15 Best Movies Set in Fall

Autumn stirs up a unique blend of refreshing chill, school routine returning, and traditional festivities that often find their way into films. Ranging from spooky Halloweens to turkey-filled Thanksgiving journeys, movie makers frequently employ this season as a backdrop for tales centered around family, camaraderie, and transitions. The settings exude a sense of reality, with cozy sweaters, sports stadium illumination, and crunchy leaves beneath footsteps contributing significantly to the narrative through their visual elements.

This collection features movies where autumn plays a significant role, not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of the plot. Here, you’ll come across campus stories set at the beginning of the academic year, small town events that follow the annual calendar, and journeys that revolve around extended weekends. Each selection provides details about the setting, cast, and production to help you identify how autumn’s influence is portrayed on screen.

‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989)

The tale centers around two individuals residing in New York who encounter each other multiple times across years. Significant parts of the narrative occur during autumn in Manhattan, where images of falling leaves and city landmarks show the progression of time and the evolution of their relationship. This film features Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan and was helmed by Rob Reiner, with a screenplay penned by Nora Ephron.

The movie was shot at authentic spots such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Washington Square Park, and Katz’s Delicatessen. Harry Connick Jr.’s tunes, which include popular standards, create a cozy big band atmosphere that complements the film’s visual imagery associated with the seasons. Collaborating closely with the city, the production team captured daily routines around bookstores, cafes, and sidewalks as autumn and holidays draw near.

‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ (1987)

A marketing professional is racing against time to reach Chicago for Thanksgiving from New York, but fate conspires against him with airport closures and train re-routes. His unlikely travel companion? A shower curtain ring salesman on the move! This humorous tale unfolds in a movie titled “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” starring Steve Martin and John Candy under the direction of John Hughes.

Multiple locations experienced gunfire incidents, including several sets constructed in the Chicago region to mimic airports and highways. The movie’s plot revolves around the deadline for Thanksgiving, ensuring a compact timeline while connecting various modes of transportation to the busy holiday travel rush. The costumes and set design emphasize late autumn weather with bulky coats, slushy roads, and congested terminals overflowing with passengers.

‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)

The story unfolds in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, revolving around a teen who accidentally resurrects three witches. He then embarks on a desperate mission to prevent them from causing havoc before sunrise. Notable actors in this film are Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy portraying the Sanderson sisters. The story also features a band of local children well-versed in their town’s folklore.

In Salem and Marblehead, the filming took place to showcase colonial buildings, graveyards, and streets adorned for Halloween. Costumes blend historical accuracy with a touch of witchcraft, while the music and special effects emphasize candlelight and cobblestone paths. The plot incorporates local history museums, school corridors, and town centers to maintain a connection with community customs.

‘Scent of a Woman’ (1992)

A high school student, who attends a preparatory school, accepts a short-term position caring for a former military officer in his retirement. Unexpectedly, they embark on a spontaneous adventure to New York City during Thanksgiving weekend. Al Pacino and Chris O’Donnell star in this film, with Martin Brest serving as the director.

Some popular spots in New York featured in the movie are the Waldorf Astoria, the Pierre, and restaurants downtown that seem bustling with holiday diners. The school scenes were filmed at actual universities to create an authentic academic environment for the storyline focusing on discipline. The filming schedule coincides with a long weekend, providing opportunities for city tours, a dining experience with live music, and an overnight stay in a hotel, all of which align with the holiday timeline.

‘October Sky’ (1999)

The movie, titled “October Sky,” is based on Homer Hickam’s memoir, “Rocket Boys.” This film tells the story of a young boy from a coal mining family who develops an intense interest in rocketry after the launch of Sputnik. In this production, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, and Laura Dern take on leading roles, while Joe Johnston serves as director.

Production constructed a town similar to Coalwood in rural areas, with streets adorned with trees and mining structures, as autumn gives way to winter’s approach. The narrative connects the planning for the science fair with the academic year, while outdoor rocket experiments utilize crisp afternoons and barren branches as visual cues. The film version maintains its emphasis on family, educators, and a gang of pals who gather post-school hours to design and test their creations.

‘Practical Magic’ (1998)

In a quaint coastal town of Massachusetts, two enchanting yet cursed sisters navigate their lives, as their family’s ancient spell interferes with matters of love and security. Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing take on captivating roles as the aunts in this production, while Griffin Dunne masterfully guides the directorial helm.

The Owens house was constructed as a provisional set for filming purposes, featuring interior designs reminiscent of Victorian aesthetics which harmonize beautifully with autumn decorations and community Halloween events. The narrative incorporates quaint small-town settings such as a bakery, a police station, and a greenhouse in the backyard, offering insight into everyday life. The plot is subtly interwoven with elements of music, moonlit visuals, and a thrilling sequence set on a night filled with broomsticks, tying it to seasonal customs.

‘Coco’ (2017)

The movie unfolds on Mexico’s Day of the Dead, telling the story of a boy yearning to play music who ventures into the realm of the dead to discover more about his kinship. Lee Unkrich served as director alongside co-director Adrian Molina, with Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, and Benjamin Bratt providing their voices for the characters.

Pixar’s artists delved into exploring altars, marigolds, papel picado, and cemetery visits to capture traditions celebrated during the first days of November. The animation team created intricate cityscapes with a warm glow mimicking candlelit vigils and nighttime parades. The emotional song “Remember Me” is seamlessly integrated into the storyline as a tribute to family memories, while the plot line syncs up with school holidays and community events.

‘Prisoners’ (2013)

On Thanksgiving Day, two teenage girls mysteriously vanish in a small town in Pennsylvania, sending a concerned father and a diligent detective on separate but related investigative journeys. The tension mounts as the search for the missing girls becomes more urgent. Starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, with Denis Villeneuve at the helm.

