‘Tis the season where red, orange and yellow leaves cover the sidewalks, cozy sweaters and boots are retrieved from closets and hot drinks are back in style. Fall is here, and there is no better way to settle into the season than by diving into these movies, TV shows and albums that perfectly align with the comforting feelings of fall.

Movies

“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (1973)

For those looking for an old-fashioned sense of nostalgia and classic childlike wonder, there are no better characters to follow than the famous “Peanuts” crew as they take on Thanksgiving. Charlie Brown must figure out how to host the perfect Thanksgiving dinner after Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends to Charlie Brown’s house, while Linus recruits Snoopy and Woodstock to help prepare a table full of toast, popcorn, ice cream sundaes, pretzel sticks, and jellybeans for the holiday dinner. As the friends share an unconventional Thanksgiving meal, they learn what it means to be grateful for true friendship. Pair this film with “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966) to cherish the fall feeling before the weather turns even colder.

“Legally Blonde” (2001)

This box-office success jumpstarted Reese Witherspoon’s career toward stardom in her portrayal as the fashionable and intelligent Elle Woods. Though initially chasing her ex-boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (Matthew Davis), to Harvard Law School to win him back, Elle proves she’s more than a typical blonde sorority girl and works her way up to becoming a successful lawyer. 

Set in Cambridge at Harvard University, the iconic film features a phenomenal cast alongside Witherspoon and Davis with stars like Victor Garber, Selma Blair, Luke Wilson and Jennifer Coolidge. This empowering film is the perfect inspiration to work hard and stay ambitious, surely leading to academic success this fall semester just like Elle. 

“Little Women” (2019)

Written and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Greta Gerwig, this 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale perfectly emanates the warm spirit of fall, as the film is set in 19th-century Massachusetts. Gerwig’s adaptation is sure to warm hearts and has cinematography featuring the beautiful New England foliage. 

With a star-studded cast including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern and Timothée Chalamet, this coming-of-age story follows the lives of the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. The sisters are all trying to figure out their place in life while growing up in rural Concord. The film touches hearts as it tackles themes of family, feminism and ambition.

TV Shows

“Gilmore Girls” (2000-2007)

Set in the fictional but charming town of Stars Hollow, “Gilmore Girls” might just be the best fall pick of all time. The show follows single mother Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her journey as she raises her daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel). The two go through the ups and downs of life together while sporting cozy fall outfits, participating in Star Hollow’s crazy seasonal events and embracing a love for hot coffee no matter the time of day. Lorelai and Rory reconnect with Rory’s grandparents, Emily (Kelly Bishop) and Richard (Edward Herrmann), in the pleasant New England region where appreciation for autumn is sure to be at its peak.

“Anne with an E” (2017-2019)

Taking place on Prince Edward Island, Canada, this loose television adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel “Anne of Green Gables” features the stunning natural sights of the Canadian province. Combined with Anne’s affinity for all things related to nature and creative storytelling, this cozy show is perfect for fall. Anne (Amybeth McNulty) is taken in by the Cuthbert siblings, and the series follows her exploring life in her new home as she discovers who she is. Anne is full of spirit and adventure, changing the lives of the people she meets in her small town of Avonlea.

“This is Us” (2017-2022)

This powerful show about families coming in all shapes and sizes makes for a perfect watch this fall. The Pearson family is less than typical, but a heartwarming example of how families can look drastically different from one another and still overcome any challenge together. 

The series stars Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia as Rebecca and Jack Pearson, respectively, who share a beautiful love story that starts their family. The series features warm, emotional cinematography and music that fits with the feeling of fall. It’s the season of feeling cozy and there is no cozier feeling than being surrounded by family and love, especially during the chilly season of fall.  

Music

“Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)” by Noah Kahan

A Vermont native, Noah Kahan is no stranger to the wonders of New England during fall. The folk-pop singer has released many acoustic songs, giving his music a warm and comforting feeling. Kahan’s most recent album is filled with emotionally powerful lyrics and tons of references to New England’s famous fall foliage, as well as the spooky Halloween season. It truly is the season of the sticks, so what better time to stream this album than during autumn?

Album Highlight: “The View Between Villages – Extended”

“Red (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift

Filled with a range of songs about topics from staying home and being cozy to dealing with complicated feelings of heartbreak, this album is perfect for a good night in and getting some relaxation. Taylor Swift is famous for her anthems, and this album has no shortage of them. “Autumn leaves falling down” has most certainly begun this season, and “Red (Taylor’s Version)” does a beautiful job of encapsulating the warmth of fall in the stories told by Swift’s lyricism.

Album Highlight: “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version) (10 Minute Version)”

“Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac

This timeless album containing iconic songs like “The Chain” and “Dreams” never seems to go out of style. The calm, familiar warmth of the music gives listeners a sense of comfort that is perfect for a good fall listen. Fleetwood Mac is a classic band and makes for a perfect listen year-round, but the relaxing vocals and instrumentals match up with the feeling of settling into fall as the leaves start changing color and coming down from the trees.

Album Highlight: “Never Going Back Again”

Even as the weather becomes colder and the leaves start falling, this season is always special and provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy these picks for the fall.