7 films for autumn evenings. From romantic New York to little worlds of magic

Autumn makes us want to return to stories we can linger in, taking in the interiors, remembering favourite lines and imagining ourselves in the heroines’ wardrobes. Sometimes we need a romantic comedy we almost know by heart; sometimes, a mystery that keeps us guessing until the final scene. This selection has both, along with a family story, animation and a drama about finding the courage to choose your own path.

When Harry Met Sally… (1989)

Directed by Rob Reiner

Harry and Sally meet on a shared road trip, argue, go their separate ways and cross paths again years later. Their story unfolds through conversations about friendship, loneliness, disastrous dates and what they expect from love. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal make those exchanges feel so alive that even familiar scenes invite another viewing.

Autumn in New York deserves a spotlight of its own here, with walks through Central Park, golden leaves, textured sweaters and blazers. Watch it for Nora Ephron’s witty screenplay and the particular pleasure of a story about two people gradually learning to understand each other.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Directed by Nora Ephron

Kathleen Kelly owns a small children’s bookshop, while Joe Fox represents a large bookshop chain. In everyday life, they are rivals. In an anonymous online correspondence, they grow increasingly close.

Today, part of the appeal of this Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks film is the slower rhythm of the early internet, when messages were anticipated and replies considered. Bookshelves, small cafés and the streets of the Upper West Side make an ideal setting for an evening of romance. Afterwards, a long walk with a stop at a bookshop feels like an especially good idea.

Practical Magic (1998)

Directed by Griffin Dunne

Sisters Sally and Gillian Owens grew up in a family of witches, but feel differently about their inheritance. One longs for an ordinary life; the other is more willing to embrace adventure. When danger arrives, they have to act together.

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, an old house, a garden, candles and late-night kitchen conversations set the mood for a pre-Halloween viewing. Beneath that alluring aesthetic is a story of sisterhood, women supporting women and the possibility of breaking an inherited pattern. It does turn dark in places, so expect more than a sweet fairy tale.

Little Women (2019)

Directed by Greta Gerwig

The four March sisters grow up, fall in love, argue and try to work out what kind of lives they want. In Greta Gerwig’s adaptation, each has an answer of her own, and the right to change it over time.

There is so much to take in, from layered costumes and warm light to rooms where someone is always writing, drawing or rehearsing a play at home. Alongside the beautiful images runs a conversation about creativity, money, marriage and independence. The film suits that autumn urge to return to your own ideas, reopen an abandoned manuscript, start drawing again or finally begin the thing you have been gathering courage to attempt.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Directed by Wes Anderson

Mr. Fox promises to give up dangerous farm raids for a quiet family life. Resisting another adventure proves harder than he expected, and soon his decisions change life for all his neighbours.

Wes Anderson’s stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book offers a ready-made autumn palette of ochre, rusty orange, mustard and brown. Miniature interiors, costumes and dry humour make this world convincing down to its smallest details. Behind the adventure is a recognisable story about adult ambition, family agreements and the difficult art of accepting yourself.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Directed by Peter Weir

English teacher John Keating arrives at a conservative boys’ school. He encourages his pupils to read poetry with an awareness of their own feelings, ask questions and find their voices. Gradually, those lessons reach far beyond the classroom.

The beginning of the school year, old academic buildings, books and walks establish a familiar autumn mood. But this Robin Williams film asks for emotional readiness. It is a drama about the pressure of expectations and the cost of making your own choices. Save it for an evening when you have time to sit with the story after the credits.

Knives Out (2019)

Directed by Rian Johnson

After the mysterious death of celebrated crime writer Harlan Thrombey, detective Benoit Blanc arrives at his estate. The relatives are happy to recount the events of that night, but their accounts raise more and more questions.

A large house, dark wood, books, countless interior details and sweaters you might want for your own wardrobe provide the perfect setting for an autumn mystery. Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas and Chris Evans sustain a game in which every line could matter. A good choice for an evening with friends, comparing suspects and testing your theories alongside the characters.