Your ultimate autumn watch list: 31 movies and shows ranked

Whether you’re looking for some inspiration for your next family movie night, you're struggling for something to watch when the kids are in bed, or you’re just wondering where your spooky favourite ranks, we’ve got you covered.

Halloween doesn’t just mean horror movies, either. Spooky movies and TV shows can be cosy, witchy and autumnal, the kind of thing that pairs perfectly with a cuppa or a hot chocolate.

First, the criteria.

Our list includes both spooky movies and TV shows and while many of them are set during or feature Halloween, we are also including movies and shows that capture the cosy fall vibe. What is the cosy fall vibe? We think this pretty much sums it up…

We’re going to be giving each film an individual rating across 3 different categories:

• Cosiness – Does the mere thought of this film or TV show make you want to curl up in a blanket and light a candle?
• Fall Vibes – Are we seeing pumpkins and streets lined with brown and orange trees?
• Spookiness – Is this something you’ll want to watch from behind a pillow?

So, what is the definitive list of the best cosy fall movies and TV shows? Here's the countdown...

31. Hocus Pocus 2

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Disney+

Is it really Halloween without the Sanderson sisters?

After almost 30 years, Disney returned to the hallowed streets of Salem to catch up with our favourite witches Winnifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson, who were turned to dust after their resurrection. Now, a whole new crop of teenagers have to do battle with the sinister sisters.

While it doesn't quite match the heights of the original (more on that later), Hocus Pocus 2 is still a solid Halloween romp for the whole family.

You still get everything you'd expect including another stand out Bette Midler performance, some catchy songs and all the spooky fun you could ever want, but the story and modern sheen of the film threatens to spoil the fall vibes.

Still, you can't go wrong with witches, pumpkins and Salem if you're after something to watch this fall season.

And the film gets a bonus point from this writer for including a character with the surname Traske (even if it is spelt differently).

Cosiness: 6 - It's a little too modern to feel fully cosy.

Fall Vibes: 8 - Plenty of pumpkins in this one.

Spookiness: 5 - Not too scary, little kids should be okay.

3o. Twilight

Age Rating: 12 | Where to watch: Prime Video

Wind your way through the rainy streets of Forks, Washington for a romance like no other with Bella and her eternal boyfriend Edward.

Twilight is a classic for a reason and it's a perfect cosy, nostalgic watch in the fall. The first Twilight book turns 20 this year, making it the perfect time to revisit one of the most iconic vampire sagas ever written.

If, for some reason, you've never seen Twilight, it follows Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart) and her epic romance with the immortal vampire Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson). It kicked off a new wave of vampire stories and is, in many ways, the precursor to romantasy classics like A Court of Thorns and Roses or the Fourth Wing.

If it's not already on your list for this Halloween, we suggest changing that. Did someone say Twilight marathon?

Cosiness: 7 - Cosy, romantic and full of yearning.

Fall Vibes: 8 - It's always raining, the leaves are brown and the emotions are big.

Spookiness: 7 - I mean, vampires.

29. Casper

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Disney+

Ghosts don't come more friendly than Casper. He's literally called Casper the Friendly Ghost, after all.

This adorable story of a young girl who recently lost her mother and is searching for a friend is an excellent way to spend a rainy Sunday evening. In fact, I think it might be illegal to watch this any other day of the week.

Casper is an iconic 90's classic with a cute main character and a haunted mansion that I seriously wanted to live in when I first watched the film as a child.

It's fun, funny and the Ghostly Trio are amongst some of the best characters in any spooky movie, particularly when they take control of Bill Pullman's Dr. Harvey.

A true fall classic that balances spookiness with heart in the best way.

Cosiness: 8 - A lovely story about loss, family and friendship that gives you all the cosy feels.

Fall Vibes: 8 - The mansion is exceptionally fall coded.

Spookiness: 6 - Some tricks here and there, but this one's mostly a treat.

