Hello dear friends! Do you have a lot of free time during the weekend? You've already watched all of the sitcoms and TV shows in English which we recommended to you? Wanting to go to the next level? Well, I'm excited to offer you a new source of entertainment to learn English during your free time, without a lot of effort. Here's a list of 67 movies to help improve your English!

With or without subtitles, for beginners, intermediate or advanced learners, you'll definitely find what you're looking for.

Why watch movies in the original language?

If you want to be able to speak English effortlessly, reading on its own will not be enough, you need a lot of listening input. Watching movies in English will help you make tremendous progress, in a fun way:

• You'll discover films you like from a new perspective, with the actors' real voices, the real lines, the real idiomatic expressions...
• You'll forget about feeling guilty about watching TV because you will be improving your English! If someone asks what you're doing, you can even say that you're working on your language skills, and it really would be true!
• Listening to a large number of films in English will allow you to work on your spoken language. This is essential in order to develop a good accent! Little by little, you're going to notice that you understand the dialogues better and better and it's so exciting - you're on your way to becoming fluent in English!
• When you study English with movies, you're going to learn new vocabulary, new phrasings, different intonations depending on the context, better grammar, how to use the different tenses, etc.

To sum up, watching a movie in the original language is a solution which allows you to dive into the language by enjoying entertaining content, which makes you forget that you're learning English.

And what better than a list of legendary movies in English to start off with?

Where to start...

So, you're going to watch movies in the original language? Congratulations!

This is an important step in your English-learning journey. It can be intimidating, because we're often afraid that we won't understand everything. However, do not worry if you don't understand the whole movie from the first time!

The goal isn't to understand everything, but to expose yourself to English! Practice the spoken language, practice the vocabulary you already know (in order to reinforce it)... Of course, there will be words which you don't understand, and you'll want to pause, repeat, look for the words in the dictionary... but try to find the right balance. If you look up too many words you're going to get discouraged, if you let too many things get away, you're not going to improve.

Note that, by sticking to your goal, what seemed hard at the beginning will look so easy only a few weeks later. I have chosen movies with cult lines, which you can watch over and over again, so enjoy!

After a few months of intensive immersion, your progress will be so big that you'll feel like you're watching a movie in your native language... while it's actually in English! So, don't give up, your efforts will be reworded! Put this article in your favorites, so you can easily come back to it and choose your new movie.

In order to help you, I have categorized the list in order of difficulty. This will help you maintain your motivation and concentration.

The best movies to learn English with (by difficulty level)

The best movies to learn English with are the cult ones, with their rich and interesting dialogues. It's the kind of movies you can watch for hours without getting tired of them!

In that spirit, I invite you to discover the list of 67 best movies to learn English with. These movies will make your evenings fun, will enrich your knowledge about the English cinema and will help you become fluent in English in the very near future.

Happy binge-watching!

Movies in English for beginners

Here is a selection of the best movies to learn English for beginners - the characters don't speak "too" fast, the pronunciation is rather clear and the language isn't too technical, mostly ordinary (not too casual, not too formal).

Back to the Future (Trilogy - 1985-1989-1990)

Extract of Back to the Future

Doc, I'm from the future, I came here in a time machine that you invented!

If there's one saga in this list that doesn't really need to be presented, it's this one! Admit it, DeLorean, the future vision seems absolutely crazy to us now, and Doc seems a bit nuts... That certainly makes you want to watch it again, but this time in English!

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Extract of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Hey, Todd. I can't really talk right now. I'm on my way to a volcano.

From unsociable to incredible. This is the extremely inspiring story of a man who goes on an adventure for work. But beyond this trip, it's mostly a story of a shy man, who risks his life in hope to change it. What does this true change consist of? I'll leave that for you to discover!

The Simpsons Movie (2007)

Learn English with The Simpsons

If you ask me, everybody in this theater is a giant sucker, especially YOU!

Yep, that's a bit phony... Yes, that's some grotesque humor... but they're joking, having a good time, and because we're talking about The Simpsons, we're not left with even ten seconds without a crazy line (precisely at the right place!) in English.

From Paris With Love (2010)

Checkmate, Motherfucker!

A great spy movie in which a diplomat meets a spy, who is agile, who's good at his job, but who is also arrogant, rude, and bluffing. Sure, they might be ruining the charm of Paris, but we're constantly exposed to action, the actors often make jokes, which are for the most part quite clear.

