Autumn’s best – comfort watching II

            Autumn is officially here – just look at the calendar. Pumpkin spice season, cozy blankets, oversized hoodies and my personal favorite: sweater weather! Cold nights come sooner, so please, take care of yourself. It’s also the best time to curl up on your couch and watch some great movies! Or series.

Make the best of every moment. We’re not evolving. We’re not going anywhere.

            Autumn used to be my ultimate favorite season; you all know that. This year it was different, as I kind of fell in love with the summer. But autumn will always have a special place in my heart. The golden leaves, cold wind blowing in your face, getting warm under fluffy blankets with a cup of hot chocolate… Or tea, coffee, hot toddy… 

Plus, this year’s autumn will be a bit more special… It’s time to begin all the logistics and planning my “summer” vacation. Hotels, internal flights, sightseeing… Chill. Resting. I am excited and a little anxious. My therapist told me a few months back (to be fair, he wanted me to use that technique in a dating aspect of my life, but I feel like it’s so great in every other department) to look for opportunities to say yes. 

Of course, there are some boundaries that need to be set with that rule, but generally it’s been very effective. And I plan on using it during my vacation with new food (or sea food at least…) and some activities… Maybe diving? 

I always thought I was intellectual about what I do, but I’ve come to the realization that I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing half the time.

            It’s a tricky time now – at work, at home, in my heart. Work is challenging but somewhat… Rewarding? I have to work from the office now every day (first world’s problems?) and it’s a bitter-sweet situation. Bitter because it consumes a lot of time, but sweet because I can hang out with my friends. 

At home and in my heart? There is always something! It’s not bad, by any means, but damn! This girl cannot catch a break. But that’s okay, it’s life and I am up for any challenge. And who knows? Maybe finally it will pay off! 

Oh, by the way? Am I a full-time plant person now? I planted wisteria (from a freaking tiny seed) and it started growing? What? Just watch until the coffee plant starts growing too. Then we can talk! 

Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming.

            But now more than ever we all need some quality comfort. Hell, I will do you one better: you absolutely deserve it. So, in the spirit of one of my favorite series on this blog called “Libraries”, I prepared a continuation to the Comfort Watching list. It will feature both movies and series and I hope you will love it. 

Besides, is there anything better than just KNOWING what to watch? Or at least have something to pick from…? Anyway, my dear Lot – enjoy the list and let me know what would you add here! 

Autumn comfort – films

Harry Potter series (2001-2011) – available on HBO MAX

I mean… Come on. It’s absolutely the best and most appropriate series for long nights under a blanket, with a cup of something warm. Butterbeer maybe? It’s awfully sweet, just saying. Both books and movies were a critical part of my happy childhood and early teenagerhood and come back to this series every year. 

P.S. I am a proud Ravenclaw! What Hogwarts house are you? You can check here!

The Truman Show (1998) – available on Netflix 

            Never cease to amaze me. Came out 24 years ago but never been more current. We spend so much time on other people’s lives instead of our own. We do things to please others, instead of ourselves. The sooner we take the final bow, the better. 

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) – available on Apple TV

            Wes Anderson is a champion when it comes to comforting symmetry and aesthetics. The color palette in this movie is the essence of autumn! Based on a very popular author of children’s books, brought to the big screen to soothe our tired minds. 

 Sweet November (2001) – currently not available on streaming, but hey… Sometime soon! 

            They don’t make love stories that smart anymore. It’s witty and engaging and perfect for autumn. Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron are absolutely wonderful together. Bitter sweet, but we love it that way, don’t we?

Beetlejuice (1988) – available on Apple TV

            Fantastic in its own, twisted kind. One of my favorites from Tim Burton who, by the way, is the “autumn director” in my mind. Why? Maybe the gloominess, maybe the themes… There’s just something about his movies that makes them perfect for the autumn. 

The Prestige (2006) – available on Netflix

            Probably one of the most under-appreciated movies from Christopher Nolan, but with an absolutely crazy plot twist. I will never forget watching it for the first time. Plus? David Bowie? As Tesla? WOW! And spectacular Christian Bale. 