28. Scooby-Doo

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Prime Video

Sing it with me now. 'Scooby-dooby-doo, where are you...'

It's imposible not to love Scooby-Doo and the rest of the gang, right? And the 2002 classic that brought the mischevious pooch to live-action for the first time is a perfect encapsulation of all the reasons we love Scooby-Doo.

You've got a great central mystery focused around a horror theme park called Spooky Island, a classic scene exploring a strange manor house and all the hijinks you'd expect from Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy and Scoob.

The sequel, Monsters Unleashed, is also a great watch, particularly if you love the classic Scooby-Doo monsters, but the first film is definitely the cosiest.

There are also a fair few jokes and references for adults hidden throughout the film that make this one a treat for kids and parents alike.

Cosiness: 7 - Mystery Inc. definitely bring the cosy vibes.

Fall Vibes: 6 - Ghosts and other things that go bump in the night? Must be fall...

Spookiness: 7 - It's Scooby-Doo so things get spooky but never scary.

27. Frankenweenie

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Disney+

This is the first of many appearances on this list by director Tim Burton, whose films almost always make for perfect viewing during the Halloween season.

Frankenweenie is a stop-motion spin on the classic monster story by Mary Shelley and sees a young Victor Frankenstein attempting to reanimate his beloved dog Sparky.

It's a beautifully animated, visual treat that is overflowing with classic Tim Burton charm.

But it's not all style and no substance. Like Burton's best, Frankenweenie is packed with heart and some truly memorable characters.

If you're looking for something a little spookier but not too spooky for the family this Halloween, then Frankenweenie might be the pick for you.

Cosiness: 6 - Reanimated dogs are cute but not particularly cosy.

Fall Vibes: 7 - Tim Burton basically is the fall, lets be honest.

Spookiness: 7 - Some scenes might be a little too intense for younger children.

26. Legally Blonde

Age Rating: 12 | Where to watch: Prime Video

Few things scream fall more than a movie set at Harvard. Pretty much any film or TV show set in New England has immediate fall vibes and Legally Blonde is no exception.

Elle Woods, played perfectly by Reese Witherspoon, takes the bland and grey world of law by storm when she enrolls in Harvard's prestigious law school.

What follows is one of the best and most iconic movies from the early 2000s and a perfect cosy watch for the fall season.

We're not saying that New England invented fall but it definitely feels that way. Sure, there aren't any pumpkins or ghosts in Legally Blonde, but there are plenty of old books, lecture halls and scenes of students shuffling between classes on the iconic Harvard campus.

Pair this with Good Will Hunting for the perfect fall academia movie night. Bend and snap, everyone...

Cosiness: 8 - Harvard and Elle Woods are a match made in heaven.

Fall Vibes: 7 - Old books and Harvard? Must be fall.

Spookiness: 1 - Nothing scary here.

25. Haunted Mansion

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Disney+

Unfortunately, when this came out back in 2023 it was pretty much instantly forgotten, which is a real shame given just how fun it is.

The newest cinematic adaptation of the classic Disney ride (the Eddie Murphy version is also worth a watch) is a brilliantly funny and spooky time filled with Easter eggs and callbacks to the ride that Disney park fans will love.

The cast is truly fantastic, with the central pairing of LaKeith Stanfield and Rosario Dawson bringing heart to this story of ghosts and ghouls.

This film is much more faithful to the ride than the 2003 films, bringing many of the most famous ghosts seen in the attraction to life for the first time, including the iconic Hat Box Ghost.

It's also just really, really funny, with Owen Wilson and Danny DeVito being particular highlights. If this was released during October and not August, I think it would have been a much bigger success.

Cosiness: 5 - Is it possible for a haunted mansion to be cosy?

Fall Vibes: 7 - No fall vibe is complete without a haunted mansion.

Spookiness: 8 - 999 happy haunts. But there's always room for 1 more...

24. ParaNorman

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Prime Video

There's just something spooky about stop motion, isn't there? There aren't many spooky animated films but a lot of the ones that exist do tend to be stop motion (see the rest of this list).

