater worn by Chris Evans in the mystery comedy "Knives Out" is the stuff that fall movies are made of. But that isn't the only reason the film is such a great watch for the season. Everyone is in their fanciest sweaters, coats, and jackets as they mingle both in the mansion of murdered novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). Daniel Craig, clearly having the time of his life and savoring every word he speaks in his ridiculous accent, plays the detective looking to solve the crime. And, despite having just named three major stars, that's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this movie's stellar ensemble.

Also along for the ride are Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Michael Shannon, LaKeith Stanfield, Don Johnson, Frank Oz, Ana de Armas, all delivering that trademark Rian Johnson banter like pros. "Knives Out" has become one of the most acclaimed original movies of the last few years, and the fact that it's said to be the start of an entire franchise is reason to be excited indeed. 

"Lost in Translation" ends up being a movie that speaks to two seemingly different generations, but shows that they actually have much more to learn from each other than either might realize. Scarlett Johansson's Charlotte represents elder millennials, who were just entering adulthood in the early 2000s and weren't sure what to do in a world that didn't feel like it was built for them. And Bill Murray's Bob is the baby boomer who feels past his prime, unsure of where he fits in — but who still wants to find a way to connect to someone else.

The two meet on the streets of Japan during the country's cool, rainy autumn season, reflecting the ennui they both feel. They are able to come together, knowing their connection to each other is only temporary, but that it will impact both of their separate lives going forward. It's a beautiful film for any generation, as everyone gets to a point where they need to be reminded that human connection is essential.

The title of "ultimate adventure movie" is a tough one to definitively award, but it's not hard to declare "The Goonies" as a top contender for the kid version of this genre. One of the brilliant things about the film, and the reason it connects with so many audiences, is that has a variety of different preteen and teenager characters, allowing moviegoers to find someone to whom they can especially relate. All of the young actors are top-notch, bringing empathy and humor to the proceedings, and making them all incredibly easy to root for.

While much of "The Goonies" takes place underground, it's still evident that it's the fall, and that helps to permeate a sense of dread over the whole tale. It feels like its the last hurrah of summer, one final adventure before the kids are all forced to go their separate ways as the school year begins and their small community dissolves.

Filmmaker Eric Rohmer wanted to make sure that all four seasons got their own movie, and set about creating the ambitious "Tales of Four Seasons" meta franchise. Following "A Tale of Springtime," "A Tale of Winter," and "Summer's Tale," Rohmer concluded the project with "Autumn Tale," often considered the best of the four films. As gimmicky as such an endeavor might seem, each movie brilliantly walks the line between playing into the season it is based on while never completely relying on it, and "Autumn Tale" is the perfect culmination of his efforts.

Aside from featuring some of the most gorgeous images of the colors of autumn ever put on screen, "Autumn Tale" is a story about an owner of a French vineyard who has been unlucky in love since becoming a widow. When her friends put out a personal ad without her knowledge, shenanigans ensue as one of her friends poses as her to vet a potential suitor. It's the stuff of classic wild comedies, but it works, and is as funny as it is touching and visually beautiful. 

The only Wes Anderson movie to make this list aside from "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Rushmore" was the director's breakthrough movie and the one that truly marked him as a filmmaker to watch. It stars Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Olivia Williams, and Brian Cox in a story about a quirky and mature-beyond-his-years — at least he thinks so — 15-year-old named Max (Schwartzman). Max ends up getting in over his head with schemes involving and directed at several adults, largely in an effort to earn the affections of a teacher at his school, Rosemary Cross (Williams).

"Rushmore" partially follows Max and company during the early months of the school year, and really nails the feeling of a private school in the fall. Of course, it's also just a really funny movie, and the one that is most often credited for starting the so-called "second career" of Bill Murray, in which he returned to prominence as a film actor and would go on to do some of his best work. 

Filmmaker David Lynch is most commonly associated with darker, psychologically challenging art films like "Eraserhead," Mulholland Drive," "The Elephant Man," and "Inland Empire." So you'd be forgiven for having actually seen the 1999 road drama "The Straight Story" and having no clue that he directed it. It's not only his only G-rated movie, but it's a Disney movie to boot, making it an anomaly in Lynch's resume for sure. 

All that being said, don't go thinking "The Straight Story" is some unremarkable cash-grab studio picture. It's actually an excellent film based on the real-life story of Alvin Straight, who had only a lawn mower with which to travel nearly 250 miles across multiple states to visit his sick brother. As Straight (played in the movie by Oscar-nominated actor Richard Farnsworth) makes the remarkable journey through the Midwest, the audience is treated to the beauty of America's heartland in autumn, arguably the time of year when it is at its most beautiful. 

Some people say the ultimate romantic comedy is "Annie Hall." It's a fair position to take, but if there's any other single movie that comes closest to not only challenging that throne but claiming it, it's "When Harry Met Sally." It's the kind of movie that has been referenced, spoofed, and parodied so much that it's easy to feel like you've seen the movie even if you haven't — surely, many of the people who have quipped some version of "I'll have what she's having" don't even know where the line comes from. But such is the impact of an undeniable all-time great movie.

While "When Harry Met Sally" takes place over a long span of time, eventually culminating in the climatic New Years' Eve scene, it's in the autumn months that Harry and Sally spend the bulk of their time together. It's among the falling leaves in Central Park and down the chilly autumn streets of New York City that so much of the movie's legendary banter between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan takes place. Whether or not it's the ultimate rom-com, it definitely feels like the ultimate fall movie.