The best fall movies

With fall comes cool, crisp weather that has everyone reaching for their comfy, warm sweaters. Everything feels different in the fall. The long-awaited break from the summer heat takes everyone’s minds off work and makes them want to lounge around, basking in the changing colors and cool air.

That’s why this season is perfect for curling up on the couch with your favorite blanket and a mug of hot apple cider and watching some movies. Here are some that you should definitely see during the coming autumnal months.

1. “Dan In Real Life”

This movie is the perfect cinematic representation of fall. First, it takes place during the fall. Everything from the scenery to the costumes will make you want to go to a bonfire or jump in a pile of leaves. Second, the soundtrack to this film is a brilliant combination of folksy songs that will compliment your seasonal mood. The movie also focuses heavily on family, and one of my favorite parts of fall is anticipating those holidays that I spend with my crazy relatives.

2. “50/50”

While this movie doesn’t exclusively take place during fall, it still has that laid-back, lazy fall feeling. For some reason, the big, raunchy blockbuster comedy just isn’t my cup of cider during the fall. Movies like “This Is The End,” “Bridesmaids,” “The Heat” and “This Is 40” are all more appropriate for summer, which is why they all premiered during the summer. “50/50,” while falling somewhat into this vein of comedy, is much more subdued because of the main character’s struggle with cancer. While still pulling laughs from the audience, it does leave them with a touch of melancholy that is more fitting for chilly fall months.

3. “The Silence of the Lambs”

I can’t make this list and not include a horror movie. In preparation for Halloween, “The Silence of the Lambs” is the perfect choice. It isn’t a gimmicky horror film that will end up feeling more like a comedy rather than a scary movie. One of the few horror films to be nominated for an Academy Award, this movie is truly amazing and will have you freaked out and paranoid until next Halloween.

4. “Shutter Island”

Like “The Silence of the Lambs,” this film is the perfect choice to get you in the mood for Halloween. Again, this movie isn’t gimmicky like some scary movies can be, but it also isn’t as intense as “The Silence of the Lambs.” While still giving a few scares, it is more of a psychological thriller than a true horror film. The ending is also one of the greatest and most confusing endings in cinematic history. It will leave you questioning everything, as every good psychological thriller should.

5. “The Blind Side”

Fall, for me, is a time when I tend to lose motivation. I just want to enjoy the weather and not have to worry about classes or work. This is when it’s perfect to pull out that inspirational movie that has you saying “If Big Mike can overcome all of this, I can write this paper.” “The Blind Side” is, therefore, the obvious pick. It’s also a movie about football, which is perfect for football season.

6. “Harry Potter” and other series

There is nothing better than settling in for the evening and having a marathon of your favorite movie series, especially in the fall. Grab some blankets, make some snacks and you’re good to go. My personal favorite is the “Harry Potter” series, but, of course, you can change this for your tastes. Watch some “Lord Of The Rings” or “Star Wars” or maybe marathon every “Avengers” movie in chronological order. Whatever you choose, just keep watching, and don’t stop until all is well with Harry or Frodo has finally gotten the ring to Mount Doom.

7. “When Harry Met Sally”

The ultimate fall movie is “When Harry Met Sally.” I have seen this movie about a hundred times, and it never gets old. Watching this movie is like putting on your favorite, old, soft, broken-in sweater. Sure, parts of the movie take place over the winter holiday season, but don’t forget about the perfect scene in the park where all the leaves have changed color and you can almost smell the crisp fall air. This movie is just comfortable and that, to me, makes this the perfect fall movie. If you’ve never seen “When Harry Met Sally,” then it’s the perfect time to break it in.