ParaNorman tells the story of Norman Babcock, an 11-year-old boy with some fantastic hair and the ability to speak with ghosts. Norman must use his abilities alongside some friends and reluctant companions in order to bring an end to a curse that has plagued his home town for years.

It's a fun premise that promises tons of strange and spooky happenings in — where else — a sleepy and creepy New England town.

Where ParaNorman really excels is in its supporting cast. Sure, Norman is great but everyone from his best friend Neil to the loveable jock Mitch really steal the show.

This is a wonderfully crafted and beautifully animated story of friendship, family and the undead. Perfect Halloween viewing, in other words.

Cosiness: 6 - Maybe a bit more creepy than cosy?

Fall Vibes: 7 - Pitch perfect fall vibes all round.

Spookiness: 6 - Again, more spooky than scary...

23. Goosebumps

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Prime Video/Sky Go/Now TV

Honestly, this entry could encompass the entire Goosebumps franchise. From the legendary book series by R.L. Stine to the classic 90's TV show, Goosebumps is responsible for the collective nightmares of a generation.

The reason why we've placed the 2015 film on our list is purely because it manages to capture everything that's special about the series, all while opening the world up to a whole new audience.

It stars Jack Black as Stine himself on a particularly rough night when the monsters from his stories start escaping into the real world. Chaos ensues.

The film brings to life some classic Goosebumps baddies like Slappy the Dummy, and manages to be just scary enough to satisfy fans of the classic series without tipping into horror.

While it didn't make the list, the sequel Goosebumps: Haunted Halloween is also good fun and well worth a watch if you're looking for more spooks.

Cosiness: 5 - Like cuddling up with a good book.

Fall Vibes: 7 - Goosebumps is the perfect way to set the fall vibes.

Spookiness: 7 - Slappy the Dummy is genuinely scary. Otherwise, this is more fun than freaky.

22. Coraline

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Prime Video

So, you've watched ParaNorman and Frankenweenie and you loved them both. Now you're looking for another animated film that's a bit scarier to really up the spooky vibes. Well, enter Coraline.

This is one incredibly freaky and unsettling stop motion animated classic that tells the story of Coraline, a young girl who discovers an alternate version of her family after venturing through a portal into a parallel world. The catch, they've all got buttons for eyes.

Filled with fun characters and incredibly strange and surreal imagery, Coraline is a staple Halloween film that is guaranteed to stay with you no matter your age.

Cosiness: 5 - About as cosy as Other Mother can make it.

Fall Vibes: 8 - Spooky, strange and filled with fall magic?

Spookiness: 8 - Buttons for eyes? Yeah, nope.

21. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Age Rating: 12 | Where to watch: Now TV/Sky Cinema

Another long-awaited sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice brings back the creepy 'bio-exorcist' of the same name for a new adventure.

The sequel also brings back both Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara as Lydia and Delia Deetz, and adds Wednesday star Jenna Ortega to the mix as the daughter of Ryder's character. We return to Winter River for —what else — a funeral, after the death of Lydia's father and it's not long before Michael Keaton's Betelgeuse turns up to reek havoc.

Given that it's been almost 40 years since the original (which we'll get to, don't worry) was released, expectations were high for the return of everyone's favourite creep. And, surprisingly, Burton manages to pull off the impossible by crafting a worthy sequel.

Sure, it still has some of that modern sheen that affected Hocus Pocus 2, but the sleeze is still there, as is the charm. Ryder and O'Hara are on top form as mother and daughter and the addition of Jenna Ortega elevates an already fantastic cast.

Creepy and, at times, gross, this isn't one for the younger children, but it does make for a great time, particularly closer to Halloween.

Dust off your Handbook for the Undead and get ready to catch the Soul Train to the Great Beyond for another adventure with Betelgeuse.

Cosiness: 5 - Cosy? Not so much. Morbid? Very much so.

