Fall foliage in movies can be visually stunning and evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Thankfully, many movie studios are seasonally conscious when filming scenes meant to be set in autumn. A huge pet peeve of The Foliage Report is when a movie’s story is set in the fall but the viewer can clearly see the movie was filmed during a different season.
Here are eight films The Foliage Report ranks showcasing autumn colors:
- Hocus Pocus (1993): This 1990s Halloween classic showcases the vibrant colors of fall in the town of Salem, Massachusetts. The spooky and whimsical atmosphere is enhanced by the autumn backdrop. Unlike the sequel, released in 2022, the original film stays accurate for what the foliage would look during late October in Salem.
(Photo Credit: Walt Disney Pictures) - When Harry Met Sally (1989): This romantic comedy features iconic scenes in New York City’s Central Park during the fall season. Though we feel the movie is overrated, the fall colors provide a beautiful backdrop to Harry and Sally’s evolving relationship.
(Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures) - Autumn in New York (2000): As no surprise to anyone, this romantic drama starring Richard Gere and Winona Ryder, expertly captures the beauty of fall foliage in New York City.
(Photo Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) - The Social Network (2011): The greatest movie of the millennial generation begins in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University. Though filmed in Baltimore, Maryland at Johns Hopkins University, the music of Trent Reznor’s “Hand Covers Bruise” sets an incomparable fall setting for the character, Mark Zuckerberg, to walk in the crisp autumn night surrounded by falling leaves.
(Photo Credit: Sony Pictures) - True Grit (1969): Many may be surprised to know this classic western picture, starring the great John Wayne, has some wonderful fall colors displayed from the golden aspen trees. Filmed in Colorado, the original story takes place in northwest Arkansas into northeast Oklahoma which also provides good fall colors.
(Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures) - Far from Heaven (2002): This film pays homage to the melodramas of the 1950s. It features picturesque scenes of fall foliage in suburban Connecticut, which we believe is a redeeming quality of the movie.
(Photo Credit: Focus Features) - The Cider House Rules (1999): Starring Tobey Maguire, Michael Caine, and Charlize Theron, this World War Two-era film is set in Maine. The storyline is controversial; however, no one can argue the majestic autumn views in the film. Sipping on your cup of apple cider will only enhance the fall mood.
(Photo Credit: Miramax Films) - It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966): The autumnal colors of fallen leaves from past peak trees in George Shultz’s classic special showing Linus staking out a pumpkin patch awaiting the Great Pumpkin, is sure to catch your eye. The “Great Pumpkin Waltz” will have you dreaming of busting some moves through a pumpkin patch.
(Photo Credit: Apple TV)
(Other films considered: Baby Boom, Love Story, Dead Poets Society, You’ve Got Mail, October Sky, Stepmom)
Whatever your preference, drama, romantic comedy, or horror, autumnal colors and stunning fall foliage provides visual feast enhancing the mood and themes of the stories