The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Extract from The Seven Year Itch

I'm in serious trouble. I'm married. I've been married for seven years.

In the 50s, a prosperous man finds himself without his wife and his child for two weeks. Then, he meets a lovely lady who is actually his new neighbor (the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe!). But this man feels guilty because of his desire to have a closer relationship with his neighbor. So, should he cheat or not?

New York I Love You (2008)

Extract from New York I love You

I'm single now, so... dinner?

A movie that clearly stands out - several small stories one after the other which allow us to discover the unusual personality of the citizens of one of the biggest cities in the world. You get to listen to them, watch them, and try to understand them... A movie that is poetic and fascinating!

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Extract from When Harry Met Sally

No man can be friends with a woman he finds attractive, he always wants to have sex with her.

Do you happen to have seen a movie extract where a young woman simulates an orgasm in a totally exaggerated way in a crowded restaurant? Yep, that's this movie!

A big friendship, which is trying to become something more, but without any success.

For 10 years, there's only one dangling question - are they made for each other or not?

Friends with Benefits (2011)

Extract from Friends with Benefits

No emotions, just sex.

Let's change it up with a little comedy! Two people decide they're not made to be in a romantic relationship and decide to be friends... with a bit of spice! But when two friends live together, share a life, and their secrets... Are we still talking about friendship?

The Italian Job (1969/2003)

Extract from The Italian Job (2003)

^(1969) You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!
(2003) I want to see the look on that man's face when his gold is gone. He took my father from me, I'm taking this.^

Both versions offer a great deal of entertainment and suspense. In a life of crime, you're not forgiven easily. After being betrayed, Michael Caine, or Mark Wahberg in the more recent version, seeks revenge. Thing is, it's not about killing anymore, but about robbing...

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Extract from The Great Gatsby

But Mr. Gatsby doesn't exist. [...] I cannot find anyone who knows anything real about Mr. Gatsby.

A gambler, some extravagant evenings, an intriguing neighbor, everything that makes up the secret life of a rich man. The origin of this man's wealth, however, is unknown. So, what is this excessive lifestyle in the 1920s, led by Grand Gatsby, which we see during the whole movie?

Bourne (5 movies)

Extract from The Bourne Identity (2002)

An excellent saga where each movie takes us to Jason Bourne (embodied by the brilliant Matt Damon), a very talented spy, who knows how to escape whatever the risk, how to fight without mercy, and who never lets himself get trapped. However, after an accident, he feels completely lost - he forgets his identity and finds himself followed by the CIA.

Movies for Intermediate English Learners

Before playing one of these fantastic movies to learn English, here's what you can expect from this category - characters who speak faster and articulate (a bit) less, pronunciation that becomes less clear, and even some vulgar expressions. This is, however, the natural way people speak, so it's great to expose yourself to it and be able to understand it!

Viva Las Vegas (1964)

Extract from Viva Las Vegas

^Can you lend me a car until you have mine running again?
- We'll do better. I'll be happy to drive you wherever you want to go.^

With gorgeous scenery, sensational actors (Elvis Presley among others!), catchy music, this is one compelling story. Here's what you call a great cocktail, concentrated in an old-fashioned movie, which just leaves you smiling!

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Extract from Rebel Without a Cause

I got the bullets!

We go from Vegas to Los Angeles, from Presley to Dean, James Dean. A young man in the midst of a teenage crisis, looking for a reason to live. Some will love the fact that he's a good-looking guy, while others will appreciate his crude character.

Bond, James Bond (24 movies)

Extract from James Bond

Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred.

The most gripping saga. We say we're going to watch each movie only once, but after a few days (or weeks), you find yourself dying to watch them again, all 24 movies (and counting). And why wouldn't you - it's a classy character with a beautiful British accent!

You can find all the movies from the saga here.

In Time (2011)

Extract from In Time

Time is now the currency. We earn it and spend it. The rich can live forever. And the rest of us?

A dive into the future, a future where humans don't grow old, but their days are counted (literally), and you pay for your time. How can you survive?

Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

Extract from Terminator 2: Judgement Day

Come with me if you want to live.

A classic sequel among older science fiction movies. It takes place in a present-day world where manmade artificial intelligence (AI) are returning via time travel from an apocalyptic future to destroy those young humans who seek to prevent that future rise of the machines from ever happening. Thought-provoking, violent, yet touching!