Fall Vibes: 7 - Is there anything more fall-coded than a bio-exorcist?

Spookiness: 8 - Ghosts and ghouls galore

20. Kiki's Delivery Service

Age Rating: U | Where to watch: Netflix

Witches, bakeries and a black cat — these are perhaps the most fall-coded elements to any film and these are all present in this glorious gift of a movie from Studio Ghibli and master animator Hayao Miyazaki.

Kiki is one of the studio's best films, filled with charm and beautiful, vibrant animation that fully immerses you in the world of a young witch struggling to rediscover her magic as she strikes out on her own.

Jiji the cat is as much of an icon as Kiki herself, and the bakery above which she lives is the perfect cosy, comfy setting for a witchy story of magic and growing up.

The ultimate comfort watch.

Cosiness: 10 - Jiji alone makes this the cosiest film.

Fall Vibes: 7 - Again, Jiji is adorable.

Spookiness: 1 - No spooks here, just cosy vibes.

19. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Prime Video

We're heading out on another adventure with Mystery Inc. because no cosy fall list would be complete without some classic Scooby-Doo animation.

And when it comes to classic Scooby-Doo animation, it doesn't get much better than Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.

This film takes Mystery Inc. to Moonscar Island, a totally normal place where nothing bad could possibly happen. Of course, things don't go smoothly and the gang are forced to investigate ghosts and zombies that inhabit the island.

The story features some of the best animation in the franchise's history and all the classic tropes you'd expect from Scooby-Doo.

It's the setting that really makes this one, though. The heat of the Louisiana swamps brings a folklorish dimension to the world of the story, similarly to the recent Haunted Mansion adaptation.

Zoinks!

Cosiness: 7 - Zombies can be cosy, I guess.

Fall Vibes: 8 - It's got everything a good fall evening needs.

Spookiness: 7 - Some fun and freaky moments thanks to those pesky zombies.

18. Sleepy Hollow

Age Rating: 15 | Where to watch: Prime Video

The Father Christmas of Halloween is back, this time Tim Burton is bringing the story of the Headless Horseman to life in a gothic, gory spook show.

This one is definitely for the older kids (or date night) thanks to some serious themes and gruesome violence, but if you can handle the horror you'll be rewarded with a fantastically atmospheric film that pairs perfectly with the dark October evenings.

Based on the classic story 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', the film tells the story of Ichabod Crane, a detective brought in to investigate a series of murders supposedly committed by the ghostly Headless Horseman.

Part murder mystery, part gothic horror, Sleepy Hollow brings some seriously spooky vibes to the fall season.

Cosiness: 3 - Not sure the Headless Horseman is cosy.

Fall Vibes: 8 - Sleepy Hollow is a location probably second only to Salem in pure Halloween vibes.

Spookiness: 10 - Gruesome and freaky and not suitable for children or the squeamish.

17. Monsters Inc.

Age Rating: U | Where to watch: Prime Video

Few films have ever been able to achieve what Monsters Inc. manages to accomplish. The film takes two strange monsters in a world literally fuelled by screams and makes you fall in love in love with the characters to the point that you're literally crying by the end.

Such is the magic of Pixar.

Sulley, Mike and Boo make for a wonderful trio of characters that bring humour and warmth to a whacky adventure through a world of monsters and mayhem.

Multiple members of our MadeForMums Club said that Monsters Inc. was a Halloween staple in their houses. Member Holly said, "my little boy is 4 years old and we love Elemental or Monsters Inc.," and she wasn't the only one.

If you're looking for family-friendly fun this spooky season, then you can't go wrong with a visit to Monstropolis.

Cosiness: 8 - Sulley is about as cosy as they come — just look at his fur!

Fall Vibes: 6 - Monsters, sure, but the vibes aren't particularly 'fall'.

Spookiness: 4 - A few roars here and there and a slippery villain but it's mostly family fun.

