Cottagecore-Inspired Media for a Delightful Spring

A collage of images showing what the cottagecore aesthetic all all about, including picnic baskets, dried flowers, checkered dresses with puffed sleeves, and the idyllic countryside.
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At its heart, the cottagecore aesthetic is all about romanticizing the beauty and simplicity of life, and living like the main character in an old folk tale. It’s a celebration of nature, of the seasons, and of the small joys that can be found in everyday life. Think cozy cottages, wildflower meadows, and rustic farmhouses – that’s the essence of cottagecore.

And now that spring is in full bloom, what better way to celebrate the season than with some cozy cottagecore movie and book recs? Whether you’re a fan of quaint country living or simply want to bask in the beauty of nature, these picks are sure to enchant you.

So grab your favorite blanket, make a cup of herbal tea, and let’s dive into a world where time slows down, and the magic of nature and community takes center stage.

Cottagecore in Cinema: Escape into the Dreamy World of Film

The Secret Garden (2020)

Movie cover for The Secret Garden (2020)

I recently had the pleasure of watching ‘The Secret Garden‘ and I must say, it was an absolute delight. This film adaptation of the classic children’s novel is a beautiful and magical tale that captures the essence of the beloved story. From the stunning cinematography to the enchanting score, everything about this film is simply gorgeous.

Little Women (2019)

If you haven’t yet seen ‘Little Women‘, you are in for an absolute treat. This film is a veritable feast for the senses, filled to the brim with all the cozy and charming imagery that defines the cottagecore aesthetic.

Every element of this movie is drenched with cottagecore imagery, from the picture-perfect New England countryside location to the charming and inviting interiors of the March family home. The costumes are delightful, with flowing skirts and floral prints that evoke a sense of rustic simplicity.

What I love most about this film is the way it celebrates the power of creativity and the beauty of the natural world. The March sisters are all passionate about different forms of artistic expression – writing, music, and art – and the film celebrates their individual talents and the joy they find in creating.

Little Women (2019) cottagecore movie

Anne with an E

Image showing the character Anne Shirley from the tv series Anne With An E for Netlfix

As someone who was born and raised on Canada’s east coast, I had to include this gem. Prince Edward Island makes such a picturesque setting, and the interiors of Green Gables exudes a romantically rustic charm. Anne With An E is a must-watch for anyone who loves the cottagecore aesthetic. But beyond the visuals, the series also captures the celebration of simple pleasures, family, and community. Which I consider to be the essence of cottagecore, at it’s heart.

The story follows 13 year old Anne Shirley as she navigates the challenges of girlhood, finding her place in the world, and building friendships with the people around her. In the beginning I thought Anne’s character was a little annoying, but then came to love her for her uniqueness and imagination. I found Anne to be a gifted storyteller, inspiring others (myself included!) to see the world in new ways.

Tuck Everlasting (2002)

Tuck Everlasting is a beautiful movie that captures the essence of the cottagecore aesthetic in all its cozy, romantic glory. The movie’s stunning cinematography, coupled with the enchanting score, truly make for an unforgettable dream-like experience that lingers in your mind the entire way through.

The film follows the story of Winnie Foster, a young girl who discovers the Tuck family – a group of people who have been granted eternal life after drinking from a magical spring. But as Winnie becomes more involved with the Tucks, she realizes that immortality isn’t always a blessing.

The cover of the movie Tuck Everylasting including the two main chracters holding hands and running.

Far From the Madding Crowd (2015)

The book cover for Far From The Maddening Crowd showing a woman wearing 18th century clothes standing in a farmers field.

If you’re looking for a movie that is the epitome of cottagecore beauty, then look no further than “Far From The Madding Crowd.” From the rolling hills and sweeping landscapes of the English countryside to the charming period interiors of the film’s idyllic setting, every frame of this movie is infused with a dreamy, pastoral quality.

