The Perfect Comfort Movies for Autumn Nights

As evenings get darker and the weather colder, here are some of the perfect movies to snuggle up to on a chilly Autumn night!

As you’re reading this, I have moved back to University. Don’t get me wrong, I am a measly 25 minutes away from home, which I appreciate is a lot closer to home than most students. I enjoy Uni. I enjoy being in the city with friends, going on study dates, shopping, the occasional night out, but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t sometimes miss the familiarity and weird comfort of my hometown.

To be honest, I am a bit of a homebody. Even being 20 minutes away from my hometown I find myself feeling a little homesick, especially during the first couple of weeks.

As myself and others will be settling into University this week, I have compiled a list of comforting movies, ones that have immaculate cosy vibes not only for when you feel homesick, but also for the build up to autumn/winter as we approach the darker nights and cold weather.

I talk a lot about horror and thriller on here and TikTok, but let it be known that I can enjoy a cosy, “nothing really happens” movie, too. Oh, and the cheesy stuff! I’ve tried to order this list somewhat categorically - so there’s a little bit of everything.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Credit: Universal Pictures (2005)

When I started thinking about this list, Pride & Prejudice was one of the first movies to spring to mind. I first watched this movie 2 years ago in my first year of University. In fact, I remember it as one of the first movies I watched with my flatmates. Pride & Prejudice is an example of a book to screen adaptation done right. It captures the very essence of the Jane Austen novel, and is perfect in every sense. Not only this, but it is a super cosy, homely movie that will provide the upmost comfort on a dark night.

Little Women (2019)

Credit: SF Studios (2019)

This list just wouldn’t make sense without a Little Women mention. It goes without saying that Little Women is a great movie, one that I believe will become a classic in the future. Of the Gerwig movies I have seen, this was by far my favourite. It’s one of those movies where nothing crazy happens, but the story and overall style are what make it so special. The “vibe” of this film is perfect for Autumn and I can safely say it is a movie that you just can’t fault. I would highly recommend this if you are yet to see it, there isn’t a more perfect time to watch Little Women than this time of year.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Credit: Touchstone Pictures (1999)

10 Things I Hate About You is a movie that I wish I had seen sooner. If you enjoy romcoms that aren’t super cheesy, with a strong female lead, then I urge you to watch this.

I first watched this movie last year, again, at university, which is probably one of the reasons that it comes to mind at this time of year. Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles have great chemistry and are fascinating to watch. If you haven’t seen it, you will love 10 Things for its subtlety and ability to be both charming and beautiful.

Mean Girls (2004)

Credit: Paramount Pictures (2004)

Next up are some arguably “different” ideas in this list but valid none-the-less: Mean Girls and 13 Going On 30. As much as I love a cosy movie, when I feel homesick, a familiar, light-hearted movie is exactly what I need.

Along with being set at a similar time of year, Mean Girls is the perfect Autumn movie because it is so familiar to me and I’m sure others, too. Even if you haven’t seen Mean Girls, it’s an easy, funny watch that can, in your time of need, provide some light-hearted comfort (not to mention that it is just undeniably iconic).

Whether you watch this alone, or with friends on movie night, Mean Girls is one of those movies that you can’t go wrong with! A solid, cosy, watch.

13 Going on 30 (2004)

Credit: Colombia Pictures (2004)

Something about this movie is so warm and comforting? Is that just me? I was a young teenager when I first watched this and I used to dream of a career like Jenna Rinks’.

Similarly to Mean Girls, it is a fun, light-hearted movie - nothing too serious. It’s a guaranteed pick-me-up if you’re feeling lonely away from home. The costumes, the hair, the music - this film is a joy to watch, I can’t complain about it! If you dislike this movie, you’re allergic to fun!

Anything Studio Ghibli

Credit: Walt Disney Pictures (2005)

And finally, quite literally anything Studio Ghibli.

Having only seen 2 Ghibli films - Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle - I can’t say I am the most qualified to speak on these films. However, from what I do know, they are some of the most cutest, most colourful, bright, and exciting movies to exist.

Studio Ghibli movies are highly acclaimed and for good reason. They have a unique and distinct way of storytelling and the animations are stunning. The characters are adorable and loveable and the stories are captivating. Some would probably say that Studio Ghibli movies are too vibrant to be considered cosy, Autumnal movies, but they are ultimately too adorable and peaceful to not be comforting. Rest assured that no one would be let down if you suggested a Ghibli film for a movie night this Autumn!

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