The rain has officially arrived here in Portugal, the air feels crisp and the sky is cloudy. Autumn is coming and I'm looking forward to snuggle with a blanket, warm tea and biscuits while watching something comfy (and even a little spooky)! 🍂
Because when I finally have some free time I always spend way too long figuring out what to watch, I'm putting together a list of some of my favourite TV Shows and Movies for this season so I can simply pick something that sparks my interest at the moment.
Hopefully you'll find something that you enjoy and please feel free to share some of your fave cosy TV shows and movies in the comment section!
1. Poirot
I can't tell you how much I love this show. David Suchet made an amazing job bringing the Belgian detective, with all his silly quirks, to life. Autumn is the perfect season for murder mysteries, so Poirot is my first suggestion. Although I usually watch this show in Summer (because the characters are always vacationing in beautiful locations), from season 9 and up the episodes get darker and moodier. Don't forget to watch the "Hallowe'en Party" episode this season!
2. Midsomer Murders
Another mystery series set in the British countryside, which means beautiful scenery and old villages, straight from a fairytale. But danger lurks among the lovely townsfolk. It's not a dark and scary show. It's actually cosy, sometimes funny and each mystery will keep you glued to your screen.
3. Twin Peaks
I suggest going blind into this show, otherwise you might come across spoilers if you research beforehand. I can only say it's a weird but addicting mystery series. It's set in a small town full of strange folks but each character has a lot of depth as you'll discover throughout the show. It can be abstract and confusing at times, so really take your time to appreciate this masterpiece.
4. The X-Files
A classic series that's absolutely perfect for this time of the year. Get ready to follow the two FBI agents on weird adventures as they come across strange creatures and uncover conspiracy theories. The first seasons are so cosy and really feel like Autumn, so they're perfect for this time of the year. It's actually funny to see some of the 90s conspiracy theories knowing they've been disproved nowadays.
5. Supernatural
I used to watch this series as a teenager and it still has a special place in my heart. You can follow the two brothers Sam and Dean as they go on a roadtrip hunting monsters and saving the world. Who wouldn't love to go on weird adventures with these two goofy guys
6. Gilmore Girls
Moving on to less spooky series, Gilmore Girls is an Autumn classic. It's cosy, funny and even sad at times. The scenery is beautiful, there's just so much delicious food and lovely cafes, making it the perfect TV show for the season.
7. The Worst Witch
Based on the books by Jill Murphy, the story follows the (mis)adventures of a group of witch students on their new school of witchcraft. Sounds like Harry Potter? The Worst Witch books actually came before Harry Potter and are in many ways similar, making us wonder if J. K. Rowling used it as inspiration for her own books. Whatever your opinion on this matter is, this show is a delight for this season.
8. Being Human
I've only ever watched the British version and loved it. It mixes comedy, drama and also a couple of spooky scenes. The main characters are a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost, who live together as roommates and are trying their best to fit in with society and live a "normal" life.
9. The Munsters
A bit similar to The Addams Family, The Munsters is a sitcom that follows the life of a middle-class family. Some episodes might be too old-fashioned for our times, especially the gender roles and a few archaic jokes. But most of the series is funny and entertaining to watch while you're having dinner or just chilling out.
10. Outlander
Definitely one of my favourite series to watch in Autumn, especially the 1st season. The beautiful Scottland scenery, all the rain and the medieval castles are just so cosy. And the story is just so enthralling and the relationship between the characters is beautiful. Some scenes can be quite strong and unsettling at times, so you might want to check a list of trigger warnings to see if you want to skip any episodes before diving into the series.
11. Doctor Who
Sci-fi might not be what comes to mind when we talk about Autumn, but some Doctor Who episodes can be quite mysterious and spooky. A few suggested episodes for this time of the year: "The Unquiet Dead", "The Empty Child + The Doctor Dances", "The Satan Pit", "Blink", "Silence in the Library + Forest of the Dead".
12. Over the Garden Wall
Of course I couldn't miss the most beloved Autumn animated series! Inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy the story follows two brothers who find themselves lost in a spooky forest and are guided by a bird. You'll meet strange characters, including dancing pumpkins, and the story is so heartwarming making it perfect to watch with a cosy blanket and warm beverage.
13. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
A classic animated shows that you can't miss this season. It follows the adventures of a group of friends trying to uncover mysteries with the help of their scaredy dog. It's perfect to watch during Halloween night with friends and family!
14. Courage the Cowardly Dog
Another animated classic that follows the misadventures of a scaredy dog who lives in a farm with his owners. Danger is always lurking around and no matter how much he warns his owners, for some reason they never see it. It's a fun and goofy series that's great to watch on Halloween night.
15. Twilight Saga
Whether you love or hate it, this series is an Autumn staple. Set in a small and cloudy village, these movies follow a teenage girl who moves to a new school and finds her crush is a vampire. Full of drama and weird acting choices, this is a series of fun movies that you just can't miss.
16. Dead Poets Society
The best movie for those Dark Academia vibes. I actually haven't watched this movie in years so it's on my priority list this year! It follows the life of a group of teenage boys and their teacher who tries to get them into poetry. It's a movie filled with heartwarming moments but also sad towards the end, so get ready to shed some tears. I'm not doing this movie any justice with such a short summary, but I don't want to drop any spoilers.
17. Pride and Prejudice (2005) + Sense and Sensibility (1995)
I'm placing these two together since they have a similar atmosphere. Both are set in the British countryside, so expect all the lovely scenery and magical vibes. The characters are endearing and get ready to be swept off your feet with these two love stories.
18. Batman Returns
Another movie I haven't watched in ages and can't wait to rewatch this season. I absolutely love the Catwoman first appearance scene and how unhinged she is. The whole movie could be just about her that I wouldn't mind. The whole scenery is kinda dark and, although it has a lot of snow, it feels like Autumn to me.
19. Lord of the Rings + The Hobbit
Nothing like a Lord of the Rings marathon on rainy days. The beautiful sceneries and the endearing characters make this the perfect saga to watch with a nice homemade pizza and comfy hot beverages.
20. Bram Stoker's Dracula
And lastly of course I couldn't forget one of the most popular choices for Halloween night. I'll be honest and say I prefer the book, especially the first scenes when John is arriving in Romania and it gets spooky all of a sudden and how the story is told through letters. But Gary Oldman makes a great Dracula and I love the shift from warm to cold colours.
Wishing you all a lovely Autumn with many comfy and peaceful moments!
