Who doesn’t at least sometimes dream of leaving behind the rush of modern life and slipping into the cozy charm of countryside life, to bake bread in a stone hearth, to wander barefoot through a field of wildflowers? Then the cottagecore aesthetic is perfect for you. This movement, inspired by the simple joys of rural living, evokes a world of quaint cottages, peaceful gardens, homes brimming with warmth, and a return to simpler times – where time flows gently, and nature takes center stage. Melt into movies with cottagecore vibes without leaving the comfort of your sofa, and experience its calming and restorative effects.
1. Anne of Green Gables (1985)
Overflowing with the charm of pastoral life and the joy of seeing the world through an imaginative, childlike lens Anne of Green Gables is based on L.M. Montgomery’s beloved story. Anne is an orphan with fiery red hair and an even fierier spirit. When Anne is mistakenly sent to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert – elderly siblings who had intended to adopt a boy to help with farm chores – her arrival shakes up the tranquil life at Green Gables.
Set against stunning countryside scenery, the film immerses viewers in the beauty of nature. Anne’s deep connection with her surroundings makes this movie a celebration of the cottagecore aesthetic and her a confirmed cottagecore character. The simplicity of life at Green Gables, filled with home-baked goods, handmade clothes, and close-knit community ties, invites viewers to romanticize a world where time slows down, and everyday moments are brimming with beauty. Anne’s story is one of living life fully and finding beauty in even the smallest moments.
2. Enola Holmes (2020)
Enola Holmes bring a fresh, whimsical energy to the world of mystery-solving, all while exuding cottagecore vibes through their charming, nature-filled settings and Enola’s independent spirit. Based on the younger sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, Enola steps into her own as a detective in her search for her missing mother.
Set in the late 19th century, the film transport us to a world brimming with quaint English villages, secret gardens, and old-world homes—perfect for those who adore the cottagecore aesthetic.
Raised by her eccentric, free-spirited mother in a rural estate, Enola’s life is filled with intellectual games, outdoor adventures, and the kind of untamed independence that cottagecore fans will love. The rolling English countryside, where much of the film takes place, becomes a backdrop that connects Enola to nature and solitude, echoing the aesthetic’s core ideals. Whether it’s exploring the gardens or making her way through old-fashioned markets, Enola’s world is rich with that timeless, rustic charm.
3. FairyTale: A True Story (1997)
This is a magical, heartwarming film that perfectly captures the spirit of cottagecore with its celebration of nature, innocence, and imagination. Based on the true story of the Cottingley Fairies, the film follows two young cousins, Frances and Elsie, who claim to have photographed real fairies in the lush countryside at the bottom of their garden. Frances and Elsie’s adventure not only convinces Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that fairies are real but also charms audiences with its whimsical take on reality.
Set in the late 1800s, the movie transports viewers to a time when belief in the fantastical and the whimsical was woven into the fabric of everyday life, a time when magic felt real. The film’s stunning portrayal of the English countryside, with its rolling green hills, dappled sunlight, and enchanted gardens, embodies cottagecore at its finest. It’s a world of small, cozy homes nestled into the landscape, where children can lose themselves in the wonders of nature and find joy in the simplest of things.
4. Far From the Madding Crowd (2015)
Set in the enchanting and pastoral world of Victorian England, where lush green pastures, blooming meadows, and charming farmhouses dominate the landscape the film is based on Thomas Hardy’s classic novel. This cottagecore-vibes movie follows the story of Bathsheba Everdene, who is independent and headstrong, and inherits a farm and must navigate life and love in the rural countryside.
Set against the backdrop of idyllic rolling hills and quaint rural communities, the film is a feast for the eyes, celebrating the beauty of nature and the changing seasons with a soft, romantic aesthetic. Bathsheba’s connection to the land, as well as the hard work she pours into tending her farm, speaks to the cottagecore ideals of self-sufficiency and a life in harmony with nature. The simple rhythms of rural life—planting crops, herding sheep, and tending the garden—are woven into the fabric of the story, giving the film a timeless, grounding quality.
As Bathsheba contends with her feelings for three very different suitors, the film explores themes of love, independence, and resilience, much like nature itself. The heart of the story lies in Bathsheba’s journey of self-discovery, with the lush countryside as both a setting and a character in its own right, mirroring her inner struggles and triumphs. Fans of cottagecore will find inspiration in the film’s vintage fashion, cozy rural homes, and moments of stillness in nature.
5. Little Women (2019)
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, this adaptation captures the essence of sisterhood, independence, and creativity. Set against the backdrop of a charming countryside town, Little Women beautifully encapsulates the cottagecore aesthetic.
