Fall Movie Lineup

It probably sounds a little strange, but I like to watch my movies by season. It helps weed out options when you’re as indecisive as me, and somehow I just can’t get into Cool Runnings when it’s 104 degrees outside. So as the world parts its curtains on Fall, I’d like to share with you a few movies I like to watch during this golden season.

The Fox and the Hound

Fall represents death, and death is sadness. And The Fox and the Hound has all the Disney sadness you need for one day. I grew up raising a basset hound, so Copper reminds me a lot of my old dog Tilly. I especially love Copper’s puppy years as I’m reminded that Tilly was once young and spry and full of life. And she was known for making friends with the raccoons in the backyard, and I could almost hear the owl in the tree hooting, “When You’re the Best of Friends.”

Remember the Titans

I confess I don’t like football. Not even a little bit. For one, Rugby players take much harder beatings than the comfy, fully-cushioned football players. And it lacks the magic that baseball has, and somehow Remember the Titans captures that missed magic. Love football or not, there’s just no getting around it: Remember the Titans is simply one of the greatest movies ever made. I just wish the director would come out of hiding and make something else.

Dead Poets Society 

This entire story takes place during the first semester at a Catholic high school, which is fall. And Robin Williams takes the kids outside to play a lot, which provides many scenes of autumn leaves. If you haven’t seen this yet, seize the day and watch it already! It’s a bit slow, and I mean that as a compliment. This movie gets better with every viewing. Carpe Diem.

Dan in Real Life

Steve Carell is absolutely adored in our house, mostly because of his character as Michael Scott in The Office. Like Jim Carrey and Will Farrell, Steve Carell pulls off dramatic roles very well, especially in this fun little film about a widowed father who can’t quite seem to fit in with his family (who doesn’t know that feeling, right?). Filled with beautiful fall scenery on the New Jersey coastline, this is a fun flick for the family to enjoy before gathering with the larger family for Thanksgiving. You’ll be reminded that you’re not alone.

Homeward Bound

Yeah. See that scene right there? First time I ever cried in a movie. There’s one scene with a pumpkin, and farms and the northwest somehow remind me of relaxing fall days. Dogs rule and cats drool. No exceptions.

E.T.

It’s still one of Steven Spielberg’s finest movies. Sarabeth (along with most women I know) just doesn’t get why this movie is so great. Perhaps it taps primarily into a man’s imagination of discovery and secrets and otherworldly phenomenons. Sometimes when I take the dogs out, I secretly hope that I’ll find a little alien to befriend and introduce to Sarabeth. Or one to fight off using just my hands and a giant stick as I dodge its death-rays. Great movie to watch around Halloween.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

I tend to pull this one out around Halloween. It remains one of my favorite Disney classics. This didn’t terrify me as a kid because I was fourteen when I first saw it, but I think it’s one of the creepiest animated movies out there – but it’s such a masterpiece in every sense of the word!

The Legend of Bagger Vance

Fall movies need to be calm and relaxing. Golf movies are usually just that, and The Legend of Bagger Vance is no exception. Just a quiet, good old-fashioned story about a small town rooting for a hero to arise. If I’m not mistaken, we only own like two Will Smith movies. This is one of them.

Feel free to name some of your favorite fall movies below.

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