10 Great Films to Improve Your English
When learning English, one of the most enjoyable ways to practise is by watching films. Not only do they expose you to natural conversation, but they also allow you to hear different accents, expand your vocabulary, and understand various cultural contexts. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, here are ten films that can help improve your English:
1. The King’s Speech (2010)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
This award-winning film tells the story of King George VI, who struggles with a speech impediment. The film focuses on his efforts to improve his public speaking, making it ideal for learners who want to improve their pronunciation. The language is formal, but the dialogue is clear and well-articulated. Plus, it’s a great introduction to British culture and history.
2. Disney Animated Films (Various)
Level: Beginner
Disney and Pixar films are fantastic for beginners. The colourful animation, clear dialogue, and simple storylines make them easy to understand, while also being highly enjoyable. Many of these films focus on universal themes like family, friendship, and perseverance, which makes them accessible to learners of all ages.
Here are a few great options:
• Finding Nemo (2003): A heartwarming tale of a father searching for his son across the ocean. The characters speak clearly, and the underwater adventure is full of easy-to-follow dialogue.
• Frozen (2013): With catchy songs and simple language, Frozen is a great film for beginners. The dialogue is clear, and the story focuses on themes of love and sisterhood.
• Toy Story (1995): This classic Pixar film features everyday language used by toys in a child’s world. It’s perfect for picking up common phrases and expressions.
• Moana (2016): Set in the Pacific Islands, Moana is filled with adventure and music. The dialogue is simple, and the songs help reinforce vocabulary.
These films not only improve listening skills but also make learning fun with memorable characters and songs!
3. Forrest Gump (1994)
Level: Intermediate
Forrest Gump is a touching and emotional film about a simple man who witnesses important events in American history. Tom Hanks speaks slowly and clearly, which is helpful for learners trying to catch every word. Additionally, the movie uses everyday language that reflects different times and places in the US.
4. Notting Hill (1999)
Level: Intermediate
This romantic comedy, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, is perfect for learners who want to experience British and American English side by side. While the film is filled with casual, conversational language, it leans towards a more “posh” style of British English, especially in Hugh Grant’s character. The story is light and easy to follow, and the mix of British and American cultures adds a fun element for learners to explore.
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) and the Harry Potter series
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
The first Harry Potter film introduces viewers to the magical world of Hogwarts, but it’s also great for English learners. The language is mostly straightforward, especially in the early films, making it suitable for beginners. As the series progresses, the vocabulary becomes more complex, so it’s a great set of films to watch as your English improves.
6. Rye Lane (2023)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Our second British romantic comedy on the list, Rye Lane follows two young people navigating heartbreak and new beginnings in South London. The film is rich in modern, urban slang and conversational English, making it a great choice for learners who want to understand everyday dialogue and informal speech. The South London setting also gives viewers exposure to different British accents and cultural references.
7. The Sound of Music (1965)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
This classic musical is perfect for learners who enjoy singing along to improve their language skills. The songs are simple and repetitive, making them easy to remember. The film’s dialogue is clear, and the slow pace makes it ideal for learners who are still getting used to listening to English.
8. Paddington (2014)
Level: Beginner
This delightful family film about a bear from Peru moving to London is great for beginners. The characters speak slowly, and the story is simple to follow. It’s also a fantastic introduction to British English and its many charming accents. Plus, it’s full of humour, making it a fun and engaging watch.
9. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
For learners interested in classic literature, this film adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel is a wonderful way to experience more formal English. While some of the language may be a bit old-fashioned, it offers exposure to beautiful, eloquent English. It’s an excellent way to enhance your vocabulary and understanding of sentence structure.
10. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Level: Intermediate
This film, which takes place in India, is a fantastic option for learners who want to hear different varieties of English. It combines Indian and British English, offering a chance to hear how English is used in different cultures. The film is emotional, engaging, and filled with dialogue that reflects real-life challenges and experiences.
Tips for Watching Films to Learn English:
• Use subtitles: Start with English subtitles to help match the spoken words with written text. As you improve, try watching without them.
• Watch repeatedly: If you really enjoy a film, watch it more than once. You’ll pick up new vocabulary and phrases each time.
• Pause and repeat: Don’t be afraid to pause the film and repeat sections. This helps reinforce your learning.
• Note new words: Keep a notebook to write down new words and phrases you hear, then practise using them in conversation.
Watching films can be both entertaining and educational. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, there’s a film on this list for everyone. So grab some popcorn, and start improving your English today!