16. Beetlejuice

Age Rating: 12 | Where to watch: Prime Video

The OG Beetlejuice is still an all time Halloween great.

It's one of Tim Burton's best thanks to a macabre and manic energy and a truly wild central performance by Michael Keaton.

If you haven't seen it, the film follows a couple who die tragically only to find their dream house is being sold off to a new family. The couple resolve to scare them out by haunting the house and end up enlisting the help of the infamous bio-exorcist Betelgeuse. Mayhem ensues.

It's a wonderfully weird and over-the-top roller coaster ride through the afterlife that makes for a particularly great Halloween watch.

Cosiness: 5 - The afterlife isn't exactly cosy here.

Fall Vibes: 7 - It is pretty 'fall' though.

Spookiness: 8 - Some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children.

15. Hotel Transylvania

Age Rating: U | Where to watch: Prime Video/Sky

It's wild that it's taken until the 15th entry on this list to get to a film or show that features the original vampire, Dracula. One of the true icons of horror has been in more movies than pretty much any other movie monster but few are as fun and funny as Hotel Transylvania.

Members of our MadeForMums Club agreed with us on this one, Drac, Johnny, Mavis along with the other residents and guests of the eponymous hotel make for fantastic companions during the spooky season.

The film follows Dracula as he tries to run his monsters-only hotel while raising his young daughter Mavis. It's got a similar vibe to Despicable Me with fun, vibrant characters and a warm, beating heart beneath the cold, icy exterior.

Cosiness: 7 - A room at the Hotel Transylvania is pretty cosy to be fair, despite the monsters running around.

Fall Vibes: 8 - All your favourite monsters make for a fun fall time.

Spookiness: 3 - No real scares in here, just fun spooks...

14. Addams Family Values

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Netflix/Paramount+

The second film in the original Addams Family series from the 90's might be even more beloved than its predecessor as siblings Wednesday and Pugsley try to get rid of the latest addition to the family, Pubert.

The cast returns including Christina Ricci in the role of Wednesday Addams and Anjelica Huston as Morticia Addams, ready to bring a whole new meaning to the word weird.

Originally created for a series of cartoons in The New Yorker, The Addams Family have gone on to become one of the most beloved families in the world thanks to their unique blend of horror and their increasingly strange extended family (Itt is my personal favourite).

This is just the first of many appearances from everyone's favourite freaky family on this list, going to show that they are the perfect companions for a cosy fall movie night with the whole family.

Cosiness: 7 - There's nothing like a night in with the Addams Family.

Fall Vibes: 8 - They're the First Family of Halloween, so...

Spookiness: 8 - Does it get spookier than The Addams Family?

13. Stranger Things

Age Rating: 15 | Where to watch: Netflix

Stranger Things is the show that seemingly reignigted everyone's obsession with the 80s and its easy to see why. This story of a group of loveable kids joining forces with a super-powered girl named Eleven to fight the forces of evil, both human and supernatural, is fantastic fun.

Season 5 is set to release later this year making it the perfect time to dive back into the world of Hawkins for a rewatch.

The whole show has immaculate fall vibes, but season 2 in particular is set during the Halloween season and features some excellent pumpkin patches and Halloween costumes.

This isn't just a show that relies of nostalgia to skate by, it's a genuinely wonderful story of friendship, family and triumphing over evil.

Cosiness: 9 - A cosy game of D&D with pals...

Fall Vibes: 9 - Hawkins just feels like fall.

Spookiness: 9 - This one is for the older kids!

12. Wednesday

Age Rating: 12 | Where to watch: Netflix

We told you there would be more Addams Family on our list, didn't we?

Of course, we couldn't make a list of fall cosy watches without including our girl Wednesday Addams.

Tim Burton brings his own singular style to the world of The Addams Family in this story of Wednesday as she heads to Nevermore Academy, a school established for outcasts and monsters.

It's got everything you expect from everyone's favourite freaky family including a fantastic central performance from Jenna Ortega, who feels like she was born to play Wednesday Addams.