Up (2009) – available on Disney+

            One of the most beautiful stories about love, grief and letting go. Never ceases to make me shed a tear or two. I mean… It’s not that easy to move on after the love of your life dies. The thing I really love about this movie is that it’s not just for kids. I would recommend all the adults watching it. 

The Mummy (1999) – available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV

            Is there anything better than noon on a Sunday at your parents’ house, cup of tea and some biscuits, blanket wrapped tightly around you and this classic adventure story on the TV? Don’t even try changing my mind. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) – available on Disney+

            I mean the entire (what I like to call) “original trilogy” is amazing, but it started with this one, and it’s still the best. And it was a big deal back 19 years ago! Huge event. 

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) – available on Disney+

            Yet another under-appreciated position on my list but damn, I love it so much! When I was a kid, I used to pretend that I was a treasure hunter. Like this adventurer archeologist/scientist. And yeah, I found Atlantis like 17 times. Sue me. 

Autumn comfort – series

Stranger things (2016-) – available on Netflix

            To be honest, it took me a minute to watch this hyped series but I don’t regret it. It’s not perfect, but you gotta love these kids and their “guardians”. I like the 80s aesthetics, even though it’s a bit predictable and just straight up overuses the nostalgia. 

POKÉMON (1997-2002) – available on Netflix

            Millennials, assemble! Next to The Office, this childhood classic becomes another comfort show. It’s just the best throwback to mornings with Pokémon, playing the cards or – if you were fancy – the Gameboy version. 

P.S. Water Pokémon, where you at?! 

The Office (2005-2013) – available on Netflix

            I still owe you the review, I remember. This is my most watched show ever. I watch it every year from the first episode to the last. And during the year, I watch just random episodes to calm my mind. Best anxiety/autumn show ever. Just power through the very cringy first season, and you will be in for the ride of your life. 

Patriot (2015-2018) – available on Amazon Prime

            This was a recommendation from a friend and I don’t remember watching a show that good in years! Very unpredictable, quite gripping and with a good, solid ending. It’s different from your typical “spy shit”. 

Reacher (2022-) – available on Amazon Prime

            Based on a book series by Lee Child (one of my favorites) is absolutely engaging not only because of the eye candy, but damn that plot! I loved it! And, with Prime it’s about short seasons, so it’s going to be a quick hit. 

New Amsterdam (2018-) – available on Netflix

            The first episode is like a wrecking ball, is what I will say. Gosh! I have a soft spot for medical dramas, that’s for sure. But New Amsterdam is different. Different in a good way. It’s thought through and multi-dimensional.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) – available on Disney+

            I always watched random episodes and never actually watched it from start till the end. And you know what? 4 seasons in, and it’s simply amazing. Monsters, vampire and all that jazz is sometimes unsettling, but overall – great show for autumn. 

Only Murders in the Building (2021-) – available on Disney+

            I am two episodes in and I absolutely love it. It’s like a true crime podcast (which, by the way, I kind of love these days?) but in the form of a very well-structured show. Perfect for autumn evenings after a tough day at work.

I am Groot (2022) – available on Disney+

            The sweetest money-grab I have ever seen. The entire “series” will take you like 15 minutes to watch, but if you are in a desperate need for immediate “pick me up”, this is the way. Shame on you, Marvel, for using Groot to earn more money.

Ozark (2017-) – available on Netflix

            Very dark, very gloomy and it took me a long time to give it a try but I am hooked. Hooked to the point that I am “dosing” it! I just don’t want to reach the last episode too fast. One of the best series I’ve ever seen. 

I’m an early riser. I get up between five and six, have coffee, and read for a couple of hours before everyone else gets up.

            I always get up early in spring and summer to not waste the daylight, but these days my body is demanding more sleep. This is why I try not to waste time choosing what to watch. Autumn is the season to catch up with the “to-watch” list and hundreds of amazing recommendations from my friends.

It turned out to be quite a list so I hope you will find something that will bring you comfort during these cold days. And the cold season! Please, be careful. The weather is traitorous. Keep warm, Lot!