Autumn Movie Soundtracks for Every Occasion

---

Written by: Sophie Maloney

---

Photo Cred: Jennifer's Body, Karyn Kusama Juno, Jason Reitman I Saw the Tv Glow, Jane Schoenbrun background:canva

Now that we’re officially at the brink of the spooky season, it’s important to celebrate accordingly. A huge tradition in autumn is enjoying one of the many films centered around horror, back to school, or the season itself to get into the spirit of things. Here, narrowed down are some of the best movie soundtracks for any fall activity that may be on your bucket list this October. Happy listening! 

I Saw The TV Glow, 2024 

For drives to haunted houses, sitting around the campfire, and binging a supernatural teen drama 

The recent queer horror film “I Saw the TV Glow” is known for its eerie neon aesthetic, ode to 90s supernatural, and poignant message of “there’s still time” to viewers, however it was also accompanied by an insane soundtrack full of indie darlings. While the uneasy, synth, score was composed by musician Alex G, the soundtrack also contained 14 original songs made specifically for the film (and one cover, Yuele’s heartbreaking rendition of “Anthems for a Seventeen Year old girl”). Caroline Polachek gives us "Starburned and Unkissed” a grungey, electronic song that feels like it’s from another planet, while Jay Som offers “If I Could” which alternatively serves as a garage-band sounding ballad that could have easily suited any coming of age movie from the early 2000s. All of the songs on the soundtrack are thoughtful selections that are sonically different from each other but never opposing, mimicking a real mixtape. The most iconic song from the soundtrack is “Claw Machine” by Sloppy Jane and Phoebe Bridgers, where the duo contemplate the loneliness that accompanies being unable to fully express yourself, one of the film’s main themes. Sloppy Jane and Bridgers even show up in the movie to perform the song in its almost entirety, completely uninterrupted, making it a surreal and unforgettable needle drop.  

Juno, 2007 

For apple picking, trick or treating nostalgia, and thrifting a fall wardrobe 

The Oscar winning 2009 classic “Juno” is the perfect back to school vibe. Even if you didn’t grow up on these songs, there is something about each of them that feels nostalgic of a childhood full of crunching leaves and sharpening pencils. The world of "Juno" is purposely made to be small, lived in, and comforting, and the music is no exception. Kimya Dawson of The Moldy Peaches (suggested to be included on the soundtrack by Elliot Page) serves as the central compass of the film’s music. Her playfulness on folk tracks like “Rollercoaster” and "So Nice, So Smart”, capture the humor of the film in a way that doesn’t take itself too seriously, while still feeling profoundly sentimental in every scene she is placed in. This is balanced by having older classics with songs by Buddy Holly and The Velvet Underground, which helped to define the film’s twee aesthetic. The movie concludes with a live duet between Micheal Cera and Elliot Page of “Anyone Else But You”, ending the soundtrack with the same warm, fuzzy feeling it maintained from the start.  

Jennifer’s Body, 2009 

For Halloween house parties, layered grunge fashion, and horror movie marathons

Inspired by the Hole song of the same name (which does not appear in the movie but “Violet” does), “Jennifer’s Body” has become a camp horror classic over the last few years, finally receiving the accolades it always deserved.The film had the privilege of being led by the same writer as Juno (Diablo Cody), and similarly had its own distinct sonic identity and tone tied to the project. “Jennifer’s Body”’s soundtrack is bloody teenage angst personified, perfect for winged eyeliner and black nail polish. Featuring tracks by Panic! at the Disco, Florence and the Machine, Black Kids, and All time Low, it captured the emo and pop-rock music of the late 2000s, even in songs performed by the fake band “Low Shoulder” in the film that could have easily been shuffled between The Killers and Fall Out Boy without anyone even noticing. One of the standouts on the soundtrack is Hayley Williams of Paramore performing “Teenagers”. Williams’s voice alone sells the bittersweet-rocker vibe of the song, but there’s still doubt hidden behind her fearlessness. It resonates in both the soundtrack and real-life, as being a teenager is enough like a horror movie, without needing a demon-possessed cheerleader killing boys one by one.  

You’ve Got Mail, 1998

For perusing cozy bookstores, friendsgiving, and drinking hot lattes

While “When Harry Met Sally” gets all the flowers for being the best fall romcom, “You’ve Got Mail” delivers a much stronger package on the music front, whose choices feels like grabbing a scarf and a light jacket for the first crisp day of the season. With New York City as its backdrop, “You’ve Got Mail" opts for legendary singer-songwriter picks for its soundtrack with Carole King, Sinead O’Conner, and Stevie Wonder, but never sacrifices its cozy, classy, and effortless vibe, just like the city itself. The clearest example of this is when “Dreams” by The Cranberries plays as it sets up the plot between the main couple. It acts as an epic overture to their written in the stars love story, while still being a modern, understated, and sincere choice. The soundtrack spans decades, and uses the familiarity of Louis Armstrong and Bobby Darin to make it an instant classic that ties together the film’s message of not forgetting who you are, while still knowing when it’s time to let go of the past. 

That’s the list! Hopefully these soundtracks will be the perfect background music to your season. Did I miss any of your favorite fall soundtracks or films? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!