Dreamer

Oh, October. As the golden leaves blanket the ground and the chill in the air grows more pronounced, there’s no better time to cozy up with a blanket, a cup of pumpkin-spiced anything, and indulge in some cinematic therapy. Whether you’re craving the eerie aura of Halloween or the comforting embrace of heartwarming stories, this month’s watchlist has something for everyone.

1. TV Series:

a. “The Haunting of Bly Manor” (Netflix) Building on the success of “The Haunting of Hill House,” this series offers a blend of horror, drama, and romance. Set in a picturesque mansion in the English countryside, it perfectly captures the atmosphere of the mysterious and the melancholy, perfect for October evenings.

b. “Gilmore Girls” (Netflix) Though not strictly a fall-themed show, the idyllic setting of Stars Hollow in autumn is hard to beat. Lorelai’s love for snow is infectious, but the fall foliage and events like the Harvest Festival showcase the series at its coziest.

c. “Over the Garden Wall” (Hulu, Cartoon Network) This animated mini-series is a hidden gem. Two brothers wander through a strange and magical forest, meeting peculiar characters along the way. Its folkloric charm and autumnal tones make it perfect for the season.

d. “Stranger Things” (Netflix) The adventurous kids from Hawkins, Indiana, have made a comeback every year, and while not every season is set in the fall, the show’s eerie and nostalgic vibe aligns well with October’s ambiance.

e. “Twin Peaks” (Available on various platforms) A blend of crime, drama, and supernatural elements, David Lynch’s masterpiece is set in a quaint town filled with secrets. Its eerie and atmospheric vibe is just right for the October feel.

f. “Penny Dreadful” (Showtime) This dark fantasy series interweaves characters from classic literature into a wholly original, chilling narrative, set against the backdrop of Victorian London’s gloom.

g. “Anne with an E” (Netflix) Based on “Anne of Green Gables,” this series captures the beauty of the Canadian countryside, especially during its lush autumn episodes, while telling the heartwarming story of an orphaned girl finding her place in the world.

h. “Pushing Daisies” (Available on various platforms) A pie-maker who can bring the dead back to life with a touch? This quirky series is visually rich, with many scenes showcasing the amber tones of autumn.

i. “Gossip Girl” (Available on various platforms) The Upper East Side’s elite students are no strangers to the charm of fall in New York. From Blair’s infamous Thanksgiving dinners to the backdrop of Central Park adorned in its autumnal best, “Gossip Girl” provides drama with a side of the city’s finest seasonal aesthetics.

2. Movies:

a. “Practical Magic” (Available on various platforms) Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star as witchy sisters in this romantic fantasy. It’s got all the elements: magic, love, and a haunting family curse, all set against the backdrop of a stunning Victorian home.

b. “When Harry Met Sally” (Available on various platforms) This classic rom-com is not only about the evolution of love but also features one of the most iconic autumn scenes in New York’s Central Park, with Harry and Sally walking amidst the falling leaves.

c. “Dead Poets Society” (Available on various platforms) Set in a conservative all-boys preparatory school, the movie showcases the beauty of New England’s fall season while highlighting the theme of carpe diem – seize the day.

d. “The Others” (Available on various platforms) For those looking for a blend of drama and horror, this Nicole Kidman starrer is a masterpiece. The atmosphere is thick with fog and tension, making it ideal for a chilling October evening.

e. “October Sky” (Available on various platforms) Based on a true story, this film follows a young boy’s dream to launch rockets. The small-town setting and the backdrop of the mining community in the 1950s perfectly capture the essence of change and hope.

f. “Hocus Pocus” (Available on various platforms) A quintessential October movie, this cult classic about three witches resurrected in modern-day Salem is a blend of comedy, horror, and nostalgia.

g. “Sleepy Hollow” (Available on various platforms) Tim Burton’s adaptation of the Washington Irving tale, with Johnny Depp playing Ichabod Crane, is perfect for those seeking a gothic horror film with stunning visuals.

h. “Autumn in New York” (Available on various platforms) Starring Richard Gere and Winona Ryder, this romantic drama encapsulates the essence of New York during the fall and addresses themes of love, life, and impending mortality.

i. “The Village” (Available on various platforms) Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, this thriller takes place in a secluded community surrounded by woods, where mysterious creatures reside. The film’s setting is incredibly atmospheric, with the color palette of fall deeply embedded in its cinematography.

j. “Legends of the Fall” (Available on various platforms) A tale of love, war, and family, this film showcases the sweeping landscapes of Montana in all its seasonal glory, especially during the poignant moments set in the autumn.

k. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (Available on various platforms) While it’s centered around Thanksgiving, the wholesome vibe of this animated classic captures the heart of fall, making it a delightful watch for families and fans of all ages.

. “Harry Potter” Series (Available on various platforms) J.K. Rowling’s magical world is replete with the vibes of autumn. Here are some specific moments across the series that stand out:

• “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”: The start of Harry’s journey at Hogwarts during the fall, the Halloween feast, and his first Quidditch match in the rain are pure October vibes.
• “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”: The movie has a distinctly moody and autumnal tone, especially with the Whomping Willow shedding its leaves and the arrival of the Dementors.
• “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”: The sweeping landscapes, especially those around the Burrow, have a rich, golden palette reminiscent of fall.

m. “Fantastic Beasts” Series (Available on various platforms) Set in the same wizarding world, these movies, particularly the first one set in 1920s New York, offer their own charm. The city’s fall setting, complete with magical creatures, adds to the allure of the season.

October is a month of transition and mystery, filled with the promise of cozy nights and cinematic magic. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting classic or a spine-chilling thriller, this list promises a delightful escape from the everyday. So light up a candle, wrap yourself in your favorite throw, and embark on a cinematic journey this fall.

And if this isn’t enough, try to dive deeper into the aesthetic and vibes with some videos you can find here!

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Cristiana Apreutese