Dame Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter ...
On Friday, September 27, the death of Dame Maggie Smith was announced.
I’m sure you know her as the caustic Professor Minerva McGonagall, famous for her stern manner with the young wizards at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter franchise.
Check out Maggie Smith behind the scenes in Harry Potter:
Others remember her as the Dowager Countess of Grantham from the hit series Downton Abbey. She portrayed Violet Crawley, the grand matriarch famous for her sharp one-liners throughout the show's six seasons.
Smith’s career spanned seven decades and ran the gamut from playing Desdemona to Laurence Olivier’s Othello at London’s National Theater to her Oscar-winning turn as Miss Jean Brodie to the Reverend Mother in two of Whoopi Goldberg’s Sister Act films.
She also received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for California Suite (1978) and a Tony Award for Lettice and Lovage in 1990.
Tributes have been rolling in since news of her death was made public, and she’s been remembered with great fondness by those who worked with her – some of whom also experienced her cutting wit and lack of patience for foolishness or mediocrity.
Smith was 89 years old and died in a London hospital.
This clip from 1969's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, the story of a Mussolini-admiring schoolteacher in 1930s Scotland, offers a fine glimpse of Smith in an Oscar-winning role early in her career:
In a world filled with dance music, it's hard to stand out. However, what's so special about Ben Bohmer is that his music sets him apart without him seeming to be trying. By blending house beats and sensational dance sounds into mesmerizing tracks, often featuring hot collaborations, Bohmer has established himself as a dynamo in the industry.
As his third album, Bloom, is released for the world to hear, we can see how Bohmer continues to push himself as a producer and creator of music. He has those classic collabs with artists like Lykke Li and Oh Wonder, which play to the listener's emotions and transports them to a completely different realm...one that's calm, groovy, and completely Ben Bohmer.
He's not afraid to blend genres to forge music that's fully his own, and that's exactly what Bloom showcases. By combining indie and ambient sounds with his classic dance tracks that just make perfect sense, Bloom does a terrific job of transcending any specific genre. You can listen to the album here:
After taking a much-needed break post-COVID, Bohmer looked at Bloom with fresh eyes. It's viewedas a full reset for him, something he hadn't done with his music in a long time. Now, as the album is finally here, fans and new listeners alike can enjoy Ben Bohmer's new body of work knowing it's authentic to himself as an artist and person.
With so much on the horizon for Bohmer, it's hard not to be excited for what comes next. We spoke to him about his new album and what's next...check it out below!
PD: Your new single “Rust” marks a return to the dreamy, melodic house sound that your fans love. How does this track reflect your evolution and artistic journey since your previous albums?
"Rust" has deep roots in my earlier albums, and even traces back to a time before those albums. It's one of the few tracks on the album that carries that "old vibe." What's new, however, is my love for classic songwriting, even though the song structure is quite unconventional.
PD: When creating your new single, “Faithless,” what was the inspiration?
My friend Anna Leyne, who I’ve often collaborated with, sent me a demo of the chorus for "Faithless." I was immediately captivated and wrote a new instrumental, then finished the song with Erin Le Count.
PD: With “Rust,” “Faithless,” “Hiding,” and “Best Life,” you’ve showcased a range of sounds and collaborations. Can you discuss the creative process behind these tracks and how they fit into the broader concept of your upcoming album, Bloom?
I have a deep love for dance music, ambient music, and indie music. With this album, I’ve taken a step further by blending these genres. This album has given me the freedom to fully express myself and let all these diverse influences bloom. Collaborating with artists from the indie world has been a significant part of this journey.
PD: The new album, Bloom, is described as a reset for you. What prompted this desire to reset, and how does Bloom differ from your previous works in terms of theme and musical direction?
After extensive touring and countless shows in the post-COVID years, I found myself physically, mentally, and musically drained. I had to take a long pause, retreat into nature, and focus on doing what I genuinely enjoyed. That really inspired this Album.
PD: Your collaboration with Lykke Li on “Hiding” and with JONAH on “Best Life” have been a highlight of this year. What do you look for in a collaborator, and how have these collaborations added to your album as a whole?
It's crucial for me to be on the same musical wavelength with my collaborators. In any collaboration, it's important that everyone involved is passionate and excited about writing the song. Musically, I find contrasts intriguing, which is why I enjoy working with indie acts.
