When the air turns crisp and the leaves start crunching under your shoes, there’s only one thing that makes autumn nights complete: a good movie. Whether you’re in the mood to get spooked, snuggle up, or dive into a story that feels like fall, this season’s best films are all about atmosphere. Grab your blanket, light that pumpkin candle, and let’s dive into some of Preps favorite fall watches.
“Hocus Pocus”
Some movies feel like Halloween, and “Hocus Pocus” sits at the top of that list. The Sanderson sisters—three witches brought back to life by a curious teenager—bring chaos and charm. From the eerie streets of Salem to the glowing pumpkins on every doorstep, this movie drips with October atmosphere. According to Mele Decorte ‘27 its “spooky, festive, and silly without losing its heart.” If you only watch one Halloween movie this year, make it this one.
“It’s a great pumpkin Charlie brown”
Before high-budget horror and CGI monsters, there was “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” — a half-hour of pure, animated autumn comfort. Every October, it quietly reclaims its spot as the heart of the season.
This Peanuts special follows Linus, the believer, waiting patiently in the pumpkin patch for the mythical Great Pumpkin to appear. Around him, the gang celebrates Halloween in their own simple ways: trick-or-treating, apple bobbing, and rock gathering.
Payton Nooyen ‘28 watches this movie ritually every fall as she recalls how, “I used to watch it when I was little and then it became a tradition.”
The beauty of this movie isn’t in its plot twists or scares — it’s in its simplicity. The soft jazz soundtrack, the warm orange glow, and the gentle reminder of childhood belief make it feel timeless. It’s cozy, it’s sincere, and it never gets old.
“The Conjuring”
For those who prefer a movie that’ll make them sleep with the lights on, “The Conjuring” is as chilling as it gets. Wyatt Laughtery ’28 insisted, “It doesn’t chill me,” but later confessed that “it scares me every time.” Based on the real-life cases of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, it’s a masterpiece of tension—slow, creeping dread that builds until you’re gripping your blanket. The farmhouse setting, dim candlelight, and eerie silence make it feel perfect for a cold October night. It’s not just a horror film—it’s an experience.
“Harry Potter”
When you think of fall comfort movies, “Harry Potter” commonly comes to mind. There’s something timeless about the glow of Hogwarts’ candles, the clinking mugs of pumpkin juice, and the cool wind sweeping through the castle grounds. It captures that perfect blend of mystery and coziness — the feeling of stepping into a new chapter, with a little magic waiting around every corner.
Senior Adalaide Williams described the movie as “spooky, mysterious, and exciting,” with Sienna Kirk ’26 adding how, “it puts us in the fall spirit every time.”
Like the falling leaves outside, each story drifts in with its own beauty, reminding us to slow down, savor the season, and find warmth in the glow of a good movie night.
