Looking for a fun and effective way to learn spoken English? Movies on Netflix can be an amazing tool for improving your conversational English. Not only do they allow you to hear the language in a real context, but they also expose you to different accents and slang. In this post, we will explore how movies on Netflix can be part of your conversational English learning and practice and how they complement other learning methods.
The Magic of Film in your English Language Learning
Watching movies in English is a self-taught way to learn English that combines entertainment with education. You can choose movies from different genres to keep the experience fresh and exciting. In addition, Netflix offers a wide range of options to help you practice and improve your listening comprehension and conversational English.
How to Choose the Right Films?
For intensive English learning, it is important to select movies that align with your skill level. If you are a beginner, start with simpler movies or even children's programs, as they tend to have clearer and simpler language. As you progress, you can increase the difficulty.
Subtitles: Yes or No?
Using English subtitles can be a great help, especially if you are just starting out. They allow you to associate sounds with words and improve your spelling. However, as you become more comfortable, try watching movies without subtitles to challenge your listening comprehension.Â
The use of subtitles when learning English through movies is a crucial aspect. Subtitles can be a powerful tool at different stages of learning, but their use should be adapted as you progress in your understanding of the language.
Using Subtitles for English Language Learners
- Beginners: Subtitles in your Native Language
- Why: When you first start, you are likely to find both the speed of speech and the unfamiliar vocabulary challenging. Subtitles in your native language help you follow the plot without feeling overwhelmed.
- When to switch: Once you are comfortable with the plot and begin to recognize English words or phrases, it is time to switch to English subtitles (within the movie itself).
- Intermediate Level: English Subtitles
- Why: At this level, you already have a foundation of vocabulary and grammar. English subtitles help you connect how words sound with their spelling, improving your spelling and listening comprehension.
- Additional benefits: They allow you to pick up fast dialogue or difficult accents, and learn new words and expressions.
- When to switch: When you start to feel that you can follow most of the dialogue without reading the subtitles, it is a good time to try watching without them (usually in the middle of the movie onwards).
- Advanced: No Subtitles
- Why: Watching movies without subtitles challenges you to rely completely on your listening skills and understanding of English. It is the closest way to experience the language as a native speaker would.
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Benefits: Improves attention, concentration and the ability to understand English spoken at different accents and speeds.Â
Tips for Effective Use of Subtitles
- Repetition: If you find a section particularly challenging, repeat it first with subtitles and then without. This can help clarify what was said and improve your understanding.
- Active Reading: When using English subtitles, try to read them actively. This means paying attention to sentence structure, use of verb tenses and idiomatic expressions.
- Combination with Other Learning Methods: Subtitles are most effective when combined with other learning methods, such as intensive conversational English courses, language exchange, or online English conversation practice.
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Post-Movie Analysis: After watching a movie, take a moment to reflect or even write about what you have learned. Were there any new words or phrases? How were they used in different contexts?Â
Conclusion
Using subtitles when learning English through movies is an adaptive and evolving strategy. Start with subtitles in your native language, progress to English subtitles, and finally challenge yourself to watch movies without them. This progression supports your learning at different stages and maximizes the effectiveness of movies as a conversational English learning tool.
List of movies to learn English:
1. Beginner Level: "The Secret Life of Pets".
1. Beginner Level: "The Secret Life of Pets".
Synopsis:
"The Secret Life of Pets" is a humorous and entertaining animation that offers an imaginative look at what our pets do when we're not at home. The story centers on Max, a terrier who lives a happy and comfortable life in a New York City apartment. His world is turned upside down when his owner brings home a new dog, Duke, with whom Max initially has conflicts. However, when the two find themselves on an adventure through the city streets, they must put their differences aside to survive and return home. The film is filled with memorable pet characters and showcases their antics and adventures in the big city.
Why it is suitable for learning English:
- Clear and Simple Language: Since "The Secret Life of Pets" is aimed at an audience of all ages, including children, the language used is clear, direct and easy to understand. This makes it ideal for beginner to intermediate English learners.
