The Perfect Fall Hobby for You, Based on the Movie You Rewatch Every Autumn

Don’t get us wrong: We love summer, but we’d be lying if we said we weren’t getting excited for chilly mornings, homemade soups, and the return of hot coffee. Fall is a time to reset, reflect on the year, and take advantage of the cozy weather, media, and activities that come with it (apple picking and potlucks, anyone?).

If you’re ready to make the most of this time of year, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up a list of wholesome hobbies based on quintessential fall movies, from witchy films and ’90s nostalgia to childhood classics. Find your favorite, and discover your new go-to activity for the season.

When Harry Met Sally: Leaf Peeping

Aside from the clever banter and slow-burning relationship between the two main characters, the best part about When Harry Met Sally is the scenery. Mainly set in New York City, the movie is filled with fall foliage and picturesque scenes of walking around Central Park.

If this classic ’80s love story is one of your favorites, get into leaf peeping to admire the most colorful trees. This can be as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood, or, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, you can take a trip to spots around the U.S. that are known for their vibrant leaves. Some popular destinations include New England, upstate New York, Colorado, and various national parks.

You’ve Got Mail: Writing Letters

Few movies scream “fall” to the extent ofYou’ve Got Mail, starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. The setting, late fall in the ’90s, is dreamy enough—but when you factor in the film’s local bookstore charm and New York City scenery, it’s nearly impossible to contest that it’s the ultimate cozy fall film.

If You’ve Got Mail is your ultimate comfort watch, ’tis the season to start writing letters or sending cards to your loved ones. While the mail in the film refers to the digital kind, the theme is that anyone gets a rush of excitement whenever they receive a thoughtful note from a friend or family member (or mysterious potential love interest). Whether you craft your own card or send a letter on a piece of notebook paper, sitting down to write out snail mail is both relaxing for the sender and exciting for the receiver.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Football Watch Parties

From the rush of back-to-school season (at a magical academy) to school sports games (on flying broomsticks), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a classic fall watch. While there aren’t Quidditch games to watch every weekend (we wish!), there are plenty of college and professional football games to enjoy.

Whether you prefer to tailgate at the stadium or from the comfort of your home, hosting football watch parties and potlucks is the perfect fall activity for you if you love Harry Potter. Even if sports aren’t your idea of a fun weekend, they offer an excuse to get together with friends and share good food.

Dead Poets Society: Journaling

Name a more autumnal setting than a preppy boarding school in Vermont—we’ll wait. One of our more solemn picks, Dead Poets Society takes a scholarly approach to the season. With theater, lots of reading, and, of course, poetry, it’s the perfect film to inspire a more introspective autumn.

If this heart-wrenching film is your favorite, it’s time to pick up journaling. Whether it’s fiction writing, songwriting, or just sharing what happened in your day, use chilly fall mornings as a time to reflect with a pen, notebook, and a warm cup of coffee.

Little Women: Baking Fall Treats

There are plenty of fall-themed activities to choose from if Little Women is your favorite movie to cozy up with. From Beth’s piano playing and Amy’s painting, the classic film is chock-full of nostalgic pastimes that don’t involve any screens. While any of the hobbies shown in the film would be ideal to try this season, few are as sweet as baking treats to share with others.

Money was tight in the March household, so the family often cooked meals or baked treats in place of giving material gifts. Make cookies, apple crisp, or pumpkin pie from scratch to put yourself in the fall spirit. To be even more like the March sisters, put together a plate of desserts for neighbors or loved ones.

Practical Magic: Candle Making

If the 1998 cult-favorite is your go-to for Halloween movie nights, you’ve got to try candle making this fall. Whether it’s for home decor or a spell-casting tool, sister witches Sally and Gillian Owens always have a burning candle at the ready.

Try your hand at this DIY for a cozy and (literally) warm fall hobby. Make the candles on your own and burn them during a self-care sesh, or invite over a group of friends for a craft night while watching the witchy flick. Play around with colors, shapes, and scents until you have a favorite recipe that’s your own.

Good Will Hunting: Puzzles

While you might not automatically think of Good Will Hunting as a classic fall movie, its New England setting, academic atmosphere, and vibrant orange poster earn it a spot on the list. And don’t worry—we aren’t going to suggest doing math problems for fun.

If you watch Good Will Hunting every year and enjoy a challenge, take up puzzling this season. Set up a table to puzzle on while watching TV (perhaps this film), or take over your dining room table if you plan to finish it all in one night.

Halloweentown: Fall Scavenger Hunts

Along with casting spells and mixing up magical concoctions, scavenger hunts are a frequent occurrence for the Piper kids: In Halloweentown, they set out to find a vampire’s fang, werewolf hair, and ghost sweat. While we don’t think you’ll have much luck finding these items around your neighborhood, you can still have a fall-themed scavenger hunt by looking for acorns, certain trees, pumpkins, and different Halloween costumes.