By Charlie Kendellen
As the darker and colder nights are finally here, signifying autumn (at last!), what better time to indulge in some cosy films for a themed movie night with a friend or a solo night in. I have whipped up a selection of some of the best cosy autumnal themed films that I think go under the radar this time of year — whether you’re looking for a seasonal horror film, or even a cosy comedy against the backdrop of autumn, there should be a little something on this list for all season enthusiasts!
Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
Dir. Michael Dougherty
Trick ‘r Treat is a staple for this time of year! Whether you’re already a seasoned genre fan, or you’re just dipping your toe into the genre, this film is a real treat. The film follows an anthology of four interconnected stories — all taking place on Halloween night. The horror-comedy stars a few familiar faces, including Brian Cox, Anna Paquin and Dylan Baker. If you haven’t yet seen this one, now is the perfect time to catch up.
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Dir. George Miller
From the director of Mad Max (1979), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024), The Witches of Eastwick is an unabashedly campy romp. Starring an ensemble cast of industry legends, Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michele Pfeiffer, this film is a must-watch for October. The film follows three single, unassuming women who have all their wishes granted when a mysterious man is thrust into their lives.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Dir. John Fawcett
Ginger Snaps is something of a cult classic in the horror scene, and for good reason. The film can be interpreted as a rather unsubtle menstruation allegory — don’t be fooled by the director, this film was written by a woman (Karen Walton)! The film is often categorised in the ‘monstrous feminine’ subgenre, a term coined by Barabara Creed in her quintessential book of the same name, blending feminism, horror, and psychoanalysis. Ginger Snaps tells the tale of two outcast sisters Ginger and Brigette, who are obsessed with death. Ginger gets bitten by a wild animal on the night of her first period and well, Ginger… snaps.
Panic Room (2002)-Dir. David Fincher
Yes, we all know David Fincher by now. Fight Club (1999), Se7en (1995), Gone Girl (2014), Zodiac (2007) — but what about his ideal rainy-day thriller Panic Room? Starring Jodie Foster and Kristen Stewart as a mother-daughter duo, who are terrorised by a group of intruders on their first night in a new house. Using Fincher’s now iconic steely colour palette against the backdrop of autumn in New York, Panic Room is the perfect evening watch for this time of year!
Death Becomes Her (1992)
Dir. Robert Zemeckis
If you liked Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance (2024), you are bound to love Death Becomes Her.
With a stellar cast consisting of Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, and Isabella Rossellini, what’s not to like? The film shamelessly combines comedy, fantasy, and horror to conjure up this gloriously satirical camp fest that attempts to shed light on ridiculous beauty standards, particularly for aging women in the industry.
Well there you have it! Some slightly lesser known autumnal themed films to keep you company this season.