Want to stay in this weekend? Here’s a cozy-fall streaming list
Christina DeMeo
Not sure what to watch this fall, we got you covered. Whether you're looking for a cozy mystery, a sexy period drama, or a comfort film, there's something here for everyone.
Movies
When Harry Met Sally, directed by Nora Ephron
Starring: Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby
Streaming: Available to rent on Apple TV+ and Amazon
No fall movie list can be complete without the 1989 Nora Ephron classic. Following the titular Harry and Sally, the film seeks to answer the age-old question: Can a man and a woman truly be platonic friends? With an excellent cast, sharp dialogue, ‘80s outfits that will make you have closet envy, and all the New York City fall foliage one could want, there's a reason the film is considered the ultimate fall watch. It also stars the queen of fall herself, Meg Ryan.
Practical Magic, directed by Griffin Dunne
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, Aidan Quinn
Streaming: Available to stream on Max
Did someone say midnight margaritas? Practical Magic stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as close sisters Sally and Gillian, who are as opposite as two people can be. When Sally’s husband tragically dies, she moves with her two daughters back to her aunts’ house, and to the town that sees them as outsiders. And they just so happen to be witches who are seemingly cursed to always have the men they love die. If you’re looking for a Halloween movie that isn’t too scary or too holiday heavy, with a sexy romance and lots of female power, this movie is sure to be a hit.
Notting Hill, directed by Roger Michell
Cast: Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Rhys Ifans, Hugh Bonneville
Streaming: Available to rent on Apple TV+
This list could not be complete without at least one appearance by Hugh Grant. Here he plays William, a quiet travel bookstore owner living in Notting Hill. But his life is changed when Anna, a famous actress played by none other than Julia Roberts, wanders into his shop. The two have an instant spark and through the seasons that connection isn’t lost even with Anna filming far away. But can their two different worlds come together to make something long lasting? This one is for the yearners, and for those who would jump at the chance to date their favorite actor or actress. It also includes one of the most quotable rom com moments in movie history.
Working Girl, directed by Mike Nichols
Starring: Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, Joan Cusack, Sigourney Weaver
Streaming: Available to rent on Amazon and Apple TV+
Another classic ‘80s movie with an all star cast, a whole lot of high hairdos, and a Carly Simon soundtrack that will be stuck in your head for weeks. Here we follow Melanie Griffith’s Tess, a woman from Staten Island who is secretary to Sigourney Weaver’s Katherine, a calculating woman who lands in the hospital after a skiing accident. This gives Tess the opportunity she always dreamed of, to make a name for herself and show how smart she is. She begins working alongside Harrison Ford, and soon their relationship moves from the boardroom to the bedroom. This may be the sexiest movie on this list with an unforgettable female character.
You’ve Got Mail, directed by Nora Ephron
Starring: Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, Greg Kinnear, Dave Chappelle, Steve Zahn
Streaming: Available to stream on fubo or rent on Amazon
A classic enemies to lovers tale and the second Nora Ephron film on this list. This movie once again stars the inventor of fall herself, Meg Ryan as small bookstore owner Kathleen. This time she’s joined by Tom Hanks as Joe, the owner of a bookstore chain and the man she has been unknowingly messaging online. This movie has it all, secret identities, loveable side characters, a romance filled with tension, and all the gorgeous shots of New York City one could ever want. There’s nothing better than snuggling under a blanket with some apple cider and having a Meg Ryan movie marathon.
TV Shows
Nobody Wants This
Starring: Adam Brody, Kristen Bell, Justine Lupe
Streaming: Available on Netflix
The newest rom com show that everyone is talking about, Nobody Wants This stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody as Joanne and Noah, two people from very different worlds embarking on a relationship. Joanne is an agnostic woman, and Noah is a rabbi. Despite their dissimilarities, the two begin to fall in love. The series is getting high praise, and has already been renewed for a second season. This is the absolute perfect low stakes binge for fall. And Adam Brody once again, though he did not need to, proves just how hot he is.
Fleabag
Starring: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Andrew Scott, Olivia Colman
Streaming: Available to stream on Amazon
Yes, a throwback in the land of streaming. But this comedy drama that will have you laughing hysterically one minute and crying in a puddle on the ground the next, Fleabag is two seasons of pure magic. Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who also stars, the stage play turned television series follows a woman after the death of her best friend. Our protagonist has a difficult time connecting with others, and we learn over time that she desperately wants to. This show is a short episode easy binge on a cloudy fall day. There is deep sisterly love here, as well as a love story that is still spoken about with reverence on TikTok. This show popularized the Hot Priest, and is sure to have those with Catholic Guilt fanning themselves for days.
A Discovery of Witches
Starring: Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Adelle Leonce, Alex Kingston
Streaming: Available to stream on Netflix
If you enjoy Practical Magic or Twilight, but also enjoy a good historical twist or period drama, A Discovery of Witches is a great option. Based on a trilogy of books by Deborah Harkness, the series follows Dr. Diana Bishop, a historian who seeks to unlock the mystery behind an ancient book. Along the way she meets Matthew Clairmont (played by the always sexy Matthew Goode), a vampire who decides to join her on her quest. Soon their growing relationship becomes an epic romance that made audiences swoon for three seasons.
Only Murders in the Building
Starring: Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, Martin Short
Streaming: Available on Hulu
The show that made murder mysteries cozy, Only Murders in the Building has been a breakout hit since it first premiered. The show stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as an oddly mixed yet endearing trio who decide to make a murder investigation podcast after a man in their building dies. Despite having a fairly straight forward premise, Only Murders in the Building is one of the most unique entries on this list. The show may be a comedy, but there are also emotional moments, crazy celebrity cameos, and musical numbers. If you have given up on the mystery genre for being too cliche, this one is sure to keep you guessing.