Director Thomas Vinterberg has crafted a truly masterful work here, with flawless performances from the talented cast and a script that is both poignant and uplifting. This truly is a movie that will transport you to another time and place, leaving you feeling as if you’ve just stepped out of a Jane Austen novel. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves the cozy, romantic world of cottagecore – and for those who appreciate top-notch filmmaking.

A Cottagecore-Inspired Reading List

As we continue our journey through the whimsical world of cottagecore, it’s time to cozy up and explore some delightful reads that perfectly capture the essence of this enchanting lifestyle.

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

Best known for creating the beloved world of Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery’s “The Blue Castle” is a lesser-known gem that deserves more attention. Set in a small town in Ontario, Canada, the novel follows Valancy Stirling, a timid young woman who decides to take control of her life after receiving a devastating diagnosis. With its idyllic setting, quirky characters, and touching romance, “The Blue Castle” is a delightful read that captures the spirit of cottagecore.

book cover for The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery, including a man and women standing in a field of flowers looking cottagecore

The Way Through the Woods: On Mushrooms and Mourning by Long Litt Woon

Book cover for The Way Through The Woods by Long Litt Woon feautring mushrooms leaves and other cottagecore foliage

This beautiful memoir is a true gem, weaving together the author’s journey of grief and healing with her passion for mushroom foraging.

“The Way Through The Woods” takes us on a journey through the forests of Norway, as Long Litt Woon navigates the grief of losing her husband and discovers the transformative power of nature. Through her experiences with mushroom foraging, she learns to embrace the cycles of life and death, and finds a sense of connection and meaning in the natural world.

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

The story follows young Heidi, a spirited girl who is sent to live with her grandfather in the mountains. Through her adventures with her grandfather, her new friend Peter, and the kindly neighbors in the village, Heidi learns about the power of friendship, love, and the beauty of the natural world.

What I love most about “Heidi” is that the descriptions of the mountains and meadows are so vivid, you can almost smell the wildflowers and hear the sound of the goats’ bells. And the characters are so endearing, you can’t help but fall in love with them.

The Wild Iris by Louise Gluck

Of course I had to include one book of poems in this list. The Pulitzer Prize-winning collection “The Wild Iris” is a true masterpiece, filled with poignant and evocative imagery that will leave you breathless.

The poems in this collection are written from the perspective of flowers, exploring the complexities of human emotion and the beauty of the natural world. The language is both delicate and powerful, weaving together vivid descriptions of nature with deep insights into the human experience.

Matins

The sun shines; by the mailbox, leaves of the divided birch tree folded, pleated like fins. Underneath, hollow stems of the white daffodils, Ice Wings, Cantatrice; dark leaves of the wild violet. Noah says depressives hate the spring, imbalance between the inner and the outer world. I make another case — being depressed, yes, but in a sense passionately attached to the living tree, my body actually curled in the split trunk, almost at peace, in the evening rain almost able to feel sap frothing and rising: Noah says this is an error of depressives, identifying with a tree, whereas the happy heart wanders the garden like a falling leaf, a figure for the part, not the whole.
Louise Gluck, The Wild Iris
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The pinterest pin for this blog post, displaying drying flowers in cottagecore fashion. It reads "A wholesome Cottagecore Watchlist  for Spring and Summer".

There is something truly magical about the cottagecore aesthetic – it celebrates the beauty of nature, the importance of family and community, and the joy of slowing down and appreciating life’s simple pleasures. And it’s a reminder that amidst the chaos of modern life, there is still so much beauty and wonder to be found in the world around us.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making it all the way down the list. I hope that my movie and book recs will bring you as much joy and inspiration as they have brought me. Let’s continue to cherish the cozy, comforting world of cottagecore, and embrace the beauty of the simple life.

Discover More Cottagecore Magic:

the feature photo of this post, including it's title in bold letters 'Cozy Cottagecore Fall Recipes'
This image shows how peaceful it can be to simply sit among the flowers and be present.

2 thoughts on “A Wholesome Cottagecore Watchlist For Spring & Summer”

  1. I would also suggest Seacrow Island. It is more modern than the above recommendations but it has a similar relaxed pace

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