My Fave Feel-Good Films of Fall

20+ movies to warm the heart during the cozy days of autumn.

There’s nothing like a good movie to wind down the day and remind you of the joys of life before you drift off into dreamland. The month of reactivating our streaming services has come! It’s always fun to have a little something indoors to look forward to when the days get shorter, darker, and colder. Although it’s Friday the 13th, I’m listing the movies that leave me feeling cozy and warm inside, my fave feel-good films of fall.

Many of these recommendations are based in Europe, and especially the UK. There’s something about the English countryside, brick dormitories, and a posh accent that feels extra October-like. Maybe it’s because they experience almost as much rain as we do here in Victoria? Either way, make a pot of tea, grab a blanket, and enjoy.

Julie & Julia (2009)

I hadn’t watched this one in years and to my surprise, it was available during our flight to Saskatoon last week. Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci dining in Paris, Amy Adams blogging and cooking in Brooklyn - it’s like your favourite comfort food in the form of a film. Following the lives of Julia Child and Julie Powell as they navigate cooking, writing, and relationships. Bon Appetit!

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

If you didn’t catch the reference, the name of my newsletter happens to be based off this movie. Another Nora Ephron classic (along with Julie & Julia), I cannot resist a good romance with serendipitous connections, New York brownstones, and dial-up internet. This story follows two book store owners as they fall in love anonymously over email.

Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s take on the 1868 classic novel hosts a stellar cast and offers a sensitive retelling of this timeless tale. The story follows four sisters and their varying personalities and fortunes, as they navigate life during the Civil War. Oh and did I mention… Timothee Chalamet.

About Time (2013)

A young British man with the ability to time travel tries to change his past in hopes of improving his future. It’s a beautifully romantic story about love, family, and how the imperfections of our lives make it all worth while.

Practical Magic (1998)

You knew this one would be on the list! Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play sisters who descended from a long line of witches. Raised by their aunts, they are taught the uses of practical magic as they grow up. They own a beautiful apothecary, live in an old Victorian home, and must destroy an evil spirit. A classic tale including broomsticks, candles, and margaritas.

Where’d You Go Bernadette (2019)

A fiercely intelligent architect-turned-agoraphobe, Cate Blanchett, lives with her husband and daughter in Seattle. This entertaining (and stylish) film about family coming to terms with who they are and the power of their love for one another always leaves me feeling inspired.

Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

A progressive art history teacher in 1953 (Julia Roberts), teaches at a conservative and respectable all-female College. She encourages her students to question and disregard the outdated societal roles for women and empowers them to follow personal aspirations. This classic campus film has a stellar cast and premium fall fashion.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

This coming-of-age film is set in 1959 at an elite boarding school for boys where the English teacher, Robin Williams, inspires his students through teachings of poetry. A heart-warming tear jerker that will encourage you to seize the day and make your life extraordinary. Carpe diem!

Paddington 2 (2017)

Happily settled with the Brown family in London, Paddington becomes a local celebrity by performing small acts of kindness. When a cherished pop-up book is stolen, Paddington is wrongfully accused of the crime and must go to prison to clear his name and find the true culprit. All the feel-good vibes.

School of Rock (2003)

A down-on-his-luck rock musician (Jack Black) poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Discovering his students' hidden musical talents, he forms a rock band with them to compete in a local battle of the bands. Of course, this all has to be keep secret from the principle.

More Feel-Good Fall Films:

The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Notting Hill (1999)
Ratatouille (2007)
Harry Potter (2001-2011)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Matilda (1996)
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Feel-good Fall TV Series:

Ted Lasso (2020-2023)
Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Sex Education (2019-2023)
Wednesday (2022)
Only Murders in the Building (2021-2024)
The Great British Baking Show (2010-2024)

What are you watching these days?
What feel-good movies/shows did I miss?