by Molly Jo Realy (@mollyjorealy)

Ask ten authors and you’ll get thirty opinions options answers on what are the best autumn movies for writers.

I don’t know about you, but with Fall in full swing, it’s time for me to pull out the seasonal bins, grab those discs (or remote) and push play.

Bonus points for adding a throw blanket, cajun popcorn, hot tea, and best friends.

Some of these can be watched any time of the year, but it’s just cozier in a -ber month (see what I did there?) 😉

Here are my favorite movies to spend the season with:

FIELD OF DREAMS (1989)

Aside from the colorful scenery, the screenplay adapted from W.P. Kinsella’s Shoeless Joe remains a beloved classic for lovers of both the game of baseball and autumn air. SPOILER TRIVIA: The phrase, “If you build it, they will come” is not actually a line from the movie. The true version is “If you build it he will come,” and if you haven’t seen the movie yet we can’t be friends I’ll let you find out who the “he” is. Starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Amy Madigan, Burt Lancaster, and more.

WHY I LOVE IT: I’m a huge baseball fan. Always have been (Go, Yankees!). And no, it’s not just because my big brother played Little League and gave me his glove when he outgrew it. The movie differs from the book in several aspects, but Kinsella lends a realism by lending his name to his character. From the get-go it feels almost autobiographical with the narrator, Ray Kinsella, sharing the story of how the Field came to be. With a true portrayal of how the “normal” (read: critical) world accepts visionaries, the overreaching theme of “don’t let anything stand in the way of your dreams” is vital to any creative soul. In my perspective the most underrated character is Ray’s wife Annie. She is torn between supporting her husband with an understanding no one else has, and facing a very tumultuous financial future if things go wrong. Did I mention her own brother is threatening to take the farm away from them? Which path would you take?

 

LITTLE WOMEN (1994)

There are so many versions of this classic based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel, but this one is my favorite. I’ve always liked Winona Ryder. I love per portrayal of Jo. This is the story of four sisters, unique yet united, as they grow up during the Civil War. Father is now fighting a war and the funds just aren’t there. They turn to God and each other to get through. Starring Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst, Christian Bale.

WHY I LOVE IT: My mother always had a love of books and this was one she shared with me often when I was young. The creativity of the sisters as they grow through life’s joys and sorrows, learning to make the most of every day, is significant. The characters are true, and their challenges, honest. I’m particularly fond of Jo, the awkward, tomboyish, misunderstood writer who finally comes into her own. Since it can’t be disproven, I’ve adopted the theory that my middle name is a result of this particular tale. 

 

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)

Tim Burton is an underrated genius. His creative mind, endurance, and dedication to his craft are exceptional. He can tell wonderful stories without the “ick” feel that some spooky elements leave behind in other films. He combines stop motion, music, animation, and fantasy genres as easily as the King of Halloween Town finds himself falling into Christmas Town. Starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, and Catherine O’Hara.

WHY I LOVE IT: Uhm, hullo. I thought we already settled this: Tim Burton! ‘Nuff said. I’ve seen nearly every film he’s directed and/or written, and I have no complaints. The deeper dives into self-worth, friendships, and who to trust are timeless in any tale, but Burton does a wonderful job of creating a unique setting for Jack Skellington and his admirer, Sally.

 

BEETLEJUICE (1988)

As long as we’re talking about Tim Burton, we have to include this one. The classic story of two ghosts who enlist the help of BJ (you’ll understand why I don’t type his name out three times) to scare the new tenants out of their house. Thing is, Lydia Deetz, the woeful teenage daughter, can see the ghosts. Well that was unexpected! So is the ensuing comedic horrorfest that Beetlejuice unleashes in an effort to win her affections. Starring Micheal Keaton, Gena Davis, Alec Baldwin, and Winona Ryder.

WHY I LIKE IT: Another Tim Burton favorite. The actors are perfect in their roles. The plot has one twist after another. Sometimes scary, sometimes hilarious. There’s romance (sort of), horror (sort of), comedy (definitely), and classic Tim Burton writing and directing. What’s not to love?

 

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES (1983)

“First of all, it was October, a rare month of boys; full of cold winds, long nights, dark promises.” That opener grabs me every time. The story and script were both written by Ray Bradbury. That’s enough reason to enjoy this dark fantasy. The story of two boys born just minutes apart; one before midnight Halloween, the other, one minute after. As they near their thirteenth birthdays one father is absent, the other, old. The boys are drawn into the world of Dark’s Pandemonium Carnival, which promises them fulfilled dreams … or does it? Starring Jason Robards, Jonathan Pryce, and Royal Dano.

