With the start of the school year in full swing, fall can be particularly hectic for families. But lower temperatures and earlier sunsets provide the perfect opportunity to slow down the pace with a cozy movie night. And if the film is thematic, so much the better.
From films for toddlers to films for slightly older children — and their parents! — you’ll enjoy, here are 14 fall movies for kids (and where you can watch them right now!). Popcorn and pumpkin scented candle not included.
1. “Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Set in the most pleasant season – fall – “Fantastic Mr. Fox” follows Mr. Fox as he breaks his promise to his wife to raid the gardens of neighboring farmers after 12 years of a quiet, life without incident.
Director: Wes Anderson
Release date: November 25, 2009
Duration: 1 hour, 28 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Fantastic Mr. Fox” on Apple TV
2. “The Book of Life”
Even though life has taken his childhood friends Manolo, Joaquín and Maria on different paths, one constant remains: Manolo and Joaquín still want to marry Maria.
Director: Jorge R. Gutierrez
Release date: October 17, 2014
Duration: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “The book of life” on Hulu
3. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”
An adaptation of the first book in the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” is utterly cozy and mystical (this is when Harry first discovers that he is a Wizard). And while there’s a scary moment with Voldemort at the end, it’s generally the least scary of the films. As far as fall movies for kids go, it’s hard to beat!
Director: Chris Columbus
Release date: November 16, 2001
Duration: 2 hours and 32 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone» on Amazon Prime
4. “Open season”
Elliot, a mule deer, convinces Boog, a domesticated grizzly bear, to leave his cozy life in a garage for the great outdoors. The only problem? Opening season is in three days.
Director: Jill Culton and Roger Allers
Release date: September 29, 2006
Duration: 1 hour, 27 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Open season» on Netflix
5. “Little Women”
Years before Greta Gerwig gave us ‘barbie“, she gave us the 2019 adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic that begins in December—which, yes, is still mostly fall!—and has a warm, earnest vibe throughout.
Director: Greta Gerwig
Release date: December 25, 2019
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Little woman” on Apple TV
6. “The Incredible Maurice”
Maurice, a clever street cat, hatches a plan to make money from a gang of rodents. But when they encounter a bookworm named Malicia, their plan is foiled.
Director: Toby Genkel
Release date: February 3, 2023
Duration: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “The incredible Maurice» on Amazon Prime
7. “Soul”
An existential animated film for children (and adults!) about a music teacher who comes face to face with his soul.
Director: Pete Doctor
Release date: October 11, 2020
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Soul» on Disney Plus
9. “Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving”
Partially set for Thanksgivingpart Christmas, this old-school Disney film features Pooh and the crew in a heartwarming tale.
Director: Jun Falkenstein, Karl Geurs, Gary Katona, Ed Wexler
Release date: November 8, 1999
Duration: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Rating: g
Watch: “Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving” on Vudu
10. “Bridge to Terabithia”
An outcast boy befriends the new girl at school. Together, they create an imaginary world that benefits them in real life.
Director: Gábor Csupó
Release date: February 16, 2007
Duration: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Bridge to Terabithia» on Disney Plus
11. “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”
During World War II, siblings find a door to a magical world in the closet of the country house where they stay for protection.
Director: Andrew Adamson
Release date: December 9, 2005
Duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe» on Disney Plus
12. “My Father’s Dragon”
Elmer struggles to adjust to life after moving to town with his mother. To escape, he flees to Wild Island in search of a dragon.
Director: Nora Twomey
Release date: November 11, 2022
Duration: 1 hour and 39 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch “My father’s dragon» on Netflix
13. “Coraline”
Coraline is always looking for excitement, and one day she finally finds it by opening a small door in her house that leads her to a parallel universe.
Director: Henry Selick
Release date: February 6, 2009
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch “Coraline” on Hulu
14. “Sweet Autumn”
Aunt Dee leaves her candy store to her niece and a local maple grower, and through a series of letters – and incidents – the two finally discover why.
Director: Gary Yates
Release date: September 14, 2021
Duration: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Rating: 7+
Watch “Sweet Autumn” on Amazon Prime