- Everyday and Humorous Dialogues: The film uses everyday dialogues and is full of humor, which makes learning English more fun and engaging. Students can learn common expressions and useful phrases used in everyday situations.
- Vocabulary Related to Everyday Activities: The characters in the film are in situations that reflect everyday life and social interactions, providing students with the opportunity to learn vocabulary related to daily activities, emotions, and relationships.
- Diverse Accents and Expressions: Although the film does not present a wide range of accents, it does offer a variety of speaking styles and expressions, which can help students become familiar with different forms of English communication.
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Visual Context: As an animated film, "The Secret Life of Pets" provides a rich visual context that helps students understand the dialogue and story. This is particularly useful for beginners, as they can use the visual cues to improve their understanding of spoken English.
In summary, "The Secret Life of Pets" is an excellent choice for English language learners, especially those at the beginner to intermediate levels. The combination of clear language, everyday dialogue, humor and an engaging visual context makes this film not only entertaining, but also an effective tool for learning and practicing English.
2. Beginner Level: "Kung Fu Panda 3".
2. Beginner Level: "Kung Fu Panda 3".
Synopsis:
In "Kung Fu Panda 3," the third installment of the popular animated series, Po, the kung fu-loving panda, faces two epic and very different challenges. On the one hand, he must assume the role of master and teach kung fu to his fellow pandas, who are fun and enthusiastic but inexperienced in martial arts. On the other hand, the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters and stealing their powers. Po must do the impossible: train a village full of clumsy and playful panda brothers to become the ultimate Kung Fu Panda team.
Why it is suitable for learning English:
- Simple and Accessible Language: Like the previous installments, "Kung Fu Panda 3" uses clear and simple language, making it ideal for beginner to intermediate English learners. The dialogues are easy to follow and full of humor and warmth.
- Funny and Educational Dialogues: The film combines humor with life lessons, offering dialogue that is not only entertaining but also instructive. This can help students learn useful expressions and phrases while enjoying an engaging story.
- Culture and Values: "Kung Fu Panda 3" introduces elements of Chinese culture, including philosophy, food and martial arts. This gives students the opportunity to learn about cultural aspects through English, enriching their learning experience.
- Specific Vocabulary: The film introduces vocabulary related to kung fu and spirituality. Although it is specific, it is presented in a way that is easy to understand and may be interesting to students attracted to these topics.
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Visual and Emotional Context: Vibrant animation and exaggerated character expressions help students understand the emotional context and plot, which is helpful for those who are still developing their English listening skills.
In summary, "Kung Fu Panda 3" is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate English learners. It offers a combination of clear language, educational and entertaining dialogue, and rich cultural immersion, all of which contribute to an engaging and effective learning environment. In addition, the entertaining nature of the film ensures that learning English is an enjoyable experience.
3. Intermediate Level: "The Social Network".
3. Intermediate Level: "The Social Network" (Drama)
Synopsis:
"The Social Network" is a drama that tells the fascinating story of the creation of Facebook, the social network that revolutionized the way people communicate. The film focuses on young programming genius and Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, and his journey from programming a website in his college dorm room to launching one of the most influential platforms of the 21st century. As Facebook becomes a global phenomenon, Zuckerberg faces legal and personal challenges that test his relationships and ethical approach. "The Social Network" is an exploration of the ambition, success and complications that come with building an empire in the digital world.
Why it is suitable for learning English:
- Smart and Quick Dialogues: The film is known for its quick and sharp dialogues, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced English learners. These dialogues can help improve listening comprehension and become familiar with English spoken quickly and naturally.
- Business and Technical Vocabulary: Since the plot revolves around the world of technology and business, students can learn specific vocabulary related to these fields. This is particularly useful for those interested in English for professional or academic purposes.
- Contemporary and Relevant Themes: The film addresses modern and relevant topics such as technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and business ethics. This can motivate students to participate in discussions and debates in English, thus practicing expression and argumentation skills.
- U.S. College and Business Culture: "The Social Network" provides insight into the elite college culture in the United States and the business environment in Silicon Valley, which may be of interest to students who wish to learn more about these cultural aspects.
