Cozy Autumn Movies Inspired by Books

October 13, 2023

Literature

Nesha Ruther

Writer at Bond & Grace

The weather is getting colder and the drinks warmer, perfect for a movie night with your favorite fall films. Huddle in close for our favorite cozy autumn movies, all based on books of course!

Practical Magic (1998)

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star in this hilarious, heartwarming movie about two witch-sisters who can’t keep their respective romances alive–literally. A fall classic for the ages, if you’re not swooning over the romance you will over their dreamy victorian house.

The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Based on the children’s book by Roald Dahl, this movie is Wes Anderson at his most Wes Anderson-y. Not only does the entire plot revolve around an apple cider heist, but the orange and brown color scheme that permeates the whole movie sets the coziest of fall mood.

Coraline (2009)

When curious, precocious Coraline Jones moves into a new house, she finds a door that leads to another world, where everything is like home only better. Visually stunning with just the right amount of fear to keep you on the edge of your seat, Coraline is Neil Gaiman and director Henry Selick at their very best.

Little Women (2019)

This classic novel has charmed readers for over a century. Now, Greta Gerwig has blessed us with a future classic sure to inspire for just as long. With a standout performance by Florence Pugh who made us love the world's most annoying little sister, this fall film will break your heart and stitch it back together.

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Matilda (1996)

No fall movie list would be complete without the little girl who taught us to love reading, to never give up, and to use our superpowers to play elaborate pranks on the cruel adults who mistreat us! Okay, maybe scratch that last one. A hilarious, wholesome, and heartfelt movie, Matilda is perfect for indulging your inner child.

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Dead Poets Society (1989)

This one is a doozy folks. Whether you’re crying because of the plot, or crying because we live in a world without Robin Williams, Dead Poets Society will leave you crying. But it also without a doubt a beautiful, inspiring, perfect-for-fall film. Give those tear ducts a workout.

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You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Its a Nora Ephron Autumn! Complete with chunky sweaters, cozy interiors, and charming if eccentric protagonists! We wish we could live in Nora Ephron-land all the time. Also, before you get on us, saying “You’ve Got Mail is not based on a book”… its based on a play, by Hungarian writer Miklós László, it counts!

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Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Johnny Depp shines as Ichabod Crane and at this point, Tim Burton practically owns Halloween. A re-telling of a classic ghost story, between Depp’s acting and Burton’s direction, this timeless tale of decapitation doesn’t disappoint.

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Election (1999)

Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick face off in the most iconic high school-election film of all time. Tracy Flick is a high-strung overachiever running for Class President, Jim McAllister is a morally questionable teacher bent on stopping her. Chaos ensues.

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E.T. (1982)

Mystery, wonder, kids riding bikes everywhere; under Spielberg’s steady hand, the entire 80s seem to have been one long autumn. Witness this iconic film and the world’s cutest halloween ghost costume in all its glory.

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