PD: With a sold-out Australian tour and major fall shows in Europe on the horizon, how do you approach preparing for and performing at such large-scale events?
I’m really excited to expand my live set and bring a piano on stage. The piano has always been an important foundation and companion in the studio, and now it will be a permanent part of the live show. The festival season has also been great for preparing for these shows
PD: As someone who has achieved significant success in the electronic music scene, what advice would you give to emerging artists trying to make their mark in the industry today?
Authenticity, fun, and an unstoppable love for music might bring you far.
We see people get catfished all the time — there's an entire reality series about it called Catfish: The TV Show starring Nev Schulman on MTV. There's an episode where a man believes he's truly in a relationship with Katy Perry...and now, we have two women in Spain who were scammed out of over $300,000 by none other than Fight Club's own, Brad Pitt.
Except, as you may have realized, it wasn't the former husband of Angelina Jolie who was actually talking to these women. On September 25, five people were arrested for posing as Brad Pitt on WhatsApp and scamming two women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Look, I get it. I, too, spend my days yearning for Harry Styles to slide into my DM's. It's just...I know that's never going to happen. And if it does, it's a fake account, of course. But, for some, they want to believe Brad Pitt (or any catfish celeb) is really speaking to them.
CNN reported that scammers profiled the victims and contacted them through a Brad Pitt fansite. They claimed the actor wanted to work with them on projects. Individually, one victim lost $195,000 and the other lost $167,000. Sadly, police were only able to recover $95,000.
It's important to research before responding to or contacting a "celebrity" asking for money. Typically, legal professionals would handle such matters, and Brad Pitt likely doesn't need your financial help.
Pauli the PSM radiates positive energy as he enters our scheduled Zoom call. It's going to be an easy conversation, something you can tell with interviews right away. We banter about New Jersey and the legitimacy of Pauly D as a DJ, we go through my residency at
Harry Styles' MSG run, and then it's time to talk about him.
Fans may recognize Pauli as the joyous member of Harry Styles' mega-talented band, who follows him on his successful 173 show run spanning 22 months,
LOVE ON TOUR. He plays multiple instruments throughout the show, captivating fans and interacting with the crowd on his side of the stage...but he's also the musical director for Styles, a relationship that's been growing for years now.
And it's not just Styles he's worked with. Previous accolades include Maggie Rogers, FKA Twigs, and Jamie xx for musical direction. He's highly regarded as one of the most prestigious musical directors in the game for a reason.
Pauli's prowess in the music industry is unmatched. His appreciation for all genres, all types of music, all walks of life is awe-inspiring. As we talk, I learn that he's constantly switching genres in his own music because it's about whatever is inspiring him in the moment. He's never boxing himself into one specific category, because that's not what music is about.
He puts it perfectly: "If you eat the same thing everyday, you're going to get tired of it." It's the same thing with music, he says. You don't want to listen to the same exact song, or genre, everyday of your life. It's about switching it up and trying new things.
With his new single, "I Don't Deserve You (Sunshine)", Pauli works with fellow
LOVE ON TOUR member, Ariza to deliver an introspective dive into his own soul. The song itself deals with the idea of Imposter Syndrome, and feeling you aren't worthy of something or someone.
As we delve more into his creative process and his already prolific career in the music industry, I realize that Pauli looks at music as a genuine gift. That's what makes him so special, and have the success that he has. He's grateful for everything that has come so far, but he's driven to keep digging into his soul and creating special music.
That's why "I Don't Deserve You (Sunshine)" feels like a breath of fresh air. Pauli may have perfected dance tracks like "Saucy," or even spoken word with Idris Elba in his debut album,
The Idea of Tomorrow...But, with his ever-evolving, fluid approach to making music, the single reigns as one of his best yet.
There's a lot to learn from Pauli the PSM, who takes me on a journey for this episode of Popdust On Record. Check out the full interview on YouTube!
I’ll watch Nicole Kidman in anything. I applaud whenever her AMC ad comes on in the theater. In fact, when I watched Blink Twice, it was the best part of my viewing experience. And I will always-always-always watch Nicole Kidman play an elite woman dripping with cash who has an ambiguous accent and an unhinged family. Thankfully for me, that’s all she seems to be playing these days. And I eat it up every time.
