Starring Emma Watson as Meg March, Timothee Chalamet as Laurie and other notable performers in beloved roles, this 2019 adaptation of the classic book doesn't follow the original story as closely as some others. Still, many viewers love the way the story is presented, and the overall cinematography and timeline include beautiful moments in fall and winter.
For those who like winter in films to come with a lot more grit, the suspense western The Revenant may be a more appropriate option. It's the story of a man seeking revenge after he's been left for dead and his son killed. The movie may be too realistic and grim at times for viewers who prefer lighter fall and winter entertainment, but Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy and others deliver an epic storyline for those who enjoy it.
This beloved Christmas classic usually shows up in a marathon run on or around Christmas Day, but you can watch it anytime during the fall or winter on DVD or Blu-ray or via streaming services. It tells the story of an average American family experiencing the ups and downs that come with the holiday season. If you've not watched the unpacking of the leg lamp yet this year, this movie is a must for your fall and winter list.
Another must-watch for the winter season is It's a Wonderful Life. Older adults who enjoy Christmas movies might be able to recite the dialogue by heart, but there's something cozy and special about the black-and-white film and the lines delivered in James Stewart's recognizable voice.
This isn't a holiday movie, but When Harry Met Sally is a fun rom-com full of gorgeous fall and winter looks at Manhattan and surrounding areas. If it's been a while since you've viewed this classic love story — or you've never seen it before — late fall is a great time to cuddle up with a blanket and popcorn and enjoy the performances by Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal.
Steve Martin and John Candy star in this John Hughes road trip movie that tells the harrowing and hilarious tale of two random men trying to get home for Thanksgiving. The film takes advantage of the straight man/comic principle and the general mania that's possible when you pair players like Martin and Candy in everyday situations taken to ridiculous lengths.
For a slightly more serious — but not too serious — story about Thanksgiving, you might choose to watch Pieces of April. This film stars Katie Holmes and Oliver Platt and follows a young woman who takes on the eldest daughter worries in an estranged and fairly dysfunctional family. She attempts to prepare and host a holiday dinner, and everything that can go wrong in this scenario seems to do so, creating a plot with elements many may recognize from their own past holiday seasons.
For a heartwarming Christmas comedy you can enjoy with the grandkids, you might consider Elf. A favorite of people of all ages, this movie features Will Ferrell as Buddy. He's human, but he was raised as an elf in Santa's workshop. When he learns about his biological family, Buddy heads to the Big Apple to find out more about his origin, and the expected hijinks ensue.
This iconic story of boys coming of age in a strict boarding school features Robin Williams as an against-the-grain teacher who shows them life is bigger than their own surroundings and families. The drama is a classic and a favorite fall watch for many due to its autumnal and early winter scenery and some back-to-school vibes.
If you love to watch school-related films with beautiful campus scenery in the fall and winter, With Honors is another great choice. The movie features Brendan Fraser, Patrick Dempsey and other young actors as college students who develop an unlikely relationship with a homeless man played by Joe Pesci. Set at Harvard University over part of a semester that includes some winter months, this film has a few beautiful slogs through a snow-blanketed campus.
If you want your snowy backdrop to come with a bit more bite and a lot of crime, consider adding the 1996 dark crime comedy Fargo to your fall and winter movie list. Frances McDormand turns in a stunning performance in this gritty film, which some people find funny and others shocking.