The film’s narrative is based in the Northeast, but most of the shooting was done around Atlanta to depict overcast skies, wet roads, and late fall foliage. The production design features seasonal decorations for holidays within homes and shops, while detective work occurs in rain-soaked parking lots and dimly lit interiors. The storyline’s timing is such that families gather together and the town exhibits a unique mix of bustle and quietness.

‘You’ve Got Mail’ (1998)

In a unique twist, two rivals who run bookstores encounter each other digitally, despite their cutthroat competition offline. The initial part of this heartwarming tale unfolds in the bustling cityscape of New York, specifically during the time when students are returning to school. Featuring the acting talents of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, the film was masterfully directed by Nora Ephron who also contributed to its scriptwriting.

Locations on Upper West Side feature establishments like Zabar’s, Riverside Park, and quaint stores adorned with pumpkins, window displays, and community events. To maintain an authentic feel, the series utilized genuine apartments and cafes for filming. The progression from back-to-school shopping to winter celebrations mirrors the developing romantic storyline and the journey of a standalone business.

‘Dead Poets Society’ (1989)

As the new academic year commences, a renowned English teacher joins an esteemed prep school, inspiring pupils to explore literature from unique perspectives. Robin Williams takes on the lead role in this story, joined by Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke as his students. The film is helmed by Peter Weir.

The movie was filmed at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware, which served as a substitute for a Vermont university. This allowed for realistic-looking classrooms and dormitories. Scenes featuring rowing, chapel meetings, and study sessions were all scheduled according to an autumnal calendar. The costumes, consisting of blazers and wool coats, mirrored the weather and helped distinguish faculty members, senior students, and first-year students.

‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ (2009)

In simple terms, the story unfolds as a sly fox resumes stealing from nearby farms, triggering a sequence of incidents that ultimately involve his entire community in a dispute with three affluent farmers. This tale was brought to life by Wes Anderson in a stop-motion animated version, featuring voiceovers by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and Bill Murray, based on the Roald Dahl book.

The animation showcases miniature landscapes with orchards, root cellars, and ripe-for-picking fields. The tone is earthy, with warm browns and golds prevailing, while the music incorporates banjos, whistling, and lively schoolyard songs that evoke a festive autumn ambiance. The narrative emphasizes family bonding over meals and burrow hideouts, seamlessly integrating these elements into the storyline of seasonal capers.

‘Pieces of April’ (2003)

In a compact New York residence, a budding cook named Katie prepares her debut Thanksgiving feast to rekindle bonds with her family, who have come for a visit. Katie Holmes plays the lead role alongside Patricia Clarkson, Derek Luke, Oliver Platt, and Alison Pill. Peter Hedges is both the writer and director of this heartwarming production.

Filmed on a modest budget using authentic apartments and building corridors, this movie portrays the frantic search for an oven and the gathering of ingredients in a gritty, realistic manner. The story unfolds within a span of one day, emphasizing the hurly-burly of kitchen preparations, city errands, and a journey from suburbs. The holiday atmosphere provides context to the array of neighbors, family interactions, and last-minute table adjustments.

‘The Ice Storm’ (1997)

During the Thanksgiving season in suburban Connecticut, two neighboring families deal with evolving connections while contending with a severe storm. The cast features Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Christina Ricci, and Tobey Maguire. Ang Lee oversaw the film adaptation of Rick Moody’s novel.

The setting, costumes, and interior design accurately depict the era, with sweaters, wooden interiors, and homes decorated for festive occasions. Filming took place in towns like New Canaan, offering tranquil streets and secluded gardens as backdrops. The plot weaves together a train schedule, dinner invitation, and a winter storm within a single week, thus creating an intense local atmosphere of tension.

‘Rushmore’ (1998)

As the new academic year unfolds, I find myself immersed in a whirlwind of extracurricular activities, performances, and a multifaceted bond with a distinguished entrepreneur – all while attending an exclusive educational institution. Remarkably, this intriguing narrative bears resemblance to the plot of “Rushmore,” masterfully directed by Wes Anderson, featuring Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray in starring roles.

The movie was filmed at St. John’s School in Houston and Lamar High School, where they built classrooms, chapels, and athletic fields that looked authentic with everyday use. Activities such as fencing practice, attending church services, and after-school clubs structured the storyline into meetings, notices, and events. The soundtrack, featuring songs from British Invasion bands, added to the film’s atmosphere of auditions, gatherings, and practices that mimicked a real school calendar.

‘Remember the Titans’ (2000)

In Alexandria, Virginia, a freshly unified high school football team faces a tumultuous season under a strict new head coach. The movie stars Denzel Washington, with Will Patton, Wood Harris, and Ryan Hurst playing significant roles. Boaz Yakin served as the director.

Here’s another variation:

Alexandria, Virginia’s newly merged high school football squad experiences a challenging season under the guidance of a tough new coach. Denzel Washington leads the cast, with Will Patton, Wood Harris, and Ryan Hurst in pivotal roles. Boaz Yakin is credited as the director.

And another option:

The high school football team recently combined in Alexandria, Virginia faces an intense season led by a demanding new coach. Denzel Washington spearheads the cast, with Will Patton, Wood Harris, and Ryan Hurst playing crucial parts. Boaz Yakin directed the film.

The narrative unfolds around Friday games, journeys on school buses to competing stadiums during fall, as well as preparations and training sessions that shape its course. The majority of filming was done in Georgia, utilizing authentic fields and neighborhood settings. Parades, school gatherings, and class scenes connect the team’s progression with the academic calendar and community traditions related to the sport, all set within a Virginia-based school setting.

Share your favorite fall set films in the comments so everyone can build a cozy season watchlist.

2025-09-07 08:17