While I’ve mourned and lamented the fact that we’re probably never getting another season of Big Little Lies, Kidman has not been slacking when it comes to prestige drama. She starred in Nine Perfect Strangers, The Undoing, and Expats, playing what TV critics call “the sad wife.” While some call it repetitive, I call it iconic. And the latest entry in this genre is Netflix The Perfect Couple. Messy, murderous, and mysterious, the miniseries is currently going viral for its addictive plot and the TikTok video of a dancey “intro” (opening credits) where the entire cast dances on the beach.
And, as you can probably tell from the dancey intro, it’s a new take on the murder mystery for one key reason: the showrunners wanted it to be fun. It’s based on a beach read, after all, so it’s aiming for a soapy, sundrenched take on the murder mystery. And the result is something between The White Lotus and The Summer I Turned Pretty. I’m not kidding. So, not prestige television but an entertaining watch. Netflix The Perfect Couple is overrated, but perhaps because it’s misunderstood.
What’s the plot of The Perfect Couple?
In the ever-expanding pantheon of rich-people-behaving-badly content, Netflix The Perfect Couple is the latest entry that attempts to marry Big Little Lies’ glamor-drenched trauma with the sardonic bite of Succession. The result? An unpolished but highly-addictive six-hour binge that'll make you question everything while also making you wish you live in Nantucket — with friends who wouldn’t murder you.
Let's start with the premise: It's wedding season in Nantucket, and the obscenely wealthy Winbury family is about to welcome a new member into their dysfunctional inner circle. Bride-to-be Amelia — played with electric likability and nuance by Eve Hewson (Bad Sisters, Flora and Son) — is not from the world of money like the Winburys — and she’s paying for it. In the opening scene, she walks through the house in boxer shorts only to release a ladybug outside. Of course, the matriarch of the house, Greer (Kidman), does not like that.
From snide digs about Amelia’s carb consumption to endless nitpicking about her sartorial choices, Greer’s doubts about the couple are documented plenty. Husband-to-be, Benji, is so devoted to Amelia that he stands up to his domineering mother to defend Amelia — brave for any rich momma’s boy. But his deference to Greer feels justified. Everyone in the family defers to her. She sets a high bar, especially considering her own relationship with Tag (Liev Schreiber), which has been touted as the perfect relationship by everyone — including book publishers. As a bestselling author, Greer’s brand is her everything. And when the maid of honor’s dead body washes up on the shore the morning of the wedding, the ideal world Greer created begins to crumble.
Kidman — fresh off her tour de force role of wig-wearing Grace Fraser in The Undoing — brings her A-game to B-grade material. Her Greer is a master class in barely concealed contempt, with every arched eyebrow screaming, "I'm Nicole Kidman; what am I doing here?" It's a sentiment the audience might share. But damn if it isn't fun to watch.
Amelia’s wide-eyed innocence and desire to belong in this family turns into suspicion and resentment as she tries to uncover which of her potential in-laws killed her best friend, Merritt (Meghann Fahy). Since Fahy wowed in TheWhite Lotus Season 2, campy murder mysteries are not new to her. Her turn as seemingly shallow Merritt with secrets of her own is imbued with depth that keeps the audience guessing to the very end.
And, because the women are the most compelling characters in this cast, Dakota Fanning rounds out the mother ensemble as Abby, the heavily pregnant, vanity-obsessed wife of the eldest Winbury son. She’s a cold queen bee, who apparently has more money than Amelia and Merritt, but still trying to win over Greer like the rest of the world.
When the police descend on the Winbury estate on the day of the would-be wedding to dig up the family’s secrets, it seems everyone has something to hide. Classic rich family problems: the dishonest husband cheating on his wife, the obnoxious and entitled eldest son Thomas (Kendall Roy if he had frat energy), the non-white family friend who is, of course, the first suspect. And while the show's structure isn’t necessarily innovative, it works.
We bounce between police interviews and flashbacks, feeling half-invested in each subplot until the suspense finally finally kicks into gear — mostly because Nicole Kidman dominates the screen in the final few episodes.
But here's the kicker: despite its middling plot and lackluster character development, The Perfect Couple is oddly... entertaining? The show’s aware that it's not reinventing the wheel; it's just hoping you're too dazzled by the star power to notice the lack of substance.
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Elin Hilderbrand’s book The Perfect Couple and all six episodes of Netflix The Perfect Couple.
How does the book The Perfect Couple end?
