It’s the start of fall, meaning that it is time to break out some popcorn and watch some fall movies. Despite not being as well known as Christmas and winter movies, fall movies still deserve recognition. Here’s five fall movies worth watching:

“Monster House” (2006)

If you’re just looking for a fun Halloween movie to watch, Monster House is it. This animated movie is about three kids trying to stop a neighbor’s house that is actually a living creature. I revisited the movie and was surprised to find how well it held up from when I watched it when I was younger. Between the creepiness of the house, Mr. Nebbercracker and the overuse of the color orange, this makes for a great Halloween movie. If you are looking for a movie with some comedy, action or horror, this movie has it all. It is still a PG rated movie so don’t expect it to be too scary.

“Halloween” (1978) 

Another great option for a classic Halloween movie is the original “Halloween” movie itself. It is a classic slasher movie about Michael Myers, an escapee of a mental hospital on another murderous rampage 15 years after murdering his sister on Halloween night in 1963. While it has its cheesy moments and could be considered slow to get to the action, it’s still worth a watch, especially if you plan on seeing the new “Halloween Kills” sequel. If you want a good slasher or horror film, this is a good choice.

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” (1987)

If you’re looking for one of the few Thanksgiving movies, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is a good choice. This is a comedy starring an uptight businessman, played by Steve Martin, and a talkative salesperson played by John Candy, who try to get home in time for Thanksgiving from New York after having a flight rerouted to Kansas after a snowstorm. I would describe this movie as being similar to a “Home Alone” movie, only on Thanksgiving and with adults. It is definitely a movie that will get a few laughs out of you and leave you ready for Thanksgiving travels.

“The Blind Side” (2009)

Fall is also football season, meaning almost any football movie would fit the fall category. I recommend “The Blind Side,” which is based on a true story of NFL player Michael Oher, a 6’4’’ homeless teen in Tennessee who gets taken in by a family. He learns how to play football and is tutored back into school. This movie takes place near Thanksgiving, which is why it’s a good fit. While it has its funny moments, this movie is still a heart-wrenching drama that’s worth a watch, whether you are a football fan or not.

“Good Will Hunting” (1997)

The Oscar winning movie, “Good Will Hunting,” is neither a Thanksgiving nor Halloween movie, but it is a great fall movie. A genius janitor, played by Matt Daemon, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology spends his time drinking and getting into fights and makes a deal with a professor to stay out of prison if he studies advanced mathematical problems and sees a therapist, played by Robin Williams. Much like “The Blind Side” the movie is also largely a drama and it will leave you considering your life choices. Overall, it is a great movie, especially if you are looking for a more serious drama to watch.

If you are either looking for some other suggestions for fall movies or you have already seen all of the five previously listed, here’s six more definitely worth a watch.

Honorable Mentions:

“Scream” (1996)

“The Nightmare before Christmas” (1993)

“Remember the Titans” (2000)

“Dead Poets Society” (1989)

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” (2010)

“Spiderman” (2002)