Watching fun movies is a great way to practice and learn English.
If you’re going to try it, don’t begin with very long or complicated movies; watch movies you know.
How about some movies you have seen in your original language that were dubbed? By doing this, you will know the story and be able to understand the new words and phrases a little easier.
If you want to watch a new movie, choose a genre that you enjoy; action, comedy, romantic, or choose a movie with your favourite actor.
At ATC Language Schools we encourage all our students to watch movies and tv shows in English and listen to Irish radio when they can. They all provide great conversation topics for class and when you meet new friends.
We have put together a list of some of our favourite movies and ones we believe you will enjoy.
- The Wind That Shakes The Barley:
With this movie you will learn about Ireland’s history. It will also help you understand some difficult Irish accents. While some of the phrases and language may be slightly dated, it is still perfect for learning English. It is also a brilliant movie to learn and understand Ireland’s troubled history. View the beautiful landscapes of Cork and rural Ireland while learning English with Irish accents.
Based on the Irish war of independence you can learn both English and Irish history through this amazing movie. It stars Cillian Murphy one of Ireland’s most famous and popular actors – the Peaky Blinders, anyone?
- The King’s Speech:
A perfect movie to learn the English language. This movie is based on the life of King George VI of the UK. He suffered from a stammer, or stutter, which is a speech issue. An enjoyable movie with some great English language and speech tips. Another historical piece, it’s an interesting movie with a great cast.
- The Harry Potter Series:
Who doesn’t enjoy watching the boy who lived, Harry Potter? Both the books and movies were developed in a way that the viewer grows with the storyline. The languages used, storyline and characters are all well-known.
Watching these movies is a great way to develop your vocabulary. Understand the story and characters in greater detail by looking at all the movies.
It is a great series to watch in the evening or on wet weekends with friends. Better yet, buy the books and read them as well, they are great for new English learners.
- Forrest Gump:
If you want to watch a movie with an incredible story and soundtrack, then Forrest Gump is the right choice for you.
It is a story spanning decades and touching on important points in American history. Forrest Gump is the central character and he is simple man who lives an extraordinary life.
The movie uses easy-to-understand US English and slang. Follow his life story and watch one of the most popular movies in the world. Forrest Gump stars Tom Hanks.
- The Beach:
A story of wanderlust and adventure, the beach will appeal to many students. Starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio, The Beach tells the story of adventure, mishaps and mistakes on a secret beach in Thailand.
Creating wanderlust and inner thoughts on an equal level, the beach is a great story to follow. It will inspire you to travel and to also question what it is that has brought you here.
Based on a book by the author Alex Garland, The Beach is perfect for those who want to travel, but for now, enjoying life in Dublin or Bray!
- The Shawshank Redemption:
Voted one of the greatest movies, The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of a convicted murderer. It chronicles his life in prison and the struggles he must overcome.
Based on a short story by the world-famous Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption uses American English and has many funny and sad moments in equally.
If you want to watch a film with a moving and interesting story, then The Shawshank Redemption is perfect.
- The Guard:
Another Irish movie that makes the list. The Guard tells the story of life in rural Ireland and the exploits of a local Garda, (the Garda are the Irish police). He doesn’t do everything by the book and there are many funny moments in the movie.
It is a great movie to a get a sense of the dark side of Irish humour as it inclludes action and corruption, and it is set and filmed on the west of Ireland, the beautiful county of Galway, and the Connemara National Park. The Guard is played by Brendan Gleeson, award winning Irish actor.
Learn At Your Own Pace:
Your language-learning adventure does not have to stop in the classroom. You can go on more adventures by watching movies, reading books and practising with friends.
Movies allow us to escape into other worlds and they can help us develop our language skills, we can learn new words and phrases and understand how to use them.
If you don’t grasp the story in one go, don’t worry because nobody does. Movies should be enjoyable first and a way to learn second.
Some other movie options to try:
- Michael Collins – a period drama film about one of Ireland most famous men in Ireland’s history.
- Interstellar – a film set in space directed by Christopher Nolan.
- The Batman Series – there are many films to choose from, with Batman, The Penguin, Catwoman and other characters to love or hate.
- Braveheart – listen to some Scottish accents in this film with Mel Gibson.
- Dragonheart – a film franchise with medieval action and a talking dragon, what more can you want for some escapism into film?
- Rush Hour – another film franchise, this time with 2 policemen from different cultures who learn to work together.
- In Bruges – another dark and funny Irish film set in Europe with Bendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell.
- Australia – an epic adventure drama film directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, set in the mid 20th century.
- Into the wild – Based on a true story this tracks the adventures and challenges of Christopher McCandless.
- The Mummy – another movie franchise with a light hearted look at Egyptian archeology, starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and many more famous hollywood actors.
These are just a few a movies with a mix of adventure and learning, have you seen them?
Do you have other suggestions for films that have helped you learn English?
If you want to develop and practice your English, why not join our international classes at ATC.
See the options for you to study English in Dublin and Bray here – ATC Courses.