Fans have noticed that the TV version of The Perfect Couple is very different from the book. While this is true for many adaptations, most scripts will keep the basic plot points. But in this case, director Susanne Bie and creator Jenna Lamia were intentional about the kind of changes they wanted to see and the tone they wanted to strike. The key words: murder, but make it fun.
Elin Hilderbrand’s novel The Perfect Couple is a murder mystery without the murder. The book ends with a smart, but somewhat underwhelming, revelation: Merritt’s death was an accident.
In the book, Thomas’ wife Abby (Fanning) is the culprit (kind of) but she didn’t mean to drug Merritt. Instead, she puts one of Greer’s sleeping pills into a drink meant for the family’s eccentric, fab foreign friend, who is, in both versions, having an affair with Thomas, her husband. Abby’s intentions were simpler: she just wanted her husband to come to bed, rather than sneaking off to sleep with another woman.
But the drink is accidentally passed to Merritt. She drinks it and heads out on a late night canoe ride with Tag. She then goes into the water to retrieve the ring he gave her (in the series it’s a bracelet). The sleeping pills go into effect as she’s in the water, causing her to drown.
While this makes for a subversion of expectations, it doesn’t make for very exciting TV. Hence the changes. “I realized that it may be more satisfying for the audience to find out that there was a murderer who fully intended to murder the person they murdered,” creator Jenna Lamia told Indie Wire. “We decided that the killer had intended to kill the person she kills, and that she had a very clear motive for doing so, and it wasn’t just jealousy. So [we] added the money plot.”
Who’s the killer in The Perfect Couple ending?
In the series, Abby is still the killer, but this time it’s committed on purpose. Per Lamia’s directives, the motive needed to be fleshed out. For Abby, it was money.
A central tension that drives Merritt’s death is her affair with Tag. As we discover later, Merritt is pregnant with Tag’s baby. When wedding party members learn her secret, many have motive to murder Merritt. The main reason: the family trust fund. The Winbury family trust has a rule that only bestows the money to the boys upon the 18th birthday of the youngest son. If Merritt were to have a baby, the trust would get reset for another 18 years.
With her own baby on the way, Abby’s been pressuring Thomas to move them into a bigger house. She can’t wait another 18 years to finance the lifestyle she expects from being a Winbury — certainly not with Thomas’s risky investments and flagrant affairs. So she kills Merritt.
However, the trust fund motive could not appear in the novel because Will Winbury — the brother on the cusp of his 18th birthday — doesn’t even exist. In the book, there are only two Winbury boys: Benji and Thomas. The addition of Will adds conflict and is causes the show’s ending to really ramp up.
Other character changes range from small to significant. A big one is names. Eve Hewson’s Amelia Sacks in the show, is named Celeste Otis in the books. I like to think they wanted to cast French actress Isabelle Adjani so much that they changed the family friend character from a Londonite named Featherleigh Dale (which, respectfully, is a very Colleen Hoover name) to the aloof French family friend named Isabel Nallet. Also altered: Gosia, the Winbury’s housekeeper, who is named Elida in the book; and family friend Shooter Dival is Shooter Uxley in the book.
The detective in the novel is also quite different. First of all, the fictional version is male. And he tries to keep the peace with the Winburys, hoping to coax cooperation out of them through kindness. In the show, Donna Lynne Champlin plays a version of the detective that has no sympathy for the Winburys and blatantly calls out their privilege. Her relatable and comedic quips serve as a breath of fresh air when you get sick of the Winbury’s entitlement.
The miniseries positions itself as a scathing critique of wealth and privilege, but it often feels like a lifestyle porn video that occasionally realizes it needs a plot. The camera lovingly caresses every inch of the Winbury estate as if it's auditioning for an Architectural Digest tour. But this light, beachy vibe is intentional. Athough it’s a murder mystery, Lamia wanted the tone to be capricious and fun.
The most talked-about way she achieved her goal? The opening credits dance scene. One second you’re immersed in the narrative’s drama… the next you’re watching the cast doing a choreographed, flash-mob dance sequence.
“You see that it’s directed by Susanne Bier, who did “The Undoing” and “The Night Manager” so incredibly well. So you’re expecting a bit of a self-serious show,” sais Lamua. “But I think when you get to the credits and everyone’s dancing to Meghan Trainor, you have to think, ‘Well, wait a minute. I think this might be a fun ride.’”
And she’s right — the series might not be particularly good in the traditional sense. But in the landscape of peak TV — where every show’s striving to be the next big thing — there's something refreshing about a show that's content to be a glossy, star-studded mess.
