As the air cooled, sweaters came out of closets and pumpkin spice filled cups, many students turned to their favorite comfort movies to match the season’s cozy mood.
Fall is not just about the change in weather. It is a season rich in tradition, warmth and nostalgia. According to Verywell Mind, “the familiar sights, sounds and smells of fall often trigger feelings of nostalgia and comfort, reminding us of cherished memories and simpler times.” The connection people create to fall is often rooted in comfort, which explained why this season felt special to many students. Whether through movies, family rituals or small seasonal joys, fall invited moments of reflection and togetherness.
For Grace Orme, junior communication studies major, fall felt like the soft start of the holiday season.
“When I think of holiday comfort movies, my mind typically goes to Christmas,” Orme said with a laugh. “But when I think of fall, I picture those classic warm oranges, yellows and reds; fuzzy sweaters, cozy fireplaces and the beginning of holiday music.”
Orme did not have a strict fall ritual, but she never skipped anything pumpkin related.
“Pumpkin is my thing,” Orme said. “Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, right when it turns late September, I start looking for pumpkin everything.”
Her favorite seasonal movie also reflected nostalgia.
“I love old classic musicals,” Orme said. “Holiday Inn is one of my favorites. It’s not strictly a fall movie, but it goes through every holiday at this little hotel, and that cozy, nostalgic feel just fits the season perfectly.”
For Hannah Lanting, sophomore public relations major, fall felt like stepping inside a small-town movie.
“Any fall Hallmark movie gives me fall vibes,” Lanting said. “The small-town environment, the cozy weather, that aesthetic; it just feels homey.”
Lanting’s family traditions included pumpkin carving and baking nights.
“We used to bake pumpkin seeds and sprinkle cinnamon on them,” Lanting said. “And of course, pumpkin lattes are a must.”
Like many, Lanting also finds comfort in nostalgia.
“I grew up watching the Charlie Brown Halloween special, that is definitely my childhood fall movie,” Lanting said.
For Christian Reyes, senior film production major, the meaning of fall comfort lies in escapism and family.
“A fall comfort movie is one that helps you escape, especially during the holidays, something you can watch with your family and forget about everything else for a while,” Reyes said. “My favorite fall movie. ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.‘ Even though it’s a Christmas movie, it has strong festive and Halloween elements,” Reyes said. “It can go with either season.”
Reyes also found joy in simple traditions.
“I love eating pumpkin pie and going to the drive-in to watch scary movies,” Reyes said. “There’s just something about watching from your car, bundled up, that feels like fall.”
Meanwhile, Bailey VanVelson, senior journalism major, connected fall comfort to one TV show that has become synonymous with the season, “Gilmore Girls.”
“It just reminds me of fall,” VanVelson said. “The orange trees, the coffee shops, the cozy sweaters, it’s all there.”
Her family tradition also highlighted community and warmth.
“Every Thanksgiving, my sister, mom, dad and I make pumpkin bread together,” VanVelson said. “Then we take it around to people in our neighborhood. It’s something we do every year.”
From pumpkin treats to nostalgic shows and neighborhood traditions, fall encouraged togetherness. Cooler nights and earlier sunsets drew people closer to familiar stories and the comfort of loved ones.
For students looking to create their own fall movie night, there are plenty of family-friendly favorites that capture the cozy charm of the season. Films like “Coco” displayed warm autumn colors through heartfelt storytelling, “Coraline“ offered a nostalgic return to childhood wonder. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” delivered magical comfort and laughter, while “Matilda” inspired heartwarming hope and courage, all perfect reflections of the beauty found in fall.
Ultimately, fall is more than just a season; it is a feeling. Whether it’s carving pumpkins, rewatching a favorite movie or sharing dessert with family, fall reminds students that comfort and community often begin with simple moments.
