Sometimes you just want to watch something fall or Halloween-themed that’s not going to make you feel like you have to check for monsters under the bed before you go to sleep at night. Personally, I am NOT a horror movie fan (or really a fan of anything remotely scary). Even if you are, sometimes you may just be in the mood for something cozy and fun. So, here are 11 non-scary shows and movies that I think are perfect for the fall season.
1. Gilmore Girls
Are you surprised that Gilmore Girls is at the top of this list? You definitely shouldn’t be. It’s my favorite show of all time, and I think fall is the perfect time to watch (or rewatch) the series that follows the lives of mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory.
There are quite a few fall-themed episodes over the seven season span of the show. My favorite? “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9), which follows Rory and Lorelai as they attend not one, not two, not three, but four Thanksgiving celebrations in one day. Looking for more episodes to watch this fall? Check out this list of fall-themed Gilmore Girls episodes.
2. It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown, Lucy, and the gang go trick or treating while Linus and Sally wait for the Great Pumpkin in the pumpkin patch. It’s a classic for a reason, and one that I rewatch every fall right before Halloween.
3. Hocus Pocus
Follow Max, Dani, and Allison as they try to prevent three witches from becoming immortal in this Halloween classic that you won’t make you scared of your own shadow- sign me up!
4. Halloweentown
When Marnie turns 13 she finds out that she’s a witch, and then must help her witch grandmother save Halloweentown- a magical place where creatures like werewolves and ghosts live apart from humans. If you love this one, check out the other three movies in the series!
5. Twitches (& Twitches Too)
Twitches has been one of my favorite Halloween movies since I was a little girl. It follows twin witches (or “twitches” if you will) Camryn and Alex as they try to save their kingdom, Coventry, from the power of darkness. Twitches Too, its sequel, also follows Camryn and Alex as they go on a journey to save their biological dad.
Also, did you know that the movies are based on books? I didn’t until recently, but I bet a younger me would have loved to read them!
6. Spooky Buddies
If you’re looking for a cute Halloween movie featuring dogs, here you go. This movie that follows five golden retriever puppies’ Halloween adventure is very cute and kid-friendly, making it perfect for a family movie night.
7. Friday Night Lights
Moving away from Halloween-themed movies, Friday Night Lights (the series) is another fall favorite of mine. The show follows a high school football team in the small town of Dillon, Texas. There’s a lot drama, an amazing cast, and well… what goes better together than fall and football?
8. Remember the Titans
Again, fall and football just go together perfectly. So if you don’t feel like starting a series, Remember the Titans is a classic!
9. Friends
Friends has had quite a few fall and holiday themed episodes over the seasons. Some of my favorite episodes to watch during fall include:
- “The One Where Underdog Gets Away” (Season 1, Episode 9)
- “The One With The Football” (Season 3, Episode 9)
- “The One With All The Thanksgivings” (Season 5, Episode 8)
- “The One Where Ross Got High” (Season 6, Episode 9)
- “The One With The Halloween Party” (Season 8, Episode 6)
- “The One With The Rumor” (Season 8, Episode 9)
- “The One With The Late Thanksgiving” (Season 10, Episode 8)
10. This Is Us
This Is Us is a tearjerker at times, but it’s also cozy and family-centric. A personal favorite fall-themed episode of mine is “Pilgrim Rick” (Season 1, Episode 8) where we learn the story behind the pilgrim hat that has become a Pearson family Thanksgiving tradition.
11. Virgin River
Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, Virgin River follows nurse practitioner Mel as she moves to the small town of Virgin River and begins working at their medical clinic. There’s drama, love stories, beautiful scenery, and the town is as cozy as can be, making the show a perfect one to watch during the fall season.
What are your favorite shows and movies to watch during fall?
Let me know down below. And pin the image below to come back to this list later!