By the time you reach the finale, you'll have developed a love-hate relationship with every character, a newfound appreciation for prenuptial agreements, and no desire to ever visit Nantucket. The resolution — when it comes — is both satisfying and eyeroll-inducing — much like the entire series itself.
The instant the weather starts to turn even a little bit crisp, I hear it: the intro to “Eyes On Fire” by Blue Foundation from the Twilight soundtrack. The entire soundtrack is a masterpiece: it catapulted Paramore to mainstream success thanks to their smash hit “Decode.” And don’t forget tracks like Muse’s “Supermassive Black Hole” and Robert Pattinson’s unintelligible lyrics in his own original songs for the album.
The subsequent films had iconic soundtracks too. Bon Iver’s “Roslyn” is one of my comfort songs as much as New Moon is one of my comfort films. But nothing sounds more autumnal than Blue Foundation singing “hoa hoa hoa hoa hoa” in that song. It’s akin to sleigh bells at Christmas. “Hoa hoa hoa” is the undisputed call of the beginning of fall.
I yearn to make my apartment super hygge, light a bunch of pumpkin-scented candles, and curl up under a blanket to watch Twilight and my other favorite cozy fall films. There's no better time to hunker down with a fine movie. But once I’ve gotten that first Twilight watch out of my system, choosing what to watch can be more challenging than deciding between a PSL and a hot apple cider.
Don’t worry, this is not another eye-roll-inducing list of basic Halloween flicks (that list will be coming in October but it will be anything but basic) and rom-coms set in New England (okay, there might be a few of these). Let us assure you that we've dug deeper than your average "fall vibes" playlist. As someone who lived in New England — and actual England — I’m aware that fall is a specific feeling. It’s a mindset. And rather than slogging through fallen leaves wet with rain and despairing over the cold and damp, you must curate the precise vibe.
The best fall movies feel like candlelight. The bonfires. A cross between the last bonfire of summer and the first chestnut-roasting of winter. It’s the cozy in-between time when my seasonal depression hasn’t kicked in yet and I’m thankful for a cool breeze after summer’s unrelenting heatwaves. The essence of autumn is both obvious and subtle – from the cozy sweaters and golden-hued cinematography to the themes of reflection, change, and new beginnings that mirror the season itself. If a movie doesn’t capture that, it’s not on this list.
Fall films are one of the best macro-genres. Autumn is nature's Instagram filter, turning everything into a warm, nostalgia-tinged reverie. I’ve also been seeing videos about how — long after we've left the hallowed halls of academia — fall’s back-to-school energy remains. Fall feels like a time to get serious, buckle down, and start anew – or at least pretend until we hit Thanksgiving. But in between all that girlbossing, there’s nothing like curling up to watch a fall movie and realizing that things aren’t as intense as they seem.
As the temperature drops and our nesting instincts kick in, curl up with these romantic comedies that are set in quaint villages and mysterious thrillers that take place in fog-shrouded cities. Whether you're looking for something to watch while sipping your third fall beverage of the day (I’m addicted to Blank Street’s Gingerbread Matcha), need a backdrop for your annual "friendsgiving" gathering, or just want to feel seasonally appropriate while avoiding actual outdoor activities, we have got you covered.
These 20 films run the gamut from cult classics to hidden gems, from heartwarming to hair-raising, all guaranteed to put you in an autumnal state of mind. Just remember, if you start craving apple cider or suddenly feel the urge to go antiquing in Vermont after watching these, don't say we didn't warn you.
1. Twilight
Twilight isn't just a movie; it's a vibe. The Twilight renaissance (that RPatz himself has said he’s on board with) means I’m not ashamed to say it: Twilight, you will always be famous. None of this era’s imitation supernatural movies can compete. That’s why this is the movie I inaugurate my fall with year after year. Set in perennially gloomy Forks, Washington, there's something undeniably autumnal about Bella Swan's journey from Arizona sunshine to a Pacific Northwest brood-fest. The muted color palette, the endless rain, and the constipated look on Edward Cullen's face all scream "fall mood." And let's not forget the iconic baseball scene — because nothing says "fall classic" like vampires playing America's favorite pastime during a thunderstorm. Whether you're Team Edward, Team Jacob, or Team "I'm Just Here for the Memes," Twilight will always be a classic.
