Our Top Picks for Fall Family Movies

Picture it: It’s a cool October evening and a pot of delicous chili is simmering on the stove. Your family’s all at home, decked out in comfy pajamas, and you’re getting ready to watch a movie. But what film is the perfect accompaniment to falling leaves, earlier nights, and brisk air? We’ve done the research and picked out movies that go great with the season that everyone can enjoy. 

Fall Family Movies to Check Out

Coco

Released: 2017

Rating: PG

This visually stunning Pixar film follows Miguel, a 12-year-old boy who accidentally gets transported to the Land of the Dead on Dia De Los Muertos. With heartwarming moments, super catchy and unforgettable songs, and a lively cast of hilarious skeletons, Coco is a joyful — and funny — celebration of family and tradition that’ll tug at your heartstrings.

Matilda

Released: 1996

Rating: PG

Based on a novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda is a heartwarming story about a super-smart little girl who uses magical powers to deal with her grumpy family and mean school principal, the ever-intimidating Ms. Trunchbull. Hilarious telekinetic hijinx ensue that are sure to bring laughs, especially the ones focused on her dad. If your kid’s a bookworm, they’ll especially love Matilda’s fondness for reading and her sweet, supportive teacher Ms. Honey.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Released: 1966

Rating: G

Debuting way back in 1966, this one has been a time-honored tradition for generations when it comes to family fall movies (well, TV shows, technically). With it’s iconic jazzy Vince Guaraldi piano soundtrack, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown follows Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive on Halloween night and Charlie Brown preparing for an epic Halloween party. For both young and old alike, this short film absolutely oozes cozy fall vibes, with tons of pumpkins, bobbing for apples, and trick-or-treating.

Hocus Pocus

Released: 1993

Rating: PG

Hocus Pocus has become a fall movie rite of passage for many families, thanks to it’s golden fall setting in Salem, Massachusets, epic Halloween capers, show-stopping musical numbers, and everyone’s favorite trio of witches — the Sanderson sisters. This Disney cult classic is not only just the right amount of spooky, but also pretty funny, too, with sassy characters and tons of sight gags. In 2023, a sequel was released, and word on the street is that third movie in the works!

Casper

Released: 1995

Rating: PG

Casper holds a special place in the hearts of many millenials, following Christina Ricci who, in true '90s fashion, moves into a creepy old mansion with her ghost-hunting father and befriends a sweet, misunderstood ghost named Casper. Together, they team up to deal with Casper’s mischievous ghost uncles and the greedy new owners of the mansion, who are on the hunt for hidden treasure. Note: This one’s a 1996 PG, which means there’s a bit more language and mild themes than you'd typically find in today’s PG movies.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Released: 2009

Rating: PG

This Wes Anderson stop-motion animated movie absolutely exudes fall vibes — from the vibrant, golden orange color scheme to the wistful banjo and mandolin music on the soundtrack. Based on a story by beloved children’s author Roald Dahl, the film follows Mr. Fox, a clever fox who can't resist returning to his thieving ways, stealing from three mean farmers to provide for his family. The all-star cast features voices from George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murrary, and Owen Wilson. 

Hotel Transylvania

Released: 2012

Rating: PG

At the Hotel Transylvania, the gang’s all here — Dracula, Wolfman, Frankenstein, and the Mummy, and even the invisible man. Created by Dracula so monsters could have a safe haven away from dangerous humans, the lavish hotel is also where he’s raising his daughter, Maven. Things get turned upside down in the monsters’ world when a teenage boy manages to stumble in one afternoon, leading to hilarious hijinks around the castle, a budding romance, and a heart-felt father-daughter story. Talk about a perfect fall family movie!