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Narrative Style and Structure: The film uses a non-linear narrative structure, alternating between different timelines. This challenges students to pay attention and follow the plot, thus improving their ability to comprehend and follow complex stories in English.
In summary, "The Social Network" is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced learners of English. It offers a combination of fast-paced, intelligent dialogue, technical vocabulary, and contemporary issues, all of which contribute to a challenging and enriching learning environment. In addition, its relevance to the modern world and its focus on technology and entrepreneurship make it particularly attractive to students with interests in these fields.
4. Intermediate Level: "To All the Boys I've Loved Before".
4. Intermediate Level: "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" (Romance/Comedy)
Synopsis:
"To All the Boys I've Loved Before" is a romantic comedy based on the teen novel by Jenny Han. The film follows the life of Lara Jean Covey, an introverted and dreamy high school student. Her life takes an unexpected turn when secret love letters she wrote to all her former loves are mysteriously sent to their intended recipients. This triggers a series of events that shake up her love and social life, especially when she begins to fake a relationship with one of the recipients, Peter Kavinsky, to hide her true feelings. Throughout the film, Lara Jean explores the complexities of love, friendship and family.
Why it is suitable for learning English:
- Everyday Language: The film uses modern, everyday language, making it ideal for English language learners who want to become familiar with contemporary expressions and slang. The dialogue reflects how teenagers and young adults speak today.
- Universal and Relatable Themes: By addressing themes such as first love, friendship and the challenges of adolescence, the film provides a relatable context for students, which can make the learning process more engaging and meaningful.
- U.S. Youth and School Culture: "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" provides insight into school life and youth culture in the United States, which may be useful for students interested in American cultural and social issues.
- Character Development and Emotional Expression: The film provides a good opportunity to observe how characters express their emotions and thoughts, which is useful for learning to communicate feelings and opinions in English.
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Simple and Engaging Narrative: The plot is easy to follow yet emotionally engaging, which helps keep students interested while they practice their listening comprehension and expand their vocabulary.
In summary, "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced English learners looking to improve their understanding of spoken English in a contemporary, everyday context. The film combines accessible language with universal themes and an engaging narrative, making it an effective and entertaining learning tool.
5. Intermediate Level: "Burnt".
5. Intermediate Level: "Burnt".
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Synopsis:
"Burnt" is a film that revolves around the world of haute cuisine and follows the story of Adam Jones, played by Bradley Cooper, a talented but self-destructive chef. Adam, who destroyed his career in Paris due to his erratic behavior and drug use, seeks redemption and a return to culinary stardom in London. He sets out to win a prestigious third Michelin star with a new restaurant and a newly formed team. The film is a blend of drama and personal redemption, showcasing Adam's journey as he faces his personal demons and struggles to achieve excellence in an extremely competitive and high-pressure environment.
Why it is suitable for learning English:
- Cooking and Gastronomy Specific Vocabulary: "Burnt" offers an excellent opportunity to learn vocabulary related to cooking and gastronomy. Dialogues include specific culinary terms that may be of great interest to students with a passion for cooking or the hospitality industry.
- Fast and Realistic Dialogues: The film features fast and realistic dialogues, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced students looking to improve their listening comprehension and become familiar with spoken English in a professional, high-intensity context.
- Accents and Cultural Expressions: Through its characters, "Burnt" showcases a variety of accents and idiomatic expressions, offering students the opportunity to hear different forms of English and become familiar with diverse cultural expressions.
- Themes of self-improvement and leadership: The film addresses universal themes such as self-improvement, redemption and leadership. This not only provides an emotionally engaging context for language learning, but can also be a starting point for discussions and analysis in English.
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Team Interaction and Dynamics: "Burnt" shows the interactions and dynamics within a professional kitchen team, which may be useful for students interested in learning how to communicate and collaborate in high-pressure environments.
In summary, "Burnt" is a stimulating and educational film for intermediate to advanced English language learners, especially those interested in cooking, gastronomy, and personal and professional development. Watching this film can be an enriching way to improve industry-specific vocabulary, listening comprehension and familiarity with different accents and cultural expressions in English.
