The Back Rows

My curated blend of cozy, moody, and mysterious stories to match autumn’s atmosphere.

It’s officially fall! When the air turns crisp and the leaves start tumbling down, it feels like the perfect excuse to hibernate with a blanket, a mug of something warm, and a great story. There’s something about this season that naturally draws us inward — the days get shorter, the nights stretch longer, and suddenly the idea of sinking into a film or series feels less like a pastime and more like a ritual.

Fall is a season of contrasts: cozy yet eerie, warm yet melancholy, familiar yet surprising. It’s a time when we crave both comfort and reflection — a lighthearted romance one night, a moody mystery the next. It’s my favorite time of the year. 

I’ve put together a list of recommendations: a blend of movies and TV shows that feel especially right for autumn. Some are heartwarming, some are haunting, and others sit in that perfect in-between space. All of them, though, are stories I’d suggest for keeping you company while the leaves fall outside.

FILMS

Notting Hill (1999)

A charming bookseller in London finds his quiet life turned upside down when he stumbles into a romance with a world-famous actress. What follows is a story that spans across a few months, full of witty dialogue, awkward encounters, and a sweetness that never feels too sugary. 

Why it’s a fall pick: Few films embody “comfort viewing” like Notting Hill. Between the cozy neighborhood setting, the gentle humor, and the warmth of an unlikely love story, it’s the cinematic equivalent of a soft sweater, aside from the fact that all Hugh Grant wears in that film are soft sweaters. Perfect for a rainy fall afternoon when you need something uplifting.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

At an elite boarding school in the late 1950s, tradition and discipline rule — until a new English teacher, John Keating (played by Robin Williams), challenges his students to see the world differently through poetry, art, and passion. It’s a story about inspiration, youth, and the courage to break free. Nonetheless, a film that can be watched at any age, with the same effect every time.

Why it’s a fall pick: The film quite literally drips with autumn atmosphere — ivy-covered walls, crisp uniforms, and the kind of candlelit classrooms that practically smell like old books. Beyond the visuals, its themes of reflection and change align perfectly with the season. Watching this film in fall feels like taking a long, thoughtful walk through rust-colored leaves.

Le Samouraï (1967)

This French neo-noir follows Jef Costello (played by Alain Delon), a solitary hitman whose disciplined life begins to unravel after a job doesn’t go as planned. With its spare dialogue, hypnotic pacing, and icy atmosphere, the film is more mood than action — a meditation on solitude, precision, and inevitability, carried wonderfully by Delon’s performance and Jean-Pierre Melville’s direction. 

Why it’s a fall pick: Autumn often carries a contemplative stillness, and Le Samouraï mirrors that beautifully. Its shadowy streets, rainy nights, and cool gray palette feel tailor-made for watching when the weather turns cold. It’s not cozy in the traditional sense, but it embodies the season’s quiet intensity. A hidden gem of a film that has a certain type of genius that should be studied by everyone. 

Scent of a Woman (1992)

A prep school student takes on a weekend job caring for Frank Slade (played by Al Pacino), a blind, retired Army officer with a fiery personality and hidden layers. Their unlikely bond develops over a few unforgettable days filled with sharp exchanges, surprising adventures, and profound life lessons. Hats off to Pacino and Chris O’Donnell’s chemistry and performances, which made this film feel like a hug at the end the first time I watched it. 

Why it’s a fall pick: Set against a Thanksgiving backdrop, the film resonates with autumn’s spirit of connection and reflection. The prep school setting evokes the academic side of the season, while its emotional core — mentorship, growth, and second chances — captures the reflective mood that fall often brings. It’s a great movie to sink into when you want both drama and heart, famous for Al Pacino’s monologue about integrity, choices, and standing up for what’s right — by defending a student’s honor against hypocrisy and pressures of conformity.

Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain (2001)

Amélie is a shy Parisian waitress who quietly observes the world around her — until a small discovery inspires her to secretly spread kindness in whimsical, roundabout ways. Along the way, she begins to open herself up to her own possibilities for love and joy. The first film I ever watched for a film class (during a fall semester as well), and very much “autumn” for me, especially with the way it’s colored. 

Why it’s a fall pick: With its golden glow and playful, almost storybook tone, Amélie–both the film and character–radiates warmth. Her character also reminds me of the people in my life that do exactly that, and that always warms my heart. Autumn can also sometimes feel heavy or wistful, and this film provides a perfect counterbalance: charming, imaginative, and hopeful. It’s the kind of movie that makes a gray fall evening feel a little brighter. 

TV SHOWS 

Twin Peaks (1990–1991)

In the small town of Twin Peaks, the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer exposes the strange undercurrents of an otherwise idyllic community. What begins as a whodunit quickly spirals into something stranger, weaving together soap opera melodrama, surreal imagery, and eerie mystery. It also features one of the best TV characters ever written, and whom I’ve ever encountered: Detective Dale Cooper, played by Kyle MacLachlan. 

Why it’s a fall pick: Few shows capture the essence of the spooky season like Twin Peaks. The misty forests, log cabins, and coffee-fueled late nights all feel deeply autumnal, while the uncanny mystery keeps you leaning forward. It’s perfect for when you want your cozy fall evening tinged with the surreal and unsettling. David Lynch did a perfect job in making me want to rewatch it every year, since I still find details I hadn’t noticed before each time. 

Fleabag (2016–2019)

A sharp, self-deprecating young woman navigates life, love, and grief in London — and she brings the audience along by breaking the fourth wall with biting wit and raw honesty. Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, it’s a rare show that makes you laugh out loud one minute and tear up the next. One of the most creative and unique ways of engaging with an audience, and easily in my top favorite shows of all time. 

Why it’s a fall pick: Autumn often brings with it introspection, and Fleabag feels like a mirror held up to that emotional honesty. It’s very intimate and I should say confessional, like sharing secrets over a late-night cup of tea. Short but powerful, it’s the perfect series for cozy evenings when you want to feel both seen and entertained.

Only Murders in the Building (2021– present)

When a suspicious death occurs in their Upper West Side apartment building, three unlikely neighbors — played by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez — decide to investigate by starting a true-crime podcast. The series blends comedy, mystery, and friendship in a way that’s endlessly bingeable. The dialogue is so well-written, and the way certain episodes are filmed in reference to classic films and cinematic techniques is extremely well-placed and well executed. Season 5 is currently dropping weekly, and that suspenseful wait between episodes has become one of the highlights of my week. It is honestly one of the most addicting shows I’ve watched. 

Why it’s a fall pick: It’s witty, lighthearted, and full of cozy New York autumn vibes — chunky sweaters, quiet streets, and the thrill of unraveling a mystery from your couch. It’s the TV equivalent of curling up with a puzzle and a pumpkin spice latte: clever, comforting, and addictive. Not to mention the soundtrack, which is so good! I have a soft spot for the amount of times I’ve studied or worked with its entirety playing in the background (during my fall semesters not-so shockingly!). 

---

This lineup is my love letter to fall: a season where romance feels warmer, mysteries feel spookier, and dramas feel deeper. From the cozy streets of Notting Hill to the surreal forests of Twin Peaks, these films and shows capture the many moods of autumn. 

As the nights grow longer, let these stories keep you company. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort, mystery, or inspiration, this list has a little something to match the season. Happy watching — and happy fall.