2. Pride and Prejudice
The hand scene — you know the one — has gone triple-platinum on my Netflix account. Talk about yearning! And nothing says autumn like watching the leaves change and feeling wistful. Jane Austen's canonical tale of love, societal expectations, and really-really long strolls is one of the few instances where the movie is better than the book (don’t come for me Austen lovers). Joe Wright's 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice walked so that Bridgerton could run. Keira Knightley's Elizabeth Bennet traipsing through misty fields in empire-waist gowns was the original Christian-Girl harvest season. The film's autumnal aesthetic is on point, with golden-hued landscapes that'll drive you to book a one-way ticket to Yorkshire. Matthew Macfadyen's Mr. Darcy emerging from the mist is enough to make me say: Tom Wambsgams, who?
3. Mystic Pizza
If Mystic Pizza isn't on your fall movie radar, and your fall moodboard, you're missing out on a big bowl of cinematic comfort food. This late 80s gem is like the perfect autumn day — a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and full of unexpected warmth. Set in the quaint coastal town of Mystic, Connecticut, this is a feast of small-town fall vibes and sentimentality. As young as she is in this early triumph, Julia Roberts is completely charming. She leads a cast of feisty young women navigating love, ambition, and the perfect pizza recipe. I describe it as Love, Actually for the girls. Or if The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was set in small-town Connecticut in the fall. Mystic Pizza is a coming-of-age classic that paved the way for Gilmore Girls.
4. Practical Magic
Wanna add a hint of the occult to your fall movie marathon without going full Halloween just yet? Look no further than Practical Magic — the witchy 90s rom-com starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters who live with their witchy aunts and practice small acts of magic in their everyday lives. Whether you're in it for the magical realism, the fin de siè·cle fashion (those witch-chic outfits are totally due for a comeback), or just to watch Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman be absolutely iconic for two hours, Practical Magic is an exceptional addition to your fall watchlist. It's like a warm, witchy hug for your soul. For bonus points, watch it on the Harvest Moon on October 2nd and really hone that magical feeling.
5. Twitches
Talk about nostalgia. It’s been almost 20 years since Twitches came out. Feel old yet? This Disney Channel Original Movie is a guilty pleasure that simply screams "fall." Starring Tia and Tamera Mowry as long-lost twin witches (get it? Twitches?), this film is what happens when you throw The Parent Trap and Charmed into a bag of candy corn and shake vigorously. Set during Halloween, Twitches is packed with campy costume parties and spooky prophecies. Twitches is like that beloved Halloween sweater you break out every year — it might look tacky, but it's cozy, familiar, and brings back all those warm, fuzzy feelings of falls past.
6. The Perfect Couple
Calling all mystery lovers! The Perfect Couple is a wild ride set in Nantucket at the end of the summer season. No spoilers, but it ends with its characters contemplating what’s next for them. Well, what’s after summer but fall? This new Netflix mystery feels like the last show of summer preparing me for all the new stuff coming this fall. This Elin Hilderbrand relies on familiar enough tropes to make it comforting but with enough kick to keep you on your toes.
The show's aesthetic is peak New England fodder — Nicole Kidman giving coastal grandmother is always a win. But don't let the pretty scenery fool you, The Perfect Couple is dark and complex, unraveling like an intricately knit sweater, revealing layers of secrets, lies, and family drama that'll keep you guessing until the very last moment. Think Big Little Lies mixed with Knives Out — also sensational fall watches. The ensemble cast is led by the always-fabulous Nicole Kidman with Dakota Fanning, Liev Schreiber, and Eve Hewson (latest favorite nepo baby unlocked, she’s Bono’s daughter). Whether you're in it for the whodunit aspect, the gorgeous fall scenery, or just to watch rich people make spectacularly bad decisions, The Perfect Couple is an ideal addition to your autumn watchlist.
7. Only Murders in the Building
Selena just became a billionaire. And, honestly, I deserve a personal message of thanks from her for how many times I’ve streamed Only Murders in the Building while eagerly waiting for the next season. Set in a grand old New York apartment building (hello, fall-in-the-city vibes), the show follows an unlikely trio of true crime podcast enthusiasts turned amateur sleuths. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez have an electric and undeniable chemistry — not to mention Selena’s delish fall wardrobe. But what truly makes Only Murders a fall essential is how it captures autumnal New York. The Upper West Side is awash in golden light and crunchy leaves that make you want to book a one-way ticket to the Big Apple, Come for the clever writing, stay for the star-studded cast — the cameos are as crazy as the plot.
