The time has come for us all to venture to the depth of our closets. Turn the corner, cross the rocky terrain, and follow the path until you reach Ugg Mountain.
Fall movie listicles are debatably one of the most dangerous things any writer can take on. People are very serious about their fall movies. Movies are somehow more important from September through November. Americans would happily lose every constitutional right before experiencing a national wide ban of Hocus Pocus. Given said fever, I come baring less glorified picks. We’ve all seen the classics, but knowing is half the battle, so the more you know, the more you can pass down your future legacy. Although let’s be real you’ve probably seen all of these movies more times than you’ve checked your credit score. Anyways, on to the picks.
“Halloween Town II: Kalabar’s Revenge”
One of the top contenders for best fictional universe, “Halloweentown” will forever be the first October flick played by any true cinephile. Obviously a purist would watch them all, but given the parameters of this list, the second one will be highlighted. All the kitschiness, all the drama and all the magic is just at its most “Halloweentown” here. This is the movie that reminds us why we want to live there, and for that it deserves to be exalted.
“Parents”
“Parents” is best described as the nightmare version of “Honey I Shrunk The Kids.” This movie is for any child who has always had the underlying theory that their parents are secretly maniacs. Maybe your parents aren’t as villainous as this couple, but still, kindred spirits are always appreciated.
“Paranorman”
Another film that walks the line of Thanksgiving and Halloween, “Paranorman” is textbook example of a seasonal masterpiece. And something about this stop motion has some immaculate fall vibes. And this film has some of the most impressive stop motion in the game. Alongside a fun cast and a genuinely heart tugging conclusion. Perfect for any ghost lovers out there.
“Gummo”
“Gummo” is a bit of an unconventional pick, but it feels fall in a very nihilist way. More than any other point in the year, autumn is our time for nostalgia. And this film takes viewers into a scarce, bleak and haunting depiction of the Midwest. It’s a story about the ugly side of being comfortable in your hometown. And if nothing else, it delivers on the ugly.
“Ratatouille”
I mean, it’s a rat that cooks food. I dunno what else you want from your Thanksgiving movies. Also visually the color palette really does feel like fall. A very Parisian concoction of reds, browns, yellows, and blueish grays. Also, who doesn’t want an annual excuse to return to this masterpiece?
“Good Will Hunting”
If this wasn’t included the Pinterest girlies would have rioted. But it’s here, so put down the pitchforks, and pick up the tweed blazers. A beloved film for it’s style more than substance, “Good Will Hunting” genuinely is one of Robin William’s most heartwarming stories. The camaraderie formed between this simple student, teacher relationship beams far enough to hit even the coldest of hearts. The movie is in that exact sweet spot of 90s heartwarming cinema that finds a way to not get corny. It just gets you, right in the feels.
“Clue”
“Clue” is the definition of a good time movie. End of argument. It’s set is iconic, it’s characters are forever quotable, it’s pacing never runs long and it’s endings are all hilarious. Clue is one of those movies that will out live all of us. Honestly, it deserves it.
“Chicken Run”
Like mentioned earlier, stop motions are inherently autumn esc. They just are. In that threshold, “Chicken Run” sits at the apex. This movie has a distinctly British wit to it that’s really fun to see on screen. It walks that fine line of feeling too mature for most kids, without having anything in there they couldn’t handle. And this is largely because the humor is a lot more calculated, and a lot more stretched than most family films. But it works because this movie is hilarious and you all should be watching it immediately. Like now.
