9 Movies to Strengthen Your English Speaking Skills, 7th Will Help You to Be Fluent

Learning English can be both fun and educational, especially when you incorporate movies into your study routine. Watching films in English is a fantastic way to improve your vocabulary, pronunciation, and understanding of the language in context. Here are nine movies that can help you strengthen your English-speaking skills, with the seventh one being particularly beneficial for fluency.

Watch Video

1. Forrest Gump (1994)

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”

Forrest Gump is a classic film that offers a blend of humor, drama, and history. Tom Hanks’ portrayal of Forrest provides clear and slow speech, making it easier for learners to follow along. The movie’s varied dialogue introduces a wide range of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

2. The King’s Speech (2010)

“Because I have a right to be heard! I have a voice!”

This Oscar-winning film is perfect for those interested in mastering pronunciation and public speaking. The story of King George VI’s efforts to overcome his stammer is both inspiring and educational. The emphasis on clear and articulate speech provides a great model for learners.

3. Finding Nemo (2003)

“Just keep swimming.”

Animated films like Finding Nemo are ideal for English learners due to their clear and simple dialogue. The engaging storyline and vibrant visuals make it easy to stay interested while picking up new vocabulary and phrases used in everyday conversation.

4. The Social Network (2010)

“You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.”

For those looking to learn modern English and technical jargon, The Social Network offers a look into the world of social media and entrepreneurship. The fast-paced dialogue challenges listeners to keep up, improving listening skills and contemporary language use.

5. Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

The Harry Potter films are excellent for learners due to their clear British accents and a mix of formal and informal language. The magical setting and compelling storyline make learning enjoyable. You’ll also pick up on British cultural references and idiomatic expressions.

6. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. Not even me.”

This inspirational film starring Will Smith is great for understanding American English and motivational speech. The movie’s heartfelt dialogue and real-life situations provide a rich context for learning new vocabulary and improving listening skills.

7. My Fair Lady (1964)

“The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.”

My Fair Lady is a must-watch for anyone looking to improve their fluency. The story revolves around the transformation of Eliza Doolittle’s speech from a heavy Cockney accent to refined English. The focus on phonetics and pronunciation exercises in the film makes it an excellent resource for language learners.

8. Julie & Julia (2009)

“You are the butter to my bread, the breath to my life.”

This charming film follows the parallel stories of Julia Child and Julie Powell. The dialogue is rich in culinary terms and everyday language, offering a delightful way to expand your vocabulary. The mix of American and French accents also provides a diverse listening experience.

9. Dead Poets Society (1989)

“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”

Set in an elite boarding school, this film provides exposure to formal English and poetic language. The passionate speeches by Robin Williams’ character, John Keating, are inspiring and filled with rich vocabulary and literary references.

Tips for Using Movies to Learn English:

1. Use Subtitles: Start with English subtitles to understand the dialogue better, and then try watching without them to test your listening skills.
2. Pause and Repeat: Don’t hesitate to pause and repeat sections of the film to practice pronunciation and intonation.
3. Note-taking: Jot down new words and phrases, then look them up and practice using them in sentences.
4. Watch Actively: Engage with the film by predicting what will happen next or summarizing scenes in your own words.

Incorporating these movies into your language-learning routine can make the process enjoyable and effective. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and immerse yourself in the English language through the magic of cinema.

Top 20 FAQs About Using Movies to Strengthen Your English Speaking Skills

1. Q: Why should I watch movies to learn English? A: Watching movies helps you learn vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural nuances in a natural context, making language learning more engaging and effective.
2. Q: How do subtitles help in learning English? A: Subtitles can aid comprehension by providing written text that matches spoken dialogue, helping you understand pronunciation and meaning simultaneously.
3. Q: Should I watch movies with English subtitles or subtitles in my native language? A: Start with English subtitles to improve your listening and reading skills. If you find it too challenging, you can use subtitles in your native language initially.
4. Q: How can I improve my pronunciation by watching movies? A: Pay attention to how actors pronounce words and mimic their speech. Pause and repeat lines to practice intonation and pronunciation.
5. Q: Are animated films better for learning English? A: Animated films often use clear and simple language, making them excellent for beginners. They also tend to have engaging storylines that hold your interest.
6. Q: What should I do if I don’t understand a scene? A: Pause the movie, replay the scene, and use subtitles if necessary. Look up any unfamiliar words or phrases and practice using them.
7. Q: How can I make the most out of watching movies for learning English? A: Take notes on new vocabulary, practice speaking lines out loud, and discuss the movie with friends or language partners to reinforce learning.
8. Q: Is it better to watch movies alone or with others when learning English? A: Both have benefits. Watching alone allows you to focus and pause as needed, while watching with others can provide opportunities for discussion and practice.
9. Q: Can watching movies improve my English speaking skills? A: Yes, movies expose you to natural speech patterns, idiomatic expressions, and diverse accents, all of which can enhance your speaking skills.
10. Q: How often should I watch movies to see improvement in my English? A: Consistency is key. Aim to watch at least one or two movies per week, supplemented with other language learning activities.
11. Q: Are older movies useful for learning English? A: Older movies can be useful, especially if they feature clear and articulate speech. They may also introduce you to historical and cultural contexts.
12. Q: Should I choose movies based on my current level of English proficiency? A: Yes, select movies that match your proficiency level to avoid frustration. Beginners might start with animated films, while advanced learners can tackle more complex dramas.
13. Q: Can I learn slang and informal expressions from movies? A: Absolutely. Movies often include slang and colloquial language that can help you sound more like a native speaker.
14. Q: How can I practice speaking after watching a movie? A: Summarize the plot, discuss your favorite scenes, or role-play dialogues from the movie with a friend or language partner.
15. Q: What genres of movies are best for learning English? A: Comedies, dramas, and animated films are generally good choices because they offer a range of vocabulary and natural dialogue.
16. Q: How can I use movies to improve my listening skills? A: Focus on understanding the dialogue without relying on subtitles. Try listening to different accents and speech speeds to enhance your listening comprehension.
17. Q: Are there any online platforms to discuss movies with other English learners? A: Yes, many online forums, language exchange platforms, and social media groups offer opportunities to discuss movies with other learners.
18. Q: Can watching movies help with learning English grammar? A: Yes, movies provide context for grammatical structures, helping you understand how grammar rules are applied in everyday speech.
19. Q: Is it useful to watch movies multiple times? A: Watching movies multiple times can reinforce language learning by helping you catch details you might have missed on the first viewing.
20. Q: What should I do if I find a movie too difficult to understand? A: If a movie is too challenging, switch to an easier film or use additional language learning resources like graded readers or language apps to build your skills gradually.