It’s been Autumn in the northern hemisphere for a few days. This time of year the temperatures go down and the leaves fall from the trees. Bring out the hot cocoa, apple cider, maple candy, and of course pumpkin everything. And don’t forget the pumpkin spice!

Halloween is at the end of October. I decorate our home with candles, statues, jack o’ lanterns, black cats, and skeletons. I bake pumpkin bread and gingersnaps. Want to make this season extra special? Watch a few gothic romances while you sip your hot mulled cider. Not sure what to watch? Here are a few suggestions.

The Phantom of the Opera – Lon Chaney may have been one of the first to make the role of the Phantom famous, but later versions brought out the true romance of the story. This is a classic tale about an obsessive love. Whether you enjoy the musical or a movie version of the story, this one is well worth a watch. There is even a version starring Charles Dance. Imagine Tywin Lannister as the Phantom. You may find it on Youtube.

Ghost – That scene between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore at the potter’s wheel is one of the most sensuous and iconic romantic scenes in the movies. Watch this one with someone you love.

Jane Eyre – Some of us read this book in high school and loved it. It is a tale of forbidden romance. There aren’t many lovers as tragic as Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester.

Wuthering Heights – Another high school read. Cathy and Heathcliff are star-crossed lovers. The storyline can be convoluted, especially the intertwining family trees, but it’s well worth the effort.

Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier is the queen of Gothic fiction. Rebecca is a classic tale with a great twist at the end.

Interview With The Vampire – Homo-eroticism at its finest. This movie is brimming with sexual tension. Vampires have long been associated with the erotic as well as with death and fear. Combine the two and you have some powerful storytelling.

The Vampire Lovers – Lesbian undertones for those who enjoy the female variety. This Hammer Films retelling of J. Sheridan LeFanu’s Carmilla has long been a favorite staple of horror lovers, but its sensuality makes it a perfect fit for a romantic and decadent Autumn night.

So wrap yourself and someone you love in a comfy blanket on the couch, kick back, and enjoy the sweet coziness of Gothic romance. Whether the lovers get together in the end or if they are tragically star-crossed, you’ll enjoy cuddling while the plots play out. Make sure there is plenty of mulled cider on hand and enjoy the crisp Fall season.

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Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her story “The Beautiful Move in Curves” appears in “Dangerous Curves Ahead”, an anthology of sexy stories about plus-sized women. Look for it at Amazon.

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