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This page features a variety of options to suit every taste. Read descriptions and choose what interests you. However, trying something new, or outside your comfort zone, may be beneficial for language learning and for increasing cultural awareness. Choosing options outside of normal preferences can: expand perspective, boost creativity, build empathy and understanding, and increase cognitive abilities.
Tips for Using Shows & Movies as an ESL Learner
Use Subtitles: Subtitles can help you follow along and learn new vocabulary.
Focus on Listening: Pay attention to the accents, speech patterns, and tone of voice.
Pause and Replay: Don't be afraid to pause and replay sections to understand specific words or phrases.
Write Down New Words: Write down new words and phrases you read/hear.
Discuss the Cultural Context: Talk about American culture, British culture, or other relevant topics with your friends, family, or English-speaking partner(s) after you finish watching a show or movie.
Shows
Channels
Movies
A League of their Own (1992) - Inspired by real people / events, slower pacing, also a book, different regional American accents portrayed
Brooklyn (2015)- Also a book, immigrant storyline, features Irish, Italian, and New York accents
Critical Thinking (2020) - Based on a true story
Enchanted (2007) & Disenchanted (2022) - Live action Disney movies
Harry Potter movies (2001-2011) - Also a book series, British accents
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) - Also a book
Inside Out (2015) & Inside Out 2 (2024) - Pixar movies
Invictus (2009) - Based on a true story, also a book, different accents portrayed
Life of Pi (2012) - Also a book, features American, French, & Indian accents
Mirror, Mirror (2012) - Live action Disney movie, also a book
One Chance (2013) - Based on a true story, also a book, British accents
Soul (2020) - Pixar movie
Sweet Land (2005) - Older movie, slower pacing, immigrant storyline, German accents
The Best of Enemies (2019) - Based on a true story, also a book, Southern accents
The Book Thief (2013) - Also a book, German and other accents
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) - Inspired by real people / events, also a book
The Greatest Showman (2017) - Inspired by real people / events, also a book
The Hunger Games movies (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2023) - Also a book series
The Finest Hours (2016) - Based on a true story, also a book, New England accents
The King’s Speech (2010) - Based on a true story, also a book, British accents
The Painted Veil (2006) - Inspired by real people / events, slower pacing, also a book, different accents
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) - Based on a true story, also a book
The Queen of Katwe (2016) - Based on a true story, also a book, Ugandan accents
The Red Sea Diving Resort (2019) - Inspired by real people / events, also a book
The Social Network (2010) - Based on a true story, also a book
"Cinema is a language. It can say things—big, abstract things. And I love that about it."
~ David Lynch
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