15 Family Movies That Feel Like Fall (But Aren’t Halloween Movies)
There’s something about fall that makes us want to curl up on the couch, grab a blanket, and put on a good movie. Maybe it’s the cooler evenings, the earlier sunsets, or the fact that spending a Friday night at home suddenly sounds like the best possible plan.
And while we love a good Halloween movie, some of our favorite fall movies have absolutely nothing to do with Halloween.
Sometimes it’s the setting: golden leaves, cozy cottages, enchanted forests, or a charming little town. Other times it’s the feeling: back-to-school excitement, a little mystery, childhood nostalgia, or a story that makes you want to stay tucked under a blanket just a little longer.
Growing up, one of our favorite family traditions was watching Anne of Green Gables together while eating apple slices. Nothing particularly elaborate, just all of us gathered around the television with a bowl of apples. But even now, the thought of that movie brings back such a cozy, familiar feeling.
And isn’t it funny how certain movies become tied to a season, even when they’re not necessarily about that season?
We started thinking about all the movies that give us that same feeling and came up with fifteen family favorites that seem especially perfect for fall.
A quick note: We’ve chosen G and PG-rated movies for this list, with the exception of the unrated Anne of Green Gables miniseries. Every child and family is different, and some of these movies include frightening scenes, sad moments, or heavier themes. We always encourage parents to look into a movie’s content before watching with younger children.
Crisp Leaves, Cozy Places & Fall Nostalgia
1. Anne of Green Gables (1985)
Rating: Not Rated | Television miniseries
We grew up watching Anne of Green Gables together as sisters, usually with a bowl of apple slices, and it still brings back the coziest childhood memories. Between the beautiful Prince Edward Island countryside, Anne’s wonderful imagination, and the old-fashioned charm of Avonlea, this one will always feel like fall to us.
2. Little Women (1994 or 2019)
Rating: PG
The March sisters’ story of family, friendship, and growing up is made even more beautiful by the warm New England scenery, cozy family gatherings, and changing seasons. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to light a candle, grab a blanket, and spend the evening at home.
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Rating: PG
A clever fox, three grumpy farmers, and a woodland community full of quirky characters make this such a fun family adventure. With its golden leaves, underground hideaways, and gorgeous orange-and-brown color palette, it might be one of the most autumn-looking movies ever made.
4. Christopher Robin (2018)
Rating: PG
When a grown-up Christopher Robin reunites with Winnie the Pooh, he’s reminded of the importance of friendship, imagination, and slowing down. The misty English countryside and familiar Hundred Acre Wood characters make this a particularly cozy choice for a blustery afternoon.
5. Remember the Titans (2000)
Rating: PG
Fall means football season, and this inspiring story of a newly integrated high school football team is full of heart, teamwork, and important lessons about friendship and respect. It’s a wonderful choice for a family movie night with older kids.
A Little Mystery, a Little Magic
6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Rating: PG
Between the excitement of a new school year at Hogwarts, cozy common rooms, floating candles, and pumpkins filling the Great Hall, the first Harry Potter movie practically feels made for October. It’s full of childhood wonder, magical discoveries, and just the right amount of mystery.
7. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Rating: G
Follow Basil of Baker Street as he solves a mysterious disappearance in the foggy streets of Victorian London. With its old-fashioned detective atmosphere, clever clues, and slightly spooky moments, this is a fun October adventure.
8. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Rating: G
A charming French village, an enchanted forest, and a mysterious castle filled with glowing fireplaces and talking furniture make this fairytale especially cozy. And who wouldn’t want to spend a rainy fall afternoon in Belle’s beautiful library?
9. Matilda (1996)
Rating: PG
A brilliant little girl, an unforgettable school, a wonderfully kind teacher, and a touch of magic make Matilda such a fun back-to-school movie. We especially love the bookish atmosphere and the reminder that even the smallest person can make a big difference.
10. The Princess Bride (1987)
Rating: PG
Sword fights, mysterious forests, pirates, giants, and one of the most quotable adventures ever make this a family movie-night classic. There’s something especially cozy about the movie’s storybook beginning, with a grandfather reading a beloved tale to his grandson.
Woodland Adventures & a Touch of Wonder
11. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Rating: G
The unlikely friendship between a young fox and a hound puppy unfolds against beautiful woodland scenery and changing seasons. It’s a sweet, sometimes heartbreaking story that feels right at home on a quiet fall afternoon.
12. The Wild Robot (2024)
Rating: PG
When a robot becomes stranded on a wild island, she forms an unexpected family among the animals who live there. With breathtaking forests, migrating geese, gorgeous autumn colors, and a heartfelt story about love and belonging, this one feels especially fitting for fall.
13. Frozen II (2019)
Rating: PG
Elsa and Anna venture into a mysterious enchanted forest filled with swirling winds, magical spirits, and brilliant red-and-gold leaves. The beautiful autumn scenery alone makes this one worth adding to your October movie-night list.
14. Coco (2017)
Rating: PG
With glowing marigolds, beautiful music, and a heartfelt story about family and remembrance, Coco is a wonderful movie to watch around Día de los Muertos. It’s a colorful, moving celebration of Mexican traditions and the importance of remembering those we love.
15. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Rating: PG
A young boy’s unlikely friendship with a stranded alien becomes an unforgettable childhood adventure. Between the suburban neighborhoods, Halloween costumes, and nighttime bike rides, E.T. has that wonderfully nostalgic October feeling.
A Cozy Fall Movie Night
One of the things we love most about family traditions is how often the simplest ones are the ones that stay with us.
We didn’t need anything elaborate to make our Anne of Green Gables movie nights special. Just a good story, some apple slices, and everyone gathered together.
And years later, that’s still what we remember.
We hope this list gives your family a few ideas for cozy evenings at home this fall. Maybe you’ll revisit an old favorite, introduce your kids to a movie you loved growing up, or discover something new together.
And who knows? Maybe one of these movies will become the one your kids remember watching every October, long after they’ve grown up.
We’d love to know: What movie feels like fall to you, even if it isn’t technically a fall movie? We’re always looking for more cozy family favorites to add to our list!
XO
The Threads Between Sisters
Where to Watch These Fall Family Movies
Ready for a cozy fall movie night? Here’s where you can find each of our favorites!
| Movie | Where to Watch |
|---|---|
| Anne of Green Gables (1985) | GazeboTV (rent or buy) |
| Little Women (2019) | Hulu |
| Fantastic Mr. Fox | Disney+ |
| Christopher Robin | Disney+ |
| Remember the Titans | Disney+, Hulu |
| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | Peacock, HBO Max |
| The Great Mouse Detective | Disney+ |
| Beauty and the Beast (1991) | Disney+ |
| Matilda (1996) | YouTube (free with ads) |
| The Princess Bride | Hulu |
| The Fox and the Hound | Disney+ |
| The Wild Robot | Prime Video |
| Frozen II | Disney+ |
| Coco | Disney+ |
| E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | Starz |
Streaming availability varies by location and can change. These are U.S. options as of October 2026. Check your streaming service for the latest availability.
If you are building out a cozy movie season, our list of heartfelt kids movies that will make you cry and these nostalgic childhood movies you forgot about pair perfectly with this one, and for the littlest viewers we keep a list of low-stimulation fall shows for toddlers.
