From If Beale Street Could Talk to You’ve Got Mail

By Katie Song

It’s that time of year again, folks. In addition to the changing leaves and dusting off the annual Billy Joel sweater, some of the best moments of the season are the fall-themed stories we get to revisit. Lucky for you, Zibby Mag has compiled some of the best fall movies to watch while cozied up in your comfiest flannels, pumpkin-spice latte in hand.

From friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and lovers who stay lovers, you’ll find some of the most iconic romance tropes here alongside classic stories fit for the whole family. Featuring stories by Roald Dahl, Jane Austen, and James Baldwin, this list is chock-full of timeless classics.

Readers, get comfy and check out the full list below.

1. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

Based on James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk (1974)

Written and directed by Barry Jenkins, If Beale Street Could Talk is a romantic drama that follows a young woman seeking to clear the name of her wrongly convicted lover before the birth of their child. This film features a touching score and beautiful cinematography set in 1970s Harlem. Dealing with themes of childhood friendship, racial injustice, and Black love, If Beale Street Could Talk will surely be enjoyed by fans of novels such as Tayari Jones’ An American Marriage. 

2. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Based on Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox (1970)

Featuring a star-studded cast of voice actors including George Clooney and Meryl Streep, this Wes Anderson film is a story fit for the whole family. Based on Dahl’s novel, Fantastic Mr. Fox, this stop-motion comedy follows Mr. Fox, a newspaper columnist, who breaks his promise to his wife and raids the farms of their nearby human neighbors. The story delves into themes such as the importance of family, the ugliness of greed, and environmentalism––all wrapped up into one charming, claymation bow. 

3. Little Women (2019)

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women (1868)

In honor of the success of Greta Gerwig’s most recent film, Barbie, this adaptation of Little Women is particularly touching and a story that all lovers of Jo March are sure to appreciate. Alternating between the adolescence and adulthood of the four March sisters, this 2019 film celebrates the heart of the novel: the beauty of sisterhood, the genius of women, and the likely explanation of why Jo really gets married to Friedrich Bhaer in the original story. Little Women celebrates writers, storytellers, and book lovers alike, making it the perfect addition to this list and a well-deserved watch for fans of the original story.

4. October Sky (1999)

Based on Homer Hickam’s Rocket Boys (1998)

October Sky tells Hickam’s story growing up as the son of a coal miner who dreamed of becoming a NASA engineer, inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1, despite his father’s wishes. The film did so well that Hickam’s memoir, Rocket Boys, was later renamed October Sky to capitalize on the film’s popularity. This story explores important themes like following one’s dreams, working well with others, and the importance of the relationships between parents and children. October Sky is a surefire hit and a heartwarming story for those who dare to dream.

5. Practical Magic (1998)

Based on Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic (1995)

Starring powerhouses Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock who play two witches born into a magical family, this magical romantic drama is a must-watch. Despite having avoided magic most of their lives, after one of the sister’s boyfriends dies unexpectedly, the two amateur witches delve into dark magic—with serious consequences. The original novel by Hoffman is the first of a four-part series which includes The Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons, and The Book of Magic. Both the film and novel deal with themes of loss, the strength of independent women, and the bond of sisterhood.

6. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (1813)

This 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is one of the most well-known of the franchise, and for good reason. Starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet, this iconic heroine faces pressure from her parents to marry, but when she is introduced to the handsome Mr. Darcy, one’s pride and another’s prejudice threatens the budding romance. The story has been adapted dozens of times, ranging from television shows to zombie spin-offs. Pride and Prejudice is the perfect film to cozy up to with a warm cup of tea, sure to be appreciated by fans of Austen.

7. You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Based on Miklós László’s Parfurmerie (1937)

Being based on a Hungarian play is close enough to be considered a film adaptation, right? Though this last book-to-film adaptation is a bit of a cheat, it would be a disservice not to include it on this list. For fans of Nora Ephron, known for directing other fall rom-coms such as Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail follows independent bookstore owner Kathleen Kelly who unknowingly falls in love with her main competitor Joe Fox, the owner of a corporate bookstore chain that just moved in across the street. Thanks to their anonymous online romance, neither knows the other’s identity until Joe finds out the truth. Forced to reconcile both feelings and business strategy, their love is put to the test, left in the hands of Joe who must decide whether or not to tell Kathleen the truth. You’ve Got Mail is the perfect watch for book lovers, hopeless romantics, and those who can’t stop checking their emails!

Posted September 29, 2023

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