If you were captivated by the introspective and melancholic beauty of Woody Allen's 'September' (1987), this article is for you. We've curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share its themes of emotional complexity, strained relationships, and atmospheric storytelling. Whether you're drawn to its autumnal mood or its deep character studies, these recommendations will resonate with fans of Allen's understated drama.

Summer with Monika (1953)
Description: A raw and unfiltered look at youthful passion and its eventual disillusionment, capturing both the beauty and brutality of love.
Fact: The film was controversial at the time for its frank depiction of sexuality. It helped launch the career of actress Harriet Andersson, who became a Bergman regular.


The Seventh Seal (1957)
Description: A meditation on life, death, and faith, featuring stark visuals and a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the film ends.
Fact: The chess game with Death has become one of the most recognizable images in film history. The film was shot on location in Sweden, using natural landscapes to enhance its eerie tone.


The Magician (1958)
Description: A tale of illusion and reality, where the line between performance and truth is constantly questioned, wrapped in a gothic, atmospheric setting.
Fact: The film was inspired by Bergman's own experiences with critics and the art of deception. It features one of the most ambiguous endings in Bergman's filmography.


Through a Glass Darkly (1961)
Description: A poignant study of mental illness and familial bonds, set against an isolated backdrop that amplifies the characters' emotional struggles.
Fact: The film was the first in Bergman's 'faith trilogy.' It was shot on the island of Fårö, which later became Bergman's home and a recurring location in his films.


Persona (1966)
Description: A psychological drama that delves into identity, existential angst, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, presented with a minimalist yet powerful visual style.
Fact: The film's iconic opening sequence is considered one of the most analyzed scenes in cinema history. It was shot in just 35 days, a remarkably short time for such a complex film.


Cries and Whispers (1972)
Description: A harrowing exploration of pain, love, and mortality, with a visually striking use of color—particularly red—to evoke intense emotional states.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was one of the first films to use the color red so prominently as a thematic device.


Autumn Sonata (1978)
Description: A deeply introspective film that explores complex familial relationships and emotional turmoil, with a focus on the psychological depth of its characters.
Fact: The film was Ingmar Bergman's first collaboration with actress Liv Ullmann after a long hiatus. It was also one of the few Bergman films to be shot in Norway.


Fanny and Alexander (1982)
Description: A richly detailed family saga that blends realism with moments of magical realism, capturing both the joys and sorrows of childhood and adulthood.
Fact: Originally conceived as a TV miniseries, the theatrical version was significantly shorter. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film.


The Virgin Spring (1960)
Description: A stark and brutal exploration of revenge, guilt, and redemption, framed within a medieval setting that heightens its moral and emotional weight.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was later remade as the controversial horror film 'The Last House on the Left.'


Sawdust and Tinsel (1953)
Description: A bleak yet poetic portrayal of human frailty and the struggles of artists, set against the backdrop of a traveling circus.
Fact: The film marked Bergman's first collaboration with cinematographer Sven Nykvist, who would later become his longtime collaborator. It was initially a commercial failure but is now considered a classic.
