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18 Classic Films That Feel like Autumn
Pour yourself some apple cider (maybe add a little whiskey), and nestle in with these classics.
If you asked us, when the leaves start to turn and a chill hits the air, there's no better time to curl up with a cozy blanket, your favourite Autumn beverage, and a classic film. Whether you're looking for love, laughs, or something to keep the whole family entertained, we've rounded up some of the most iconic Autumn films ever made, featuring football, high school elections, holiday romances, and more. Now pop the popcorn, heat up the cider, and get your watch list ready to fall hard for these Autumn films.
Dead Poets Society
Year: 1989
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Back to school. Charismatic teachers. Prep School uniforms.
Filmed at: St. Andrew's School in Middletown, Delaware.
Director: Peter Weir
Favourite Quote: "No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world." - John Keating
When Harry Met Sally
Year: 1989
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Autumn walks under the leaves in Central Park. Meg Ryan's hats and blazers.
Filmed in: New York City
Director: Rob Reiner
Favourite Quote: "I came here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." - Harry Burns
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Year: 2009
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: The feasting, the family and friends, and of course Wes Anderson's signature autumnal colour palette.
Director: Wes Anderson
Favourite Quote: "We're all different. Especially him. But there's something kind of fantastic about that, isn't there?" - Mrs. Fox
Scent of a Woman
Year: 1992
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Ferrari rides the the streets of New York. Dinner at the Oak Room overlooking Central Park. The looming pressure of Thanksgiving.
Filmed in: New York City
Director: Martin Brest
Favourite Quote: "Whoo-ah!" - Lt. Col. Frank Slade
St. Elmo's Fire
Year: 1985
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Car rides through falling leaves, family dinners, and chunky sweaters.
Filmed in: Washington, D.C.
Director: Joel Schumacher
Favourite Quote: "You break my heart. Then again, you break everyone's heart." - Jules
Flay Away Home
Year: 1996
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Ducks flying south for winter, the beauty of the autumnal wilderness.
Filmed in: Ontario, Canada
Director: Carroll Ballard
Favourite Quote: "Thats a wonderful idea. Birds follow me, I follow you, and we all head south." - Amy Alden
Far From Heaven
Year: 2002
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Autumn in Connecticut, shades of red, and the suburbs getting ready for winter.
Filmed in: New Jersey
Director: Todd Haynes
Favourite Quote: "Call me old fashioned, I just like all the men I'm around to be all men." - Eleanor Fine
Good Will Hunting
Year: 1997
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: School starting up again in New England, foliage on the Harvard's campus, and apples. (Apple picking is a fall thing, right?)
Filmed in: Greater Boston and Toronto
Director: Gus Van Sant
Favourite Quote: "Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself." - Sean
Rudy
Year: 1993
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Football, back to school, and Notre Dame's campus.
Filmed in: Illinois and Indiana.
Director: David Anspaugh
Favourite Quote: "Well, you know what my dad always said, Having dreams is what makes life tolerable" - Pete
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Year: 1987
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Thanksgiving, coats, and holiday travel.
Filmed in: Chicago and New York
Director: John Hughes
Favourite Quote: "If they told you wolverines would make good house pets, would you believe them?" - Del
Practical Magic
Year: 1998
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Witches, small towns, and candlelight.
Filmed in: Washington
Director: Griffin Dunne
Favourite Quote: "I dream of a love that even time will lie down and be still for." - Sally Owens
Stepmom
Year: 1998
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Changing weather, family drama, and cozy sweaters.
Filmed in: New York
Director: Chris Columbus
Favourite Quote: "Just because you can't see something, doesn't mean it isn't there." - Jackie Harrison
Love Story
Year: 1970
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: College, fall semester at Harvard, and plaid skirts.
Filmed in: Massachusetts
Director: Arthur Hiller
Favourite Quote: "Love means never having to say you're sorry." - Oliver Barrett IV
Autumn In New York
Year: 2000
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: The title, the NYC benefit scene, and fall foliage in Central Park.
Filmed in: New York City
Director: Joan Chen
Favourite Quote: "Boy, do you look guilty!" - Charlotte
Rushmore
Year: 1998
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: Back to school, Max Fisher's hat, and the Halloween scene in the courtyard.
Filmed at: St. John's School in Houston, Texas
Director: Wes Anderson
Favourite Quote: "I saved Latin. What did you ever do?" - Max
You've Got Mail
Year: 1998
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: See quote below.
Filmed in: New York City
Director: Nora Ephron
Favourite Quote: "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." - Joe Fox
October Sky
Year: 1999
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: October, sunsets, flannels, and friends.
Filmed in: Tennessee
Director: Joe Johnston
Favourite Quote: "I'll tell you what's unbelievable... captain of the football team being jealous of you." - Roy Lee
Election
Year: 1999
Reason it reminds us of Autumn: High School election time in the start of fall and autumn in suburbia.
Filmed in: Omaha, Nebraska.
Director: Alexander Payne
Favourite Quote: "Being suspended is like getting a paid vacation. Why do they think it's a punishment? It's like your dog pees on the carpet and you give him a treat" - Tammy Metzler
Sam Dangremond is a Contributing Digital Editor at Town & Country, where he covers men's style, cocktails, travel, and the social scene.
Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.
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