6. Advanced Level: "In Time".
6. Advanced Level: "In Time".
Synopsis:
"In Time" is a sci-fi thriller set in a dystopian world where time is literally money. In this society, people stop aging at 25, but there's a catch: they are genetically programmed to live only one more year, unless they can earn, steal or inherit more time. The film follows Will Salas, played by Justin Timberlake, who finds himself wrongfully accused of murder after receiving an unexpected fortune of time. In his struggle to survive and unmask the corruption of the system, Salas kidnaps a wealthy young woman, played by Amanda Seyfried, and together they embark on a race against the clock filled with action and reflections on justice, inequality and the value of life.
Why it is suitable for learning English:
- Science Fiction Vocabulary and Concepts: "In Time" offers a unique opportunity to learn vocabulary related to science fiction and futuristic concepts. This may be especially interesting for students who enjoy the genre and wish to expand their vocabulary in this area.
- Intense and Thematic Dialogues: The film features dialogues that, while not overly complex, are intense and loaded with meaning. This helps students practice understanding dialogue with emotional and philosophical undertones.
- Deep and Reflective Themes: "In Time" addresses deep issues such as mortality, wealth, poverty and social justice. These topics can inspire students to think and discuss in English, thus practicing their speaking and argumentation skills.
- Accents and Idiomatic Expressions: Through its various characters, the film shows a variety of English accents and idiomatic expressions, providing good listening practice and an opportunity to become familiar with different ways of speaking.
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Engaging Narrative Context: The plot of "In Time" is engaging and keeps viewers interested, which is crucial for language learning through film. An interesting narrative context helps students stay focused and engaged, thus facilitating better language absorption.
In summary, "In Time" is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced English language learners, especially those interested in science fiction and social issues. Watching this movie can help improve specific vocabulary, listening comprehension, and the ability to follow intense and thematically rich dialogue in English.
7. Advanced Level: "The Crown" (Series)
7. Advanced Level: "The Crown" (Drama/Historical)
Synopsis:
"The Crown" is an acclaimed television series that chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding in 1947 to modern times. The series combines historical drama with an in-depth exploration of the personal and political relationships within the British royal family and their interaction with the governments of the day. Throughout the seasons, "The Crown" offers an intimate look at the challenges, triumphs and tribulations the monarchy has faced, featuring significant events in the recent history of the United Kingdom and the world.
Why it is suitable for learning English:
- Formal and British Vocabulary: "The Crown" is ideal for students who wish to familiarize themselves with formal and elegant British English. The series uses refined vocabulary and impeccable grammar, reflecting the speech of high society and royalty.
- Historical and Cultural Dialogues: The series features dialogues that are not only historically informative but also culturally rich, offering students a perspective on British history and culture.
- Regional Accents and Idioms: Through its diverse characters, "The Crown" showcases a variety of accents and idioms of the United Kingdom, providing excellent listening practice and an opportunity to become familiar with different forms of English.
- Political and Social Context: By addressing key political events and figures, the series provides a context to better understand the English used in political and social discussions, which can be useful for students interested in these topics.
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Complex Narrative and Deep Characters: The complexity of the plot and character development in "The Crown" challenges students to follow multiple narrative threads and understand dialogue that reflects a wide range of emotions and motivations.
In summary, "The Crown" is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced learners of English, especially those interested in British English, history and culture. The series is not only educational from a linguistic standpoint, but also offers a rich immersion into contemporary British history and society. Watching "The Crown" can help improve vocabulary, listening comprehension and familiarity with different accents and cultural expressions in English.
8. Advanced Level: "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar".
8. Advanced Level: "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar".
Synopsis:
"The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" is one of Roald Dahl's most unusual and fascinating stories. This story is part of a collection of seven stories, and is notable for its blend of realism and fantasy. The story follows Henry Sugar, a wealthy, idle man who discovers a report about a man who can see without using his eyes, a phenomenon known as extrasensory vision. Fascinated by this ability, Henry embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal transformation. Through practice and meditation, he develops similar abilities, leading him to radically change his lifestyle and worldview.