The whole cast is excellent and there are some great dance sequences across both seasons that are worth the price of admission alone.

Cosiness: 8 - A school full of monsters? Cosy.

Fall Vibes: 9 - Again, the Addams Family basically ARE October...

Spookiness: 7 - Freaky fun for most of the family.

11. When Harry Met Sally

Age Rating: 15 | Where to watch: Prime Video

The kids have gone to bed. There's still some time for you to sneak in a movie before you crash out. You're feeling the fall vibes but you don't really want something scary. What do you watch?

Romcoms often come with fantastic fall vibes and there aren't many better than When Harry Met Sally (well, there might be 1 that's better...).

Harry and Sally hate each other until they don't. They become friends over a series of increasingly autumnal walks through New York, discussing everything from life and love to the dynamics between men and women.

This charming romcom classic is the perfect cosy date night watch and a great snuggle under a blanket.

Cosiness: 9 - One of the best romcoms ever!

Fall Vibes: 9 - Central Park in the fall? Immaculate vibes.

Spookiness: 1 - Unless you find suspect haircuts scary, you'll be fine.

10. You've Got Mail

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Prime Video/Sky

This probably seems controversial. In what world does You've Got Mail come above When Harry Met Sally? Sure, if this was a list of the best romcoms it probably wouldn't. But when it comes to cosy fall vibes, this story of an indie book seller falling in love with a big business book exec over email just about takes the win.

Meg Ryan, the queen of the romcom, plays said bookseller whose store is singlehandedly responsible for those fall vibes. Over the course of a few months she chats via email with Tom Hanks's character, a stuffy business type. Eventually they fall in love, not realising that offline, they are slowly becoming mortal enemies.

This is a true romcom classic that, like When Harry Met Sally, is packed with heart, humour and books. A real date night winner.

Cosiness: 9 - Another one of the best romcoms ever!

Fall Vibes: 9 - Everyone knows bookshops = fall.

Spookiness: 1 - The sight of an email might be triggering for some people...

9. The Craft

Age Rating: 15 | Where to watch: Prime Video

Probably one of the most iconic teen movies of all time, The Craft is the exquisitely autumnal story of Sarah, a troubled teen with unique abilities.

In true teen movie fashion, she's the new girl at a vicious new high school where she befriends a trio of girls rumoured to be witches.

A note perfect exploration of femininity and finding your voice, The Craft is a fantastic witchy time and a must watch during the fall season.

The 90s energy is on point and the angsty witch vibes are high in this one.

Cosiness: 8 - What could be cosier than finding your coven?

Fall Vibes: 9 - Witches!

Spookiness: 7 - More for the teens.

8. Halloweentown

Age Rating: U | Where to watch: Disney+

Halloweentown is the ultimate movie that combines cosiness and spookiness, with extra 90s nostalgia to boot.

The film follows Marnie, who, on her 13th Halloween, learns she’s a witch and is transported to Halloweentown — with the help of her grandmother, played by vetersan actress Debbie Reynolds. Once in Halloweentown, you quickly learn that all those fantasy characters you dress up as on Halloween — vampires, mummies, ghosts, skeletons and even pumpkin heads — are real and living in their own community in an alternative universe. Watch as Marnie battles curses, creatures and surprises in this ultimate spooky treat.

The special effects may be outdated… (it’s a TV Movie from the 90s so do limit your expectations!), but it’s still fun, charming and we think, the perfect family-friendly movie to get you in the spooky mood.

Cosiness: 7 — Definitely more spooky than cosy, but it’s hard to not be charmed by Halloweentown itself — despite the goblins and zombies walking around…

Fall vibes: 6 — Halloweentown, as in the town itself, does feel like it’s straight from an autumnal scene, just add in some witches and warlocks.

Spookiness: 7 — Nothing too scary, but there are endless Halloween-y creatures and references which increase the spookiness factor.