The Thomas Crown Affair (1968-1999)

Extract from The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

^(1999) Regret is usually a waste of time. Have you figured out what you're gonna say to your board when they learned that you paid me 30 million more than others were offering?
(1968) It's a funny dirty little job.^

Robbery and mystery. Two magic words which leave you thinking that you won't get bored With Steve McQueen (who played in the earlier version) or Pierce Bronsman in the lead role.

Indiana Jones (Quadrilogy)

Extract from ^Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

^I'm going after that truck.
- How?
- I don't know. I'm making this up as I go.^

Trips, big finds, funny moments, but mostly a good dose of action throughout the whole movie. A sort of spy movie in the form of archeological expeditions.

You can find all the movies from the Indiana Jones saga here.

Clerks (1994)

Extracts from Clerks

You'd feel a lot better if you'd just rip into the occasional customer. - Why? I don't bother them, and they don't bother me.

A young grocer is faced with a series of challenges both in his private and professional life. You can enjoy the numerous philosophical dialogues, coming from the lips of young people who have just passed their 20s. A gem in the independent American cinema which tells the story of young people who are looking to find their way in life. Not to mention a good dose of colloquial language and slang!

Fight Club (1999)

Extract from Fight Club

You’re not your job, you’re not the car you drive, you’re not the content of your wallet…

A psychological slap which was immediately considered as a big classic from its release 20 years ago. In the movie, they fight (in the literal sense) to defeat the vanity of the consumerism society and they gather to lead a global change. Is this really a harmful society for citizens?

Goodfellas (1990)

Extract from Goodfellas

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.

Loyalty and family spirit, that's the only thing that's certain. Goodfellas, one of the biggest gangster movies, is a a classic that people appreciated and adored! Certain scenes are quite gory, but this family business and its reflections on the big fortune allow us, as viewers, to travel in a parallel world, which is quite disturbing, yet did exist.

There's not a single minute in this movie where you won't hear some colloquialisms or slang, generously sprinkled throughout the brutal lines!

Movies for Advanced English Learners

Here you might find muffled language, a flow of dialogue which is 10 times faster compared to the previous movies, vocabulary which can be casual, scientific or even juridical. This section is not for anyone given the linguistic technicality of these English movies, but after a few months of practice, it will finally be time to make the big jump!

And leave me a little comment below this article to tell me how that felt!

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Extract from Pulp Fiction

^And you know what they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?
- They don't call it a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
- Nah, man, they got the metric system. They wouldn't know what the fuck a Quarter Pounder is.
- What do they call it?
- They call it a "Royal with cheese.^

Another gangster movie, just as popular, be it for its refined dialogues or its cult scenes, which sometimes mix humor with gore. The hyperactive life of several characters in this movie never leaves us bored.

The Social Network (2010)

Extract from ^The Social Network

He developed the site in one night and he did it while he was drunk.

The true story behind the creation of Facebook. The genius demonstration of Mark Zuckerberg and his partner Eduardo - the outside influences, the daily life of the middle-class Harvard students and above all, the entrepreneurial fascination which we see throughout the movie to show the power of this product which the whole world uses today. However, why did everything start with a serious scandal?

Ocean's (1960 + Trilogy 2001-2004-2007)

Extract from Ocean's 11 (2001)

^You expect us to just walk out the casino with millions of dollars on us?
- Yeah.^

Everyone with their own specialty in the field of robbery! With a dreamy setting (it all starts in Las Vegas!) and constant cleverness, you'll never get tired of watching and re-watching these three movies. How are they going to go about robbing the most secured casinos and palaces in the world?

Inception (2010)

Practice English with movies - Inception

Well, dreams, they feel real while we're in them, right? It's only when we wake up that we realize something was actually strange.

You'll have to see this movie at least three times to be able to follow it from the beginning till the end. It is 2h30 of images and dialogues which confuse the viewer (in an stimulating and interesting way) where reality is outdated and the power of our dreams dominates the impact on the destiny of several people. But who are they?

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Extract from Some Like It Hot

^Two MEN talking :
Have I got things to tell you! What happened?
- I'm engaged.
- Congratulations!
- Who's the lucky girl?
- I am!^

Two desperate artists decide to disguise themselves as women in order to play in a music group, made up entirely of females in Miami. All of that is to get away from a group of gangsters. The result are some absurd dialogues, resourcefulness and quite a bit of humor on the temptations of these two men who really try to hide their true identity. And, as a bonus, the never-ending charm of Marilyn Monroe.