Why it is suitable for learning English:
- Dahl's Unique Narrative Style: Roald Dahl is known for his captivating narrative style and his ability to blend the everyday with the fantastic. His language is clear yet descriptive, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced learners of English.
- Rich and Varied Vocabulary: The story offers a rich variety of vocabulary, from everyday terms to more poetic and detailed descriptions. This can help students expand their English vocabulary.
- Deep and Thoughtful Themes: The story addresses themes such as self-discipline, morality, and the use of power and wealth for the common good. These themes can inspire students to reflect and discuss in English, thus practicing expression and critical thinking skills.
- Elements of Magical Realism: The mix of realism and fantastical elements in the story challenges students to interpret and understand a text that plays with the boundaries of reality, which is good practice for advanced reading comprehension.
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Culture and Social Context: Although history is largely timeless and universal, it offers insights into society and human values, which can be useful for students interested in cultural and social aspects.
In summary, Roald Dahl's "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced English learners looking to improve their reading comprehension and expand their vocabulary. The story is not only entertaining and captivating, but also offers rich themes for reflection and analysis in English.
Post-Movie Analysis
Deepening the practice of post-film analysis is an excellent way to reinforce the learning of English through film. This technique not only improves language comprehension and retention, but also develops analytical and critical skills. Here's how you can perform effective post-film analysis:
1. Plot Summary
- Objective: Begin by writing a brief summary of the movie. This helps you practice narration in English, focusing on the use of correct verb tenses and vocabulary related to the plot.
- Guiding Questions: What is the film about? What are the key plot points? How do the characters evolve?Â
Vocabulary and New Phrases
- Identification: Note any new words or phrases you have heard. If possible, pause and note the context in which it was used during the film.
- Research and Application: Look up the meaning of the new words or phrases. Then, try using them in your own sentences to better understand their use.Â
3. Dialogues and Idiomatic Expressions
- Analysis: Pay attention to the dialogues that captured your interest, especially those that include idiomatic expressions or slang.
- Contextualization: Reflect on how these expressions relate to specific situations or emotions of the characters. Try to create hypothetical situations where you might use these expressions.Â
4. Accents and Pronunciation
- Observation: Take note of the different accents and pronunciation styles. Were there any words that sounded different because of the character's accent?
- Practice: Try to imitate accents or pronunciation styles. This can be especially helpful in improving your listening skills and pronunciation.Â
5. Culture and Social Context
- Reflection: Films often reflect cultural or social aspects of their country of origin. Reflect on any cultural aspects that stood out to you and how they relate to the language.
- Comparison: If possible, compare these aspects with your own culture. This can provide a deeper understanding of cultural differences and similarities.Â
6. Discussion or Learning Sharing
- Interaction: If you have the opportunity, discuss the film with friends or classmates who are also learning English. This can provide different perspectives and encourage discussion in English.
- Online Forums: Participating in online forums or film discussion groups can be a great way to practice your written English and receive feedback.
Complement your learning with other strategies
While watching movies on Netflix is an excellent way to learn spoken English, it should not be your only strategy. Complementing this method with other approaches can accelerate your learning. For example, you can read our article on 4 Tips For Achieving Fluency in English, where you will find additional techniques to improve your fluency.
In addition, actively practicing the language is crucial. Consider joining an online conversational English course or participating in online English conversations. These activities will give you the practice you need to apply what you have learned and improve your ability to speak fluently and naturally.
Think in English, Speak like a Native Speaker
An essential part of learning a language is thinking in that language. This can be challenging at first, but with practice it becomes more natural. In our article Think English, Speak Like a Native: Practical Tips and Techniques, we explore how you can train your brain to think in English, which is a crucial step to becoming fluent.
Conclusion
Learning English doesn't have to be a monotonous task. With tools like movies on Netflix, you can make the process entertaining and effective. Remember to combine this strategy with other learning methods for a more comprehensive approach. Whether you're looking to practice free spoken English or enroll in an intensive conversational English course, there are numerous options available to support your learning journey.
And you, what movies on Netflix have you found useful to improve your English? Share your recommendations in the comments!
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