7. Gilmore Girls

Age Rating: 12 | Where to watch: Netflix

For many millennials like myself, fall means cosy cups of tea, candlelight and, most importantly, settling in for another rewatch of Gilmore Girls.

It really is the cosiest show on TV, making it the perfect fall companion.

The show follows Lorelai and Rory Gilmore as they navigate love, school and family, all while dealing with the particulars of Stars Hollow and its many residents.

You've got cosy inns, romance, Harvard, a classic American diner where the coffee flows freely and the phones are off and, above all else, you've got your new best friends Lorelai and Rory.

Fun fact for you, I actually visited the set of Gilmore Girls for my honeymoon in 2024 and all those scenes where Lorelai and Rory are walking around Stars Hollow dressed for fall were actually really hot thanks to the glorious sunshine in LA where it was filmed.

Cosiness: 10 – Outside of dogs and cats, this might be the cosiest thing ever to exist.

Fall Vibes: 9 – Harvard, cosy coats, brown leaves.

Spookiness: 2 – Some of the 90s haircuts are pretty spooky.

6. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Age Rating: U | Where to watch: NOW

We all love Wallace and Gromit, and we especially love their first feature-length film that also happens to be perfect for autumn: Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

Wallace and Gromit must come to the rescue of their town which is being plagued by rabbits as the annual Giant Vegetable competition approaches. However, they soon find themselves chasing down a mysterious beast that’s decimating the town’s allotments — can this dynamic duo save the day?

Settle down and watch this eccentric pair on this autumnal adventure that gives you all the energy of a classic monster movie, with a much less threatening presence.

Cosiness: 8 — It’s hard not to feel cosy as you watch Wallace and Gromit battle through a cosy town on the hunt for a giant rabbit…

Fall vibes: 5 — Although set in autumn, the fall vibes are definitely more subtle

Spookiness: 4 — It’s hard to step away from the parody element, so you’re definitely left feeling more charmed than spooked.

5. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Disney+

Is it a Christmas film or a Halloween film? I'd say, why not both?

The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the most iconic animated films of all time, packed with creepy Tim Burton-esque imagery and wonderfully catchy musical numbers.

Enter the world of Halloween Town with Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King with designs on taking over as Santa on Christmas Eve.

What follows is a spooky inversion of Christmas and an exploration of what it means to choose your purpose and find your own place in a world that seems hell bent on telling you who you are.

While it wasn't directed by Tim Burton (he did write it though), this one has his visual magic all over it making it equal parts weird and whimsical.

In other words, perfect for Halloween.

Cosiness: 8 – Music, pumpkins and a ghost dog. Sounds cosy.

Fall Vibes: 10 – It's set in a place literally called Halloween Town.

Spookiness: 5 – More creepy than outright scary.

4. Coco

Age Rating: U | Where to watch: Disney+

Pixar’s Coco isn’t just a great film for fall, it’s a great film full stop. The story of Miguel and his journey into the Land of the Dead is full of vibrant colours and wonderful music that is guaranteed to capture the imagination of both children and parents.

“We love watching Coco with our little ones, they are 3 and 5 years old,” noted MadeForMums Club member Laura. “They love the bright colours and music but our 5 year old properly follows the plot now and can't wait for her spooky movie night.”

Like many of the films on our list, the film has gone on to become a staple watch for many families during the spooky season and for good reason. Coco brings to life the Mexican Day of the Dead, a multi-day celebration that takes place at the start of November during which family members will pay their respects to loved ones who have died.

The film includes many of the traditions observed during the holiday including calaveras (a representation of a human skull or skeleton), home alters known as ofrendas (the Spanish word for offering) and vibrant marigold flowers.

Then there are the musical numbers. Remember Me gets all the attention thanks to its importance to the story and, don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful song but my personal favourite (and the one most likely to get you all up dancing) has to be Un Poco Loco.

