This season, we’re leaning into the art of the perfect cozy night in. Whether you’re planning a date night with your partner, a movie marathon with friends, or a little solo time for yourself, these 12 fall favorites are made for slowing down and settling in.
And because watching a movie together is about more than just what’s on screen, we’ve added a little inspiration for turning each pick into an opportunity to connect.
1. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Two people who can't agree on whether men and women can be just friends keep crossing paths in New York over twelve years.
Make it a date: Plan a “meet cute” date. Pretend you’re meeting for the first time and plan a first date for each other. No using your usual spots or routines.
Where to watch: Included on Peacock Premium, and it's also on Starz. You can rent or buy it on Prime Video, Apple TV
2. You've Got Mail (1998)
Two rival booksellers who can't stand each other in person fall for each other through anonymous emails. It's a love letter to New York in the fall.
Make it a date: Write each other a short “You've Got Mail”-style note. Tell your partner something you love about them that you don't say often enough. Exchange notes before the movie starts and read them afterward.
Where to watch: Rent or buy it on Apple TV and Prime Video.
3. Practical Magic (1998)
Two witch sisters try to outrun a family curse that dooms the men who love them. Bonus: the sequel is currently in theaters, so this is a good moment for a rewatch.
Make it a date: Make your own little ritual. Light a candle, make your favorite drinks, and each share one thing you want to invite more of into your relationship this season
Where to watch: HBO Max
4. Autumn in New York (2000)
A charming, commitment-shy restaurateur falls for a younger woman who is seriously ill. This one is a tearjerker with plenty of golden Central Park scenery.
Make it a date: Make the movie night intentionally phone-free. Put the devices away, get under the same blanket, and let yourselves be fully present for the story, and for each other.
Where to watch: Rent or buy it on Apple TV and Prime Video.
5. Little Women (2019)
The four March sisters chase their dreams and stumble through love and loss in Concord, Massachusetts. The autumn color palette and layered knitwear are very cozy.
Make it a date: Talk about your individual dreams. What’s something you want to make more room for in your life right now?
Where to watch: Hulu
6. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Elizabeth Bennet and the proud Mr. Darcy misjudge each other across misty English fields until they can't deny what they feel. It's peak slow-burn and peak fall.
Make it a date: Try a little “Darcy challenge”: each of you has to share one thing you admire about the other that you don't usually say out loud.
Where to watch: Rent or buy on Apple TV or Prime Video.
7. Lady Bird (2017)
A strong-willed Sacramento high schooler clashes with her mother while she chases first love and a way out of her hometown. It opens with the start of senior year, so it has back-to-school energy.
Make it a date: Take a trip down memory lane. Share your first crush, your most embarrassing teenage moment, or the movie that made you believe in romance when you were younger.
Where to watch: HBO Max.
8. Twilight (2008)
A new girl in rainy, moody Forks, Washington falls for a mysterious classmate with a secret.
Make it a date: Lean into the drama. Make your own cozy “Forks night” with dim lighting, your favorite takeout, and a playlist for the mood.
Where to watch: Rent or buy on Apple TV or Prime Video.
9. Dead Poets Society (1989)
A charismatic English teacher inspires the boys at a strict New England prep school to seize the day.
Make it a date: Talk about your own “carpe diem” list. What’s something you've been putting off doing, experiencing, or saying? Pick one small thing you can make happen together this season.
Where to watch: Disney+
10. Knives Out (2019)
A famous mystery writer dies and a detective works through his suspicious family in a sprawling autumn mansion.
Make it a date: Make predictions throughout the movie. Pause halfway through and each write down your theory about what happened. Winner gets to choose the next movie (or dessert)!
Where to watch: Prime Video and Peacock.
11. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Three witches come back to life in Salem on Halloween night, and a group of kids has to stop them before sunrise. It's a campy, nostalgic October classic.
Make it a date: Build the ultimate Halloween snack board, put on your coziest pajamas, and embrace your inner child. Sometimes intimacy is simply being silly together.
Where to watch: Disney+
12. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
A skeptical constable investigates a string of beheadings blamed on the Headless Horseman in a foggy, gothic village. Tim Burton at his most autumnal.
Make it a date: Turn down the lights, light a few candles, and make the whole evening feel like a gothic escape.
Where to watch: Rent or buy on Apple TV or Prime Video.
