In 1946, the average Brit went to the cinema 33 times a year. Going to the pictures was the whole evening's plan. You sat in the dark with strangers and some popcorn, and gave the film your full attention for two or three hours.
Today, we only go to the cinema once or twice a year because films are more often than not watched at home on the sofa, usually with a phone in one hand. More than half of us admit to scrolling while something's on the TV, known as ‘second-screening’. And the entertainment industry has noticed. They're now making what we watch easier to follow. Screenwriters have reported Netflix notes asking characters to announce what they're doing so background viewers can keep up, and Matt Damon has said the streamer suggested reiterating the plot "three or four times in the dialogue" because people are on their phones.
And that's a real shame. Because a great film is art. It can help you experience a totally different life from your own, build empathy for others, or put words to something you've felt for years. Some movies stay with you for a lifetime, whether it's the emotion they evoked or a line only you and your friends will get. But they only work if you let them in. Just like reading a book, you need to be there for every scene, not half-watching TikTok at the same time. So here's our shortlist of the top 50 films to watch this autumn, all well worth your attention.
Top 50 films to watch this autumn
We get it the irony of a digital detox brand recommending films to watch. But we don't believe all screen time is equal. Two hours with a beautifully made film has more in common with an afternoon in a gallery or a good book than with an hour of scrolling.
So we asked the Unplugged team for the films they'd fight for and grouped them by how they'll make you feel. And of course, all best enjoyed without your phone in the room.
Nostalgic comfort films
The ones you've probably seen before, but will happily see again, because they feel like a hot water bottle and a hug.
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001): The first of eight, so that's your Sundays sorted until Christmas.
2. Matilda (1996): Proof the best children's films are also for adults.
3. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993): Robin Williams at his finest.
4. The Parent Trap (1998): Peak 90s comfort viewing. Still trying to learn that handshake.
5. Mulan (1998): The remake is just as good, and the soundtrack will be stuck in your head for a week.
6. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): Wes Anderson does stop-motion in corduroy and burnt orange... basically October as a film.
7. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005): Rated 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the most British film ever made about a vegetable competition.
8. Paddington (2014): Rated 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the sequel somehow manages to be even better.
9. Bruce Almighty (2003): Jim Carrey at full tilt is a guaranteed good mood.
Romantic films
For when you want butterflies and a good ol' rom com.
10. Notting Hill (1999): Richard Curtis at his best, with Hugh Grant at peak floppy hair.
11. When Harry Met Sally... (1989): Still the benchmark every romcom gets measured against.
12. About Time (2013): Guaranteed to make you want to live every day like it's your last.
13. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001): Every bit as funny on the tenth watch.
14. Pride & Prejudice (2005): The cosiest period drama going, and that misty walk across a field at dawn still lands every time.
15. One Day (2011): A slow burner that sneaks up on you, so keep the tissues close. The series is just as good.
16. Titanic (1997): Over three hours long, and worth every minute.
Feel-good films
For the evenings when you wanna get lost in some feel-good movies.
17. Forrest Gump (1994): Winner of six Oscars, and still the film everyone quotes without realising it.
18. The Intouchables (2011): One of the most successful French films ever made, and worth every subtitle.
19. The Pursuit of Happiness (2006): Based on a true story, which makes it even better.
20. Hidden Figures (2016): Rated 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a story that should have been told decades sooner.
21. The Help (2011): Octavia Spencer won an Oscar for this, and for good reason.
22. The Full Monty (1997): Rated 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the funniest film ever made about Sheffield.
23. Christmas with the Coopers (2015): Four generations under one roof for the holidays, and our team swears it's better than your average Christmas film.
24. The Holdovers (2023): Rated 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, and already a modern classic for the colder months.
Tearjerkers
Because sometimes you need a good cry.
25. The Green Mile (1999): Three hours long and worth every minute.
26. The Shawshank Redemption (1994): There's a reason it tops every best-of list going.
27. Little Women (2019): Rated 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, with all the autumn coats you could want.
28. Good Will Hunting (1997): Rated 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, and Robin Williams on a park bench is the reason why.
29. Cast Away (2000): Tom Hanks stranded with a volleyball called Wilson, and yes, you will cry about a volleyball.
Epic, awe-inspiring films
Movies to get lost in, that'll leave you thinking.
30. Interstellar (2014): Hans Zimmer's pipe organ score deserves your full attention.
31. Inception (2010): Dreams inside dreams. Look away once and you're lost.
32. Avatar (2009): Pure escapism with powerful messages.
33. Gladiator (2000): Are you not entertained?!
34. Into the Wild (2007): The true story of a young man who gives everything away and heads for the Alaskan wilderness.
Gripping thrillers
No second screen required, or allowed.
35. The Departed (2006): The film that finally won Scorsese his Best Director Oscar, and the ending still catches people out.
36. The Dark Knight (2008): Heath Ledger's Joker makes this the superhero film for people who don't like superhero films.
37. Skyfall (2012): Bond heads home to the Scottish Highlands, making it the most autumnal 007 by a mile.
38. Baby Driver (2017): Every car chase is cut to the soundtrack, so turn it up.
39. F1 (2025): Drive to Survive, but make it a movie with Brad Pitt.
40. The Sixth Sense (1999): The best twist in a movie, everrrrr.
41. Catch Me If You Can (2002): Rated 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, and Spielberg at his most playful.
42. Snatch (2000): Do you like dawwwgs?
43. The Gentlemen (2019): Guy Ritchie back on form, and very British about it.
44. Legend (2015): Tom Hardy plays both Kray twins, and pulls it off brilliantly.
Thought-provoking films
The ones you'll still be talking about at breakfast.
45. The Social Network (2010): How Facebook started, and an ironic one for a digital detox brand to recommend, we know.
46. The Big Short (2015): The 2008 financial crash explained so well you'll be annoyed nobody told you sooner.
47. Erin Brockovich (2000): Won Julia Roberts her Oscar, and the true story behind it is even more satisfying.
48. Blood Diamond (2006): Uncomfortable viewing in a way that's worth it.
49. Joker (2019): Joaquin Phoenix in a bleak, brilliant character study that's worth bracing yourself for.
50. This Is England (2006): Shane Meadows at his best, and the TV series afterwards is just as good.
Hopefully this list means no more scrolling through Netflix to find something to watch. Pop your phone in a different room and make it an occasion.