The four March family sisters – Jo, Amy, Meg, Beth – grow up in a cozy, old-world home where life is filled with the simple pleasures of creativity, homemade crafts, and the warmth of domestic life. Whether it’s Jo pouring her heart into her writing, Amy sketching in sun-dappled gardens, or the family gathering for home-cooked meals, the film celebrates the quiet, meaningful moments of life in a way that has distinctly cottagecore vibes. Fans of this world will find themselves swept up in the timeless charm of the family’s story, where love, nature, and community take center stage.
6. Miss Potter (2006)
Set in the early 20th century, the movie follows young Beatrix Potter as she defies societal expectations, choosing a life of creativity and independence over the marriage her parents desire for her. Fueled by her deep connection with nature and the charming animals she has loved since childhood, Beatrix’s illustrations and stories eventually make her a literary sensation.
The film’s picturesque settings are a cottagecore dream, from Beatrix’s quaint country home to the sweeping, unspoiled landscapes of the English Lake District, where she later finds inspiration and peace. The lush gardens, cozy homes, and woodland scenes are straight out of a Beatrix Potter character book, embodying the magic and simplicity that define the cottagecore aesthetic. Beatrix’s love for nature is woven throughout the film, as she not only draws inspiration from her animal friends but also works to conserve the natural beauty of the countryside. For cottagecore fans, Miss Potter is a true inspiration, as it brings to life the timeless charm of a woman who found magic in the world around her and shared it with generations to come.
7. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
The classic based on Jane Austen’s book, follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates love, societal expectations, and her own fierce independence. Elizabeth’s world is one where sprawling landscapes, vintage charm, and the gentle rhythms of rural life take center stage, making this movie a visual treat for cottagecore fans.
Set against the backdrop of wildflower meadows and cozy estates, the film captures the simplicity and beauty of regency-era life. From the Bennet family’s quaint, rustic home to the grand, stately manors of the aristocracy, every scene feels like a painting brought to life. The natural beauty of the countryside is ever-present, with misty mornings, soft sunlight streaming through trees, and tranquil walks along muddy paths bringing the natural aesthetic to the forefront. The movie celebrates a life intertwined with nature, where characters find solace in garden strolls, summer picnics, and quiet moments of reflection in the fields.
8. Summerland (2020)
Summerland offers a nostalgic escape to a simpler life nestled in the English countryside during World War II. The story centers on Alice, a reclusive writer living in a small cottage near the seaside cliffs of Kent, where she devotes her time to scholarly research debunking myths and folklore. Alice has chosen a life of solitude, far removed from the chaos of modern society, finding solace in the rhythms of nature and the quiet beauty of her rural surroundings.
Everything changes for Alice when Frank, a young boy evacuated from London due to the Blitz, is placed in her care. Initially resistant to this new arrangement, both Alice and Frank are unsettled by the disruption to their lives, but they soon form an unexpected and heartwarming bond. As they explore the seaside cliffs, flower-filled meadows, and Kent’s picturesque village, they rediscover the magic of life and the power of connection.
The film is a love letter to the cottagecore aesthetic, celebrating the quiet, simple pleasures of rural life. With its emphasis on slow-living, a deep connection to nature, and traditional pastimes like writing and foraging, Summerland feels like stepping into a world where the daily grind is replaced by the timeless rhythms of rural life. Despite the backdrop of war, the film carries a sense of innocence and tranquility, proving that even in the most challenging times, the beauty of nature and human connection can endure.
9. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)
The movie chronicles the life of British artist Louis Wain, who is best known for his whimsical and captivating feline illustrations that enchanted the public during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Set against the idyllic backdrop of the English countryside, the film brings to life a world of pastoral bliss, where vintage cottages, blooming gardens, and the changing seasons form the canvas for Wain’s artistic journey.
Louis Wain’s days are steeped in the magic of cottagecore living—long walks in nature, peaceful countryside scenes, and the company of beloved cats, which are both his muses and companions. The slow-paced rhythm of rural life gives his creativity room to flourish, and his home, teeming with life and artistic energy, feels like the ultimate embodiment of cottagecore’s charm. The film’s rustic, vintage aesthetics—complete with candlelit evenings, hand-written letters, and timeless attire—immerse the viewer in a world where simplicity and beauty reign. As the film progresses, we see the contrast between the rustic charm of the English countryside and the encroaching modernity of the 20th century, reflecting a world in transition.
For those who adore cottagecore films, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain offers a feast for the senses—vintage visuals, pastoral settings, and the enchanting world of an artist who found his muse in the serenity of the countryside and the simplicity of life surrounded by nature’s quiet wonders.
10. The Secret Garden (1993)
The film follows the journey of young Mary Lennox, an orphan sent to live with her distant and sorrowful uncle in the misty moors of England after the death of her parents. Cold, spoiled, and neglected, Mary initially finds herself bitterly alone in this isolated new world, but everything changes when she discovers a long-forgotten, walled garden on her uncle’s estate.