WHY I LOVE IT: The multitude of weather events: falling leaves, strong winds, impending storms. I crave the excitement it all brings. This is a scary movie without being an adults-only scary movie. Ray Bradbury captures the youthful desires of growing up, and the aged desires of returning to youth. Familial weaknesses are explored. And good vs evil is both subtle and prominent throughout the story.

 

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (1961)

Based on the best seller by Truman Capote. Well, here I go yet again. Another story where the main character is a writer. I guess I have a type. Paul Varjak is a young writer trying hard to make a living in New York City. He befriends Holly Golightly and they adventure into the world together. As their respective pasts cast long shadows, they are oblivious of–or intentionally ignoring–their developing emotions. Starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard.

WHY I LOVE IT: I’d watch this any time of year, but most of it takes place during October. And that gets my vote for an autumn-time viewing. The montage of things they’ve never done is a delightful collection of tricks and challenges, and plays well for character development and evolution. Paul’s struggles and successes as a writer are familiar, as are Holly’s desires to be more than she is. Plus, I love New York. I think. I will when I finally get there (the six-hour layover at JKF this summer doesn’t count).

 

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY… (1989)

It should be “When Harry Met Sally again and again and again…” A lovely romantic comedy that explores relationships as they blossom and end, the struggles that everyone has with adulthood, and the strong friendships that get us through. Harry and Sally share a ride from Chicago to New York. Later they run into each other. It’s kismet. They fundamentally disagree about a lot, but as they mature, and keep meeting, the universe softens them to truly see what the other has to offer. Starring Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal, and Carrie Fisher.

WHY I LOVE IT: Set in New York. Beautiful autumn foliage. Soundtrack by Harry Connick, Jr. My personal trifecta. I love the honest storyline. It’s not your typical boy-meets-girl, girl-chases-boy plot. Written by Nora Ephron, who penned many other wonderful romcoms like You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, and Julie & Julia. While not a deep character study as some movies, the writing and banter is exquisite and I recommend this to anyone studying film writing.

 

THE HOMECOMING: A CHRISTMAS STORY (1971)

Of course my list isn’t complete without a nod to John-Boy Walton. He was my first crush, and guess what … he’s a writer. This made-for-TV movie tells a story of a fictional family based on writer Earl Hamner’s own upbringing. Set during the Depression, the Walton’s relied on their faith and farm to get through. Times are not easy, and Daddy (John) is away to find work. Mama (Olivia) holds the family together as they wait for his homecoming on Christmas Eve. When there’s word of a bus crash with fatalities, John-Boy assumes adult responsibilities and sets out to bring his daddy home. Starring Richard Thomas, Patricia Neal, Edgar Bergen, and Ellen Corby.

WHY I LOVE IT: I enjoy stories based on the writer’s experiences. The themes of family and faith here are strong. Any setting that includes a community table thrills me, and the Waltons definitely bring a lot to their table. This is more of a Christmas movie but I tend to watch it at Thanksgiving because it sets the mood. Christmas shouldn’t be based on presents or pretty dresses. It’s about how we can help others, and how the love of a family is one of the most important gifts.

 

HALLMARK’S THE GOOD WITCH (2008)

To be fair, this isn’t just one movie. It’s seven movies, and then a seven-year season. Cassie Nightingale comes to Middleton to claim property: an abandoned house that residents say is haunted. Of course, mysterious events begin to happen. Cassie opens the Bell, Book & Candle, where she sells everything from jewelry to essential oils. She also dispenses advice and assistance. So, is she a witch, or just a very astute observer of humanity? Starring Catherine Bell, Catherine Disher, Chris Potter (movies), and James Denton (series).

WHY I LOVE IT: It’s Hallmark, which means there’s a lot of meet-cutes, some predictability, and a lot to love. Each low-key movie/episode relies on the unpredictability of people, and the possibilities of something more. The scriptwriting is quaint and inviting, allowing the characters to interact with real dialogue that includes repetition and interruptions; something not always included in other writings. Whether Cassie is brewing an herbal tea, tending a customer in her shop, or managing her bed and breakfast, she gently but firmly shows us that being kind is the best way to create magic.

TELL ME MORE: 
What movies would you add to this list?

Molly Jo's Journal: Cozy dialogue and autumn scenes. These movies inspire the writer in me. Did your favorite make the list? #bestmovie #writer #autumn Share on X

Come alive, stay wild, and always, savor the journey,
~M. 

A Southern hippiechick at heart, Molly Jo Realy is author of the romantic location mystery novel, NOLA, and creator of the Book Builder Workbook. Also an editor and coach, she encourages people to embrace their unique talents to share their stories as only they can. Addicted to God, cats, tea, planners, and pens, in no particular order. Follow her on X (Twitter) and Instagram for more fun!

 

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