Coco is beautiful film that is packed with humour and heart, bringing both the cosy vibes you want as the seasons change as well as a powerful message about family, loss and the importance of remembering those we love.

Cosiness: 8 – Anything you can sing along with is instantly a cosy favourite.

Fall Vibes: 9 – Fall colours and beautiful traditions. Perfect.

Spookiness: 3 – This one is great for everyone.

3. Practical Magic

Age Rating: 12 | Where to watch: Available to buy on Sky Store

Practical Magic has become a cult classic and an annual must-watch around Halloween.

Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, the film focuses on their two characters — sisters Sally and Gilian Owens — who are descended from a long line of witches and have been taught ‘practical magic’ as they grew up. Now, as adults, they must use their knowledge and magic to destroy the evil spirit of an abusive boyfriend.

Not only is Practical Magic a great film to get you in a spooky mood, it also explores and weaves together dark themes about gender and power — making it a rare, female-centric film in this genre. If you’ve got teenagers and are looking for a darkly funny but entertaining spooky pick this Halloween, we’d highly recommend Practical Magic.

Cosiness: 8 – The sisterly bond and small-town charm give the film a very warm and cosy vibe.

Fall Vibes: 8 – Witches, autumnal vibes and classic late-90’s aesthetic make this an ultimate ‘Fall’ choice.

Spookiness: 5 – There are a few creepy moments, but it’s more mystical than spooky.

2. Ghostbusters

Age Rating: 12 | Where to watch: Netflix

It's rare that you find a film that is both a great comedy and a great spooky movie and Ghostbusters definitely ticks both boxes.

This story of a group of outcast scientists coming together to bust ghosts in New York is one of the 80's most iconic movies, quickly becoming a favourite with generations of kids.

The fact that you can go from a hilarious scene of the Ghostbusters running through a haunted hotel in search of Slimer to the intense scene of Sigourney Weaver's Dana being possessed by a demon from inside her fridge is a real testament to the brilliance of the films tonal gymnastics.

It has the same feeling you get when you hang out with friends, a cosy vibe where you're having a laugh and a joke and occasionally busting some ghosts.

Cosiness: 7 – a great time with the pals.

Fall Vibes: 7 – busting ghosts feels very fall to me.

Spookiness: 8 – it can get a bit spooky from time to time.

1. Hocus Pocus

Age Rating: PG | Where to watch: Disney+

‘Oh, look. Another glorious morning. Makes me sick!’

So says Bette Midler’s Winifred Sanderson, the eldest of the sinister Sanderson sisters upon returning to Salem after 300 years to finally take revenge on the town that wronged her.

Witches, Salem, strange spells, musical numbers, pumpkins and, most importantly, cats, Hocus Pocus has got it all, making it an easy pick for the ultimate cosy fall movie.

Just in case you aren’t familiar, the plot can basically be summarised by this quote from Midler’s character, “We must find the book, brew the potion and suck the lives out of the children of Salem before sunrise. Otherwise, it’s curtains. We evaporate! We cease to exist! Dost thou comprehend?” All the while, a group of teens try to stop the witches from carrying out their evil plan.

It has become a Halloween staple over the years thanks to an exquisite Bette Midler performance; some iconic musical numbers and a story that’s equal parts spooky and cosy. It’s just on the edge of being scary without veering into horror territory, making it a great film to watch with the whole family. When we put the question to our MadeForMums Club, Hocus Pocus was a clear favourite thanks to the nostalgia factor

While the sequel is a fun time, nothing can quite capture the fall magic of the original with its endlessly quotable characters ("You hags! There are not enough children in the world to make thee young and beautiful!” is another iconic line), wonderfully weird world and pitch perfect production design. If it hasn’t already, Hocus Pocus is guaranteed to put a spell on you.

Cosiness: 10 – Perfect with a knit sweater, blanket and a pumpkin scented candle

Fall Vibes: 10 – Literally set during Halloween, so…

Spookiness: 6 – The plot can get a bit scary at times.

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