Learn English with Movies: 8 Films to Get You Started

English is one of the most difficult languages for a non-native speaker to learn. In fact, even native speakers sometimes struggle to grasp some of the complexities of the language. 

Consider the fact that the word ‘novel’ has two different meanings: one denotes a type of book, and the other is an adjective describing something possessed of an “original” quality. 

If that went over your head, you’re not alone. The insufficiency of the English language to describe itself is sort of like trying to describe an orange without mentioning its colour. Hey, look at that – another word with more than one meaning!

With all that being said, context is key when it comes to learning any language, and this is especially true for English. And what better way to learn than through film? You get all the exposure without any of the awkwardness of fumbling around for your dictionary to respond. Here are eight of the best English-language movies to help you learn English.

The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption is based on a Stephen King story, but you wouldn’t think so to see it. There are no killer clowns, eldritch deities, or supernatural boogeymen. There are only people with the same flaws and dreams as anyone else you’re likely to meet.

Despite not featuring any of Mr. King’s iconic monsters, The Shawshank Redemption does display the beloved author’s mastery over dialogue and language, making it a great film to watch if you’re trying to learn or improve your understanding of English. Besides that, it’s an incredible film about the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of insurmountable odds. And nothing beats that tagline: “Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.” Indeed.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart are three of the world’s most popular and beloved entertainers of the modern era, and having them share the screen provides all the laughs you’d expect.

While not directly tied to the earlier Jumanji film of the nineties, Welcome to the Jungle obviously shares the same DNA, especially with regard to its sense of whimsy and adventure. Seeing the Rock perform epic stunts in the middle of explosive set pieces never really gets old.

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly thrill ride, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is the one for you.

Turn a Movie Into an English Lesson!

Ok, so you have a movie you want to watch to improve your English. Now what? Well, LingQ makes it easy to turn that movie in to a lesson so you can select the words and phrases you don’t know as you watch. Here are the steps:

Step 1

Download the FREE LingQ Importer browser extension for Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox. Once you have it, add it to your toolbar.

Step 2

Find your movie. Let’s create a lesson with the movie you just read about: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle on Netflix. Now you just need to click on the LingQ Importer icon and then click “Import”. Done!

Now you can watch and listen, translating any words and phrases you don’t know in the transcript. Those words and phrases can then be studied in the vocabulary activities and they will appear highlighted in yellow in future lessons. The more you see this new vocabulary in different contexts, the quicker and more effectively your brain will remember it.

Dead Poets Society 

Dead Poets Society is a classic of American cinema, and its focus on a group of young men discovering the joys of poetry for the first time has made it a staple in English classrooms all over the world. 

Watching this beloved classic will not only enhance your understanding of English but also deepen your appreciation for the language, in no small part due to a tremendous performance from the late, great Robin Williams. And as if that wasn’t enough, consider that this was Ethan Hawke’s film debut. Yes, that Ethan Hawke! 

Whether you’re watching the film for learning or for entertainment, you’re bound to enjoy the experience. Just make sure you bring a box of tissues for the ending!

Finding Nemo 

Of course, even kids need to learn English, and rather than flipping through flashcards all day, it may be more convenient to watch a movie with them instead.

Pixar has no shortage of great animated films that the whole family can enjoy, but Finding Nemo was one of their first true critical darlings and still holds up to this day. It’s a story about family, about friendship, and about learning to let go of past traumas. It also features talking fish and a well-intentioned great white shark named Bruce – what’s not to love?

Really, you can’t go wrong with Finding Nemo. Whether you’re nine, nineteen, or ninety, the film has a relatable story at its heart, and the whippy, humorous dialogue will aid you in your English studies.

The King’s Speech

Who better to make an English film than the Brits themselves? The King’s Speech not only features English as its main language but also puts it front and centre with its main character, none other than King George VI himself. 

Even native English speakers have trouble speaking the language, and King George had a tougher time than most. While obvious creative liberties have been taken with the film, the story at its heart is true: George had a stammering problem that required the assistance of a professional speech therapist, a man named Lionel Logue. 

With a keen appreciation for language and no shortage of cinematic flair, The King’s Speech is a fantastic film.

The Theory of Everything 

The story of Professor Stephen Hawking is a tragic one and was not widely known before the release of The Theory of Everything. Starring Eddie Redmayne in top form as the acclaimed professor, alongside the ever-fantastic Felicity Jones as his wife, the film chronicles Professor Hawking’s struggles with brilliance – and, of course, his disability.

While you’re unlikely to learn much about science or theoretical physics while watching this film, you will learn about humanity and courage. The story of the late professor is ultimately one of triumph and perseverance through near-insurmountable adversity. And, of course, being a distinguished Englishman, Professor Hawking’s use of the language was first-rate.

Another tear-jerker in the vein of Dead Poets Society, ditch your dictionary and bring a box of tissues instead.

Jurassic Park

If there’s one thing you can count on an American filmmaker for, it’s their ability to deliver a great movie-watching experience, and there are few filmmakers in the same class as Steven Spielberg.

Not only did Spielberg invent the modern-day blockbuster with Jaws in 1975, but he revolutionized the use of special and computer-generated effects with Jurassic Park in 1993. The result is nothing short of spectacular, and the movie holds up thirty years later. 

While Jurassic Park isn’t quite a horror movie, the lifelike quality of the movie’s monsters – the dinosaurs – can be unsettling, and it’s all too easy to imagine them tearing the roof off your house. Still, it’s a classic for a reason, not least because of the witty and acerbic Jeff Goldblum.

The Social Network

If there was ever any doubt about Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s weirdness, this 2010 biopic lays them to rest – he’s an odd character.

Director David Fincher has a habit of making “wordy” movies – that is to say, he’d rather have his characters fight with words than with fists (Fight Club notwithstanding), and The Social Network is probably his wordiest movie ever. It provides a challenge for native and non-native speakers alike in trying to keep up with the characters’ verbal duels. Oh, and it’s also the best biopic ever committed to screen.

If you haven’t seen it yet, The Social Network is well worth checking out and makes its two-hour runtime feel like a breeze.