8. Agatha All Along
Agatha All Along aims to save the latest iteration of the Marvel Universe. After the success of WandaVision, Agatha All Along is a spinoff that follows the show’s surprising antagonist: Agatha. It’s a wild ride through small-town intrigue and witchcraft. Kathryn Hahn reprises her role as Agatha Harkness, bringing her signature blend of surprising depth and campy villainy. Agatha's backstory unveils layers of her character that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about this wicked witch. It also stars Heartstopper’s Joe Locke, Patti LuPone, Aubrey Plaza, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, and more.
9. Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus isn’t just for 90s kids thanks to the recent sequel. This cult classic hits the spot every single autumn. The Sanderson sisters are the OG camp girlies with quotable lines galore. Set on Halloween night in Salem — because where else? — Hocus Pocus is both creepy and sentimental. Hocus Pocus is a perennial fall favorite with its cany blend of humor and heart. Whether you're watching it for the umpteenth time or introducing it to a new generation (you lucky soul), Hocus Pocus is best enjoyed with a side of candy corn and a healthy dose of suspension of disbelief. Let the Sanderson sisters cast their spell on you once again.
10. Remember the Titans
Maybe it’s because I was half-raised by my older brother, but something within me drives me to watch Remember the Titans come autumn. Set in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971, the movie captures that incandescent moment when summer heat gives way to crisp fall air, mirroring the changes and tension in the recently integrated T.C. Williams High School. Remember the Titans isn't merely about pretty fall scenery and football (though there's plenty of both). It's a powerful story of overcoming racial prejudice and finding unity in the face of adversity — themes that are as relevant today as they were in 1971 — and when the film was released in 2000. Denzel Washington leads the cast with his signature charm and gravitas, delivering inspirational speeches to a cast that includes a young Ryan Gosling.
11. Halloweentown
Welcome to Halloweentown, where every day is October 31st. If you’re a Halloween hardo and already out there celebrating spooky season, by all means, play this on repeat until November. And the PSL flows like water. This Disney Channel classic is guaranteed to give you a sugar rush of warm fuzzy feelings. Set in a magical realm where witches, warlocks, and monsters live in harmony (sort of). Halloweentown is like if your local Spirit Halloween store came to life and lectured you on family values. So this fall, when you're craving something that's equal parts spooky and sweet, this is it.
12. Immaculate
Horror fans — and fans of Sydney Sweeney — unite: Immaculate is about to take you on a twisted ride. This psychological thriller premiered at SXSW 2024 and has been giving viewers the creeps since. It’s Sweeney’s turn at Midsommar. Set in an isolated Italian convent, Immaculate is pure gothic autumnal fantasy. Think misty mountains, shadowy cloisters, and enough flickering candles to make a fire marshal nervous. Sydney Sweeney stars as a young American nun who finds herself in out of her depth, bringing her A-game to a role that’s both innocent and increasingly terrified. The movie's exploration of religious dogma, bodily autonomy, and the darker side of blind faith is as complex and layered.
13. Little Women
Grab your coziest blanket and a mug of something warm, because Little Women is about to wrap you in a big, comforting hug. From Lady Bird to Barbie, anything by Greta Gerwig is an affirming celebration of girlhood. But nothing will hit harder this fall than Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of this classic tale. Set in Civil War-era Massachusetts, the film is like a New England tourism board commercial.
Maybe it’s because I went to school where this was filmed (thinking of Timothee Chalamet driving past my high school truly makes me cringe), but nothing is more nostalgic than Little Women. During their childhood scenes, the cinematography is intentionally orangey and warm, but even their more stark adulthood scenes are tinged with joy. The March sisters — Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy — navigate love, loss, and sisterhood as 19th-century women. Saoirse Ronan's Jo March is the ultimate fall mood — passionate, creative, and not afraid to get a little messy (emotionally and literally — girl's got ink stains for days). It’s giving dark academia in the best way. And I love seeing Timothée Chalamet's hair flop about in the autumn wind while I head up to the attic to work on my first novel.
14. When Harry Met Sally
You probably wondered when this would hit the list. The godmother of all fall-friendly love stories is undoubtedly When Harry Met Sally. This Nora Ephron classic is like a piercing autumn day. Set in New York City through the changing seasons, this film’s most luminous scenes take place in fall. From long strolls through Central Park to cozy, sweater-clad conversations in dimly lit cafes, each scene is a visual love letter to autumn in the Big Apple.
