With back-to-school season in full swing, fall can feel particularly hectic for families. But the drop in temperatures and earlier sundowns make for the perfect opportunity to slow down with a cozy movie night. And if the flick is thematic, all the better.
From movies for little ones to films slightly older kids — and their parents! — will enjoy, here are 14 fall movies to watch for kids (and where you can currently watch them!). Popcorn and pumpkin-scented candle not included.
1. “Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Set in the coziest season — fall — “Fantastic Mr. Fox” follows Mr. Fox as he breaks his promise to his wife to raid the gardens of nearby farmers after 12 years of a quiet, uneventful life.
Director: Wes Anderson
Release date: November 25, 2009
Runtime: 1 hour, 28 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Fantastic Mr. Fox” on Apple TV
2. “The Book of Life”
While life has taken childhood friends Manolo, Joaquin and Maria on different paths, one constant remains — Manolo and Joaquin both still want to marry Maria.
Director: Jorge R. Gutierrez
Release date: October 17, 2014
Runtime: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “The Book of Life” on Hulu
3. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
An adaptation of the first book of the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is all things cozy and mystical (it’s when Harry first discovers he’s a wizard). And while there’s a scary moment with Voldemort at the end, it’s generally the least frightening of the movies. As far as fall movies for kids go, this is hard to beat!
Director: Chris Columbus
Release date: November 16, 2001
Runtime: 2 hours, 32 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” on Amazon Prime
4. “Open Season”
Elliot, a mule deer, convinces Boog, a domesticated grizzly, to leave his cush life in a garage for the great outdoors. The only problem? Open season is three days away.
Director: Jill Culton and Roger Allers
Release date: September 29, 2006
Runtime: 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 starts off in December — which, yes, is still mostly fall! — and gives serious cozy vibes throughout.
Director: Greta Gerwig
Release date: December 25, 2019
Runtime: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Little Women” on Apple TV
6. “The Amazing Maurice”
A street smart cat named Maurice hatches a plan to make money off of a gang of rodents. But when they meet a bookworm named Malicia, their plan is foiled.
Director: Toby Genkel
Release date: February 3, 2023
Runtime: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “The Amazing Maurice” on Amazon Prime
7. “Soul”
An existential animated film for kids (and adults!) about a music teacher that comes face-to-face with his soul.
Director: Pete Docter
Release date: October 11, 2020
Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Soul” on Disney Plus
9. “Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving”
Partially set during Thanksgiving, partially during Christmas, this old school Disney flick features Pooh and the crew in a heartwarming tale.
Director: Jun Falkenstein, Karl Geurs, Gary Katona, Ed Wexler
Release date: November 8, 1999
Runtime: 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
Runtime: 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 home where they’re staying to keep safe.
Director: Andrew Adamson
Release date: December 9, 2005
Runtime: 2 hours, 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 is having a hard time adjusting to life after moving to the city with his mother. In order to cope, he runs away to Wild Island in search of a dragon.
Director: Nora Twomey
Release date: November 11, 2022
Runtime: 1 hour, 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 by opening a small door in her home that leads her to a parallel universe.
Director: Henry Selick
Release date: February 6, 2009
Runtime: 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 farmer, and through a series of letters — and mishaps — the two finally discover why.
Director: Gary Yates
Release date: September 14, 2021
Runtime: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Rating: 7+
Watch “Sweet Autumn” on Amazon Prime
