It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing colors, and the sweaters are being put on. School is back in session, and while it doesn’t quite look like it yet, autumn has arrived to Robinson. If you are looking to embrace the spooky season but are having a hard time because of the seemingly unending summer currently consuming Tampa, these movies are for you.
1. ‘When Harry Met Sally’ (1989)
While the leaves are dying this season, the love is blossoming. “When Harry Met Sally” is a rom-com set in the beautiful backdrop that is New York City. This movie is iconic for it’s autumnal setting. We get to see Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal take a walk in Central Park with the leaves actively falling behind them as they partake in mundane chatter about life. Additionally, the characters are almost exclusively wearing sweaters. This paired with the warm, burnt color palette utilized make this movie the perfect watch to get in the fall mood.
2. ‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)
For most of us, fall is subconsciously associated with the back-to-school season. And “Good Will Hunting” is an immaculate capitalization of this subconsciousness. It gets that part of our brain that loves the look of academia ticking. Starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Robin Williams, “Good Will Hunting” is a movie about self-discovery and finding purpose. The picturesque New England setting and the scholastic nature of this movie can get almost anyone motivated for the start of school.
3. ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ (2004)
While any of the movies I have compiled here could be a rewatch for you, none is more likely than this one. However, if you should have to rewatch any movie, “The Prisoner of Azkaban” is an excellent choice. This movie is considered a ‘fall movie’ in most books because of it’s distinct atmospheric visuals. Pumpkins in front of Hagrid’s hut, and cozy, long-sleeved wardrobes just emanates autumn.
4. ‘Practical Magic’ (1998)
Why is it that witches are linked to autumn? Perhaps it is the proximity to halloween, or maybe it is the it is the atmosphere of change surrounding the season. Either way, there is no better time to watch “Practical Magic” than now. This movie follows Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens, (Nicole Kidman) two sisters who have become outcasts in their hometown for their classification as witches. Nothing has ever stirred the autumnal spirit within me quicker than the accompaniment of the song “Crystal” by Stevie Nicks with a child casting a spell at twilight.
No matter if you are in the mood for romance, fantasy, nostalgia, or just that indescribable feeling of change that comes with a unique season like fall, there is something here for you. Instead of looking out the window sorrowfully at the sad sight that is autumn in Florida, I urge you to try out these movies for that feeling of fall that we all perpetually search for in these coming months.
