It’s officially autumn time and you know what that means. It’s time to turn on those cosy, heartwarming, autumn songs, and films for the billionth time and sip hot drinks in front of the TV all night long.

I’ve compiled the optimum list of films and artists you must consume this autumn to get you in the spirit of golden-red leaves on the ground, and crisp, chilly breezes.

3 Film Suggestions

As someone who loves films and television, and spends a great deal of their time watching them, a change in season is always reflected in the types of films and television shows I like to watch. Here are my top 5 essential films for your list this season:

1) Dead Poets Society

This film has been one of my favourites for years, and the story has stuck with me since I first watched it around three years ago.

In 1959, on the first day of classes at a prestigious and elite boarding school known for its traditional values and high expectations, a group of boys are surprised by the unorthodox teaching methods of their new English teacher, John Keating. Keating encourages his students to "make your lives extraordinary" through the reading of poetry and self-expression.

This film will break your heart and put it back together again in the span of just 2 hours and 8 minutes. The incredible performances, Shakespeare allusions and academia aesthetic of the film are just a few of the reasons why it should be on your autumn watchlist.

2) Little Women (2019)

I’ve spoken about my love for this film on The OYISTER Podcast before, but I could not resist bringing this film into any conversation that has the words “comfort” and “autumn,” so here we go again I suppose.

While the March sisters come to terms with their ending childhoods, they go through important ups and downs in life and endeavour to make important decisions that can affect their future.

This film’s themes of the importance of family, love, and childhood leave you with a warm feeling in your bones and tears in your eyes. The period-drama setting, gorgeous costumes, and Christmas look are simply stunning and will definitely get you in the mood for the season.

3) Fantastic Mr. Fox

Wes Anderson is one of my favourite directors—his flamboyant, eccentric, and captivating imagery never fails to draw you into his fantastical worlds and not let you go until the credits roll. However, my all-time favourite film of his is Fantastic Mr. Fox, a stop-motion animation based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name.

After twelve years of wonderful bliss, Mr. Fox breaks an essential promise to his wife and raids the farms of their human neighbors. Giving in to his animal instincts endangers not only his marriage but also the lives of his family and their animal friends. The only way to make things right is to resort to his natural craftiness to rise above the opposition.

I love stop-motion animation, and the colours and textures in this film are simply amazing to look at. This is a great film for the whole family, but I would advise against watching this on an empty stomach, because the food in this film looks so delicious you’ll be desperate to try it.

2 Artist Suggestions

I spend a lot of time on public transport, and so that means I listen to a lot of music. Here are 2 artists and their albums, songs, and EPs that you have to listen to this season to get yourself into the mood while you study, travel, or just lay around!

1) Lizzy McAlpine

I first started listening to Lizzy McAlpine last year and have been obsessed ever since! Her soft tone and intrinsic storytelling within her lyrics are so addictive and lovely. Although I listen to her music all year round, I find that it’s particularly great around autumn time.

My favourites of her songs are…

“Ceilings,” “Chemtrails,” “Where Do I Go?”, and “Called You Again.”

2) Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers has been one of my favourite artists for years and her two albums Stranger in the Alps and Punisher have been some of my essential albums forever. Her ghostly and poetic lyrics, hypnotic melodies, and frankly frighteningly beautiful depiction of her themes are things I find breathtaking.

My favourites of her songs are…

“The Gold,” “Graceland Too,” “Motion Sickness,” and “Funeral.”

What About You?

Well, that concludes my autumn suggestions this season. Hopefully, we can all drink plenty of warm drinks, watch autumn films with our loved ones, and admire the falling leaves these coming weeks!

If you have any more suggestions for any autumn-themed things to listen to, watch, or do this season, please comment them down below!