As Mary begins to restore the secret garden to its former beauty—enlisting the help of Dickon, a kind-hearted local boy, and her sickly cousin Colin—the garden also restores her spirit. What begins as a story of isolation and grief soon blossoms into one of hope, healing, and renewal, as the beauty of the natural world works its quiet magic on the characters. For cottagecore fans, this film is pure enchantment.
The film’s setting in the English countryside, with its sprawling moors, vintage cottages, and misty mornings, creates the perfect backdrop for cottagecore aesthetics. The 19th-century fashion, simple domestic life, and the timeless charm of a world connected to the earth evoke a sense of slow living, where time seems to flow with the seasons and the healing power of nature is celebrated.
11. This Beautiful Fantastic (2016)
The film is set against the backdrop of a magical, overgrown garden. The story follows Bella Brown, an eccentric, socially awkward librarian who leads a quiet, reclusive life in her small, cluttered home. When her landlord gives her an ultimatum—tend to her neglected garden or face eviction—Bella reluctantly begins the task, unaware that it will transform her life.
As Bella works to restore the wild, unruly garden, she forms an unexpected friendship with her curmudgeonly neighbor, Alfie, a cantankerous old man with a deep love for horticulture. Together, they bring the garden to life, and in doing so, Bella begins to open up to the world around her. This heartwarming story beautifully captures the cottagecore ethos of finding joy in nature, quiet self-sufficiency, and the simplicity of a life connected to the earth. Bella’s personal journey, much like the garden she restores, unfolds in a slow, organic way, revealing the curative power of nature and the strength that can be found in friendship.
12. Emma (2020)
Emma is a delightful, pastel-hued journey through the English countryside that follows the witty, charming, and often meddlesome Emma Woodhouse as she navigates love, friendship, and social status in a small village.
At the heart of Emma is the quaint, slow-paced life of rural England, where the beauty of rolling hills, lush gardens, and grand yet cozy estates provide the perfect backdrop for Emma’s matchmaking schemes. The film is filled with scenes of leisurely walks in the countryside, afternoon tea in sun-dappled gardens, and the soft rustle of fabric as characters flit about in their regency-era attire.
The cinematography is a visual treat,and the story is a celebration of the pastoral, of finding joy in the small, everyday moments of life, and of the deep connections that tie us to each other and to the places we call home. (Emma is currently on Netflix.)
13. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Set in the 1960s on a picturesque New England island, the film follows two adolescent misfits, Sam and Suzy, who run away together to escape their structured, adult-supervised lives. At the heart of the film is the children’s adventure into the wilderness, where they discover a secluded cove they name “Moonrise Kingdom.”
The story celebrates the simplicity of life in nature—sleeping in handmade tents, reading fantasy novels by the lakeside, and relying on traditional scouting skills to survive. The journey of these young lovers embodies cottagecore’s desire to break away from the confines of modern life and return to a more organic, nature-centric existence. The film’s rich scenery of wooded forests, tranquil meadows, and open skies enhances this sense of escape, inviting viewers into a world that feels timeless and untouched.
14. Persuasion (2022)
This version of Persuasion offers a visual feast for cottagecore fans, with its emphasis on nature, pastoral living, and the slow, reflective pace of life in regency-era England. The story follows Anne Elliot, a woman who once turned down a marriage proposal from the love of her life, Captain Frederick Wentworth, due to family pressure. Years later, Anne still lives with the emotional consequences of that decision, and when Wentworth reenters her life, she must grapple with feelings of regret, longing, and hope for a second chance. The film’s romantic tension is framed by serene landscapes, from charming villages to rocky coastlines, creating a setting that perfectly complements the contemplative nature of the story.
The costume design adds to the vintage charm, with flowing regency dresses, delicate bonnets, and timeless silhouettes that give the film a dreamy, nostalgic quality. These elements, combined with Anne’s introspective nature and quiet strength, create a world where emotions are as deeply tied to the landscape as they are to the characters’ inner lives. (Persuasion is currently on Netflix.)
Final Thoughts on Cottagecore Movies You’ll Love
Movies with cottagecore vibes often feature idyllic rural settings, gentle storytelling, and themes of nature, simplicity, and romance, capturing the aesthetic’s cozy, nostalgic appeal. These movies evoke that simplicity, and a return to a slower pace of life. Each movie reminds us of the beauty in the everyday and quiet moments. They invite us to imagine a life where the curative power of slow living, nature, and self-sufficiency take center stage, capturing timeless values of long ago, showing how deeply intertwined we are with the natural world. For those who love to read classic literature or dream of a simple life, these cottagecore aesthetic movies are the perfect escape. As you enjoy your way through this cottagecore film list, they will surely serve as an inspiration to embrace the cottagecore aesthetic in your own life.