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan's Harry and Sally are the original "will they, won't they" couple, and the ultimate outfit inspo for fall. The film's exploration of friendship, love, and the blurry line between the two is as layered and complicated as the fashion combos — think high-waisted jeans and really good jackets. Harry and Sally's decades-long dance will warm your cynical heart. Just remember — I'll have what she's having.
15. You've Got Mail
Okay, now we’re deep in the rom-com world. Another classic: You've Got Mail is one more Meg Ryan fall classic. Nora Ephron doesn’t miss. This comedy is set in the Upper West Side of New York — where else to set a rom-com about books? — and follows Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox, two rival booksellers who unknowingly fall in love over email. Soooo 90s coded. From Meg Ryan's enviable autumn wardrobe to the leaf-strewn streets of Manhattan, Nora Ephron is at her apex. And let's not forget the charm offensive that is Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
So this fall, when you're in the mood for something that'll make you believe in the power of love, books, and a really good email subject line, give You've Got Mail a watch.
16. One Fine Day
This is a criminally underrated knock-em-out-of-the-park 90s rom-coms. It has everything: Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney, 90s haircuts, and the cutest kids ever. One Fine Day is a 1996 gem about two frazzled single parents whose paths cross on the most chaotic day of their lives. It's like if Mr. Mom and Working Girl had a baby, and that baby was really into missed connections and fall fashion. Set in Manhattan over the course of a single day, the film starts on a crisp morning when both parents miss the ferry for their kids’ school trip and have to swap childcare all day. A magical premise for a romantic comedy. Pfeiffer and Clooney dash about the city, juggling lost children, missed deadlines, and falling in love. One Fine Day will instantly become your new fall favorite.
17. Brown Sugar
The 90s was the heyday of Black romantic films and Brown Sugar deserves all the flowers. Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs star as Sidney and Dre — childhood friends whose shared love of hip-hop (and each other) takes them on a journey that explores love and work — simmering with years of unresolved tension and shared history. But what really makes "Brown Sugar" a quintessential fall watch is its terrific blend of music, romance, and cultural commentary. Sanaa’s brown-tinged work outfits are also giving major corporate hottie aesthetic.
This 2002 gem is like the R&B slow jam of movies: familiar, comforting, but with enough soul to make you actually feel things. Set in the world of hip-hop journalism and music production, Brown Sugar makes me miss growing up in Harlem. It also features a cameo from one of my favorite rap actors, Mos Def.
18. The Devil Wears Prada
Girlbosses, this one’s for you! This list would be void if I were to omit The Devil Wears Prada. This 2006 classic never gets old. Anne Hathaway? Meryl Streep? The dream of working in a fashion magazine and being able to afford a life? Set in the high-stakes world of New York fashion magazines, this film is half plot and half Pinterest board dedicated to sweater weather. Anne Hathaway's Andy Sachs is the epitome of the fall transformation story — going from frumpy grad to chic fashion insider faster than you can say "cerulean." But the real star of this show is Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestly and all those icy glares and cutting remarks. It might be as predictable as florals for spring but it works. I can’t wait for the sequel.
19. The Notebook
Like I said, fall is about yearning. So of course, I must mention The Notebook. This adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ eponymous novel is synonymous with romance movies. And for a good reason: young Ryan Gosling. But don’t count out young James Marsden, either. Set in 1940s South Carolina, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams star as Noah and Allie, the star-crossed lovers whose chemistry is so electric it makes someone as skeptical as me believe in the kind of love that spans decades and defies all odds.
20. Knives Out
One more New England movie, this film satirizes the rich New England families and cultures that some of the others romanticize. Yet it still causes me to savor the fall. Set in a Massachusetts mansion full of mahogany interiors and book-lined rooms, this leafy, murderous paradise is home to the Thrombey family. This dysfunctional brood has gathered to celebrate — or mourn, depending on who you ask — the passing of their patriarch, mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey. Enter Benoit Blanc, a private detective with a Southern drawl played by Daniel Craig. Knives Out’s clever blend of classic mystery tropes and modern sensibility is an exploration of wealth, privilege, and immigration. Talk about timely. And the subtle politics are ripe for this fall since we’re in an election year. Godspeed to all of us.
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