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

Extract from Glengarry Glen Ross

You stupid fucking cunt. You, Williamson, I'm talking to you, shithead. You just cost me $6,000. Six thousand dollars, and one Cadillac.

In a format that is a bit brutal from a moral point of view, we find in this movie a large number of colloquial expressions and deep conversations. Economic crisis, an excessive hierarchy, passionate sellers, who would even commit crimes to get what they want... who's the guilty one?

The A Team (2010)

Extract from The A Team

Give me a minute, I'm good. Give me an hour, I'm great. Give me six months, I'm unbeatable.

A quartet with an immature appearance, but with actual intentions to overcome the thugs through the most unlikely means, the most explosive an the most resourceful! The best of the special unities, which will however end up in prison... What happened?

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Extract from Good Will Hunting

One day, I'm gonna wake up and I'm gonna be 50. And I'll still be doing this shit.

A touching story of a kid from the suburbs, a rebel who is extremely gifted, but lives in a deprived neighborhood. One day a well-known Math professor spots his potential. Thanks to one of his friends, he will try to get this young teenager back on the right track so he can use his exceptional potential, only to find that the adolescent won't let himself be pushed around so easily.

Scarface (1983)

Extract from Scarface

Who put this thing together? Me, that’s who! Who do I trust? Me!

Here's an example of a rags to riches story. Sure, this isn't the most moral movie on the topic, but you can follow the whole adventure of a Cuban migrant who starts at the bottom of the scale and climbs up in a dazzling way, until he ends up being in charge of one of the biggest American drug cartels, which only holds up on trust. But what would happen if that trust is broken.

Where to find movies in English

If you want to enjoy a giant selection of movies to learn English with and be sure to have found each title of this list, you can discover the following sites (online platforms), which you can use to stream or download movies.

The main platforms to watch movies are :

• Netflix
• iTunes
• Windows Store
• Hulu
• Amazon Prime Videos
• Disney+
• HBO

These sites offer certain advantages you can't ignore - they're legal, with subtitles, full HD and quite often, they offer the possibility to download the movie and watch it an unlimited number of times.

There has also been a big activity on sharing movies in the original language on social media, like on peer2peer or the pirate streaming sites. Fans record all sorts of movies and later offer them for downloading... This is however not legal and could have legal consequences.

So, for less popular movies or ones that are older, which you can't find on the classic platforms, your only alternative is to find the VHS or the DVD!

Movies or TV shows?

Any movie will do the job if you're passionate about it, but I hope that this careful selection will bring you hours of entertainment and English practice.

Just a reminder, the ideal order for watching content in English is:

1. Start with sitcoms in English - they're short, visual, and funny.
2. Then, turn to TV shows in English - the same actors and plot throughout the episodes, you have the time to get used to them.
3. And finally, play some movies in English - with a variety of actors, topics and accents.

With or without subtitles?

I often hear people who admire those who understand movies in the original language who don't have to read the subtitles. I bet that you've already tried to watch a movie in English and avoid reading the subtitles and you've probably concluded that it was too hard or tiring for you at the moment.

Obviously, the best way to practice English with movies would be to watch them in the original language without subtitles.

However, if you still need text support in order to follow a movie in English, try putting subtitles in English, NOT in your native language! More often than not, if you're having trouble understanding English while watching something, it's not necessarily because of a new word, but mostly the fact that actors don't articulate enough, their flow is too quick, or because of background noise! So, by reading the subtitles in English, you'll have a good aid to follow the movie scenes, because you'll be able to read what they're saying without translating. This is an extremely effective way, you'll really improve your ear, which, subsequently, will allow you to forget all about subtitles!

I encourage you to watch movies in the original language, without subtitles to improve a specific field - the comprehension of accents. Once you have learned to recognize them, you'll associate each one to a region, a country, a social class, you'll enrich your general knowledge and you won't see these movies the same way as before. Enjoy them to change things up a bit, explore several different movie genres, so you can multiply the universes and the contexts. You'll discover that movies give the impression of being more real than TV shows, which in fact, by nature, is a good preparation to spoken English.

Happy watching!

What about you...

What about you - what's your favorite movie in English? What was the first time you watched a movie in the original language like? What do you think about subtitles when watching a movie? I would be glad to read about your opinion on the topic in the comments!