The time of cold weather, sweaters, colorful leaves and ghosts has arrived. Along with the arrival of fall, midterms are happening across the country on college campuses. While this can be stressful, there are plenty of things to do to give your mind a break and eyes a rest. If you read my other article, I recommended books encapsulating the fall vibe that might have piqued your interest. However, it is possible that you do not want to think about reading another book amid all the academic stress. If this is the case, this article will recommend fall movies that bring out the joy of the autumn season.

Heather's directed by Michael Lehmann

If you consider yourself a fan of the theatrical and the dramatic, this movie is for you! This movie follows a group of teenage girls who are the head clique of their school. Trouble ensues when one of the girls murders the groups fearless leader. This movie takes place in a school; it fits slightly into the dark academic vibe. You do not want to miss this one if you love the 80s and slightly questionable moral choices!

Howl's Moving Castle directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Looking for something more wholesome and fun? This animated film focuses on a girl who becomes cursed with old age. She must find a way to reverse the spell, even if the cure involves a weird man with a moving house full of trinkets. This film is fun to watch during the craziness of midterms and has just enough darkness to fit into your fall schedule. I highly recommend this one if you enjoy cartoons and happy endings.

Mother! directed by Darren Aronofsky

This one is for the suspense lovers out there! This film follows a couple getting settled into a house. A mysterious man knocks on their door, and the husband invites him in. What follows is mind-blowing and suspenseful. This movie contains more graphic images, so please look up specific trigger warnings, if possible. This sentiment also applies to some others on this list. If you find that all of your favorite films are odd, you are likely to add this one to the list!

The Witch directed by Robert Eggers

Are you a history fan, and do you also like horror? If so, this film is the one for you. It takes place in the 1630s when the Puritans were popular in the United States. Weird things start to happen to an innocent Puritan family, and it is suspected that the devil has a hold of them. This film takes place during the fall/winter, which is sure to make you want to look out of a window and long to feel the cool air!

Hereditary directed by Ari Aster

Looking for even more horror? This film shows the progression of something sinister throughout a family. Filled with scenes of nightmare fuel, this film is even more intense than others previously mentioned. This one is perfect for watching with your friends and being freaked out by Halloween. Be prepared for a weird feeling after you watch this one!

Dead Poets Society directed by Peter Weir

Maybe you are an 80s fan at heart and liked Heathers's suggestion above. Another movie for you from the same time is Dead Poets Society. Starring Robin Williams, this film follows a group of boys in a boarding school who discover a passion for poetry. Trouble ensues when the boys begin to care less about their rigorous studies and more about the famous poets. This film is perfect for the fall aesthetic as it shows the characters bundled up and the trees turning colors. A heartfelt film, you might need a box of tissues for this watch!

Fall, for the majority of us, is the best time of the year. The weather is manageable, the trees are turning in different colors, and pumpkin spice is back on the menu. The stress of midterms during this time can be incredibly overwhelming. As always, take care of yourself and your mental health. You can walk in nature or watch a movie from this list. Whatever you do, taking time for yourself will improve your grades as you will not be as strung out and will be better focused. Good luck with your classes!