In this article, we will show you how to boost your English with 10 must-watch films to achieve two goals simultaneously: 1) immersing yourself in English to enjoy learning this international language, and 2) improving your listening comprehension and advanced vocabulary to a noticeable degree.
Video of 10 must-watch films
Immerse yourself in English with 10 must-watch films
Immersing yourself in English through great films can be a fun and rewarding way to boost your English language skills. Unlike textbooks, movies offer a natural and engaging environment to pick up new vocabulary and grammar. As the characters interact and the story unfolds, you’ll be exposed to everyday speech patterns, slang, and proper pronunciation in a way that feels organic. This contextual learning helps words and phrases stick in your memory much easier than rote memorization.
Beyond vocabulary, movies can enhance your listening comprehension. By tuning into the dialogues and accents, you’ll train your ear to better distinguish sounds and understand spoken English at different speeds. Great films often showcase a variety of speaking styles, from slow and clear to fast-paced conversations. This exposure improves your ability to follow conversations in real life, making you a more confident and well-rounded English speaker.
The best part? Immersing yourself through movies is enjoyable. You get to learn while being entertained by captivating stories, interesting characters, and beautiful visuals. So, grab some popcorn, put on a well-made English film, and get ready to take your English skills to the next level!
10 Must-Watch Films for ESL Students
The following 10 English films are just a sample of the many analyzed in our film criticism course forum. You can register at LELB Society to learn English with films on a weekly basis and practice all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) based on the English Immersion Program.
1: One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Ken Kesey’s iconic novel bursts onto the screen in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Rebellious Randle McMurphy feigns mental illness to escape prison drudgery, landing in a ward controlled by the iron fist of Nurse Ratched. McMurphy’s infectious spirit disrupts the oppressive routine, sparking joy and defiance amongst his fellow patients. A clash of wills ensues, forcing the ward’s inhabitants to confront their own sanity and fight for individuality in a system designed to suppress it.
2: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Stanley Kubrick’s mind-bending sci-fi epic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, takes viewers on a philosophical journey through humanity’s evolution. The film weaves together cryptic monoliths influencing human development, a sentient computer with a murderous streak, and a psychedelic trip beyond the known universe, leaving audiences pondering humanity’s place in the cosmos and the potential dangers and wonders that may lie ahead.
3: Ex Machina (2014)
Alex Garland’s “Ex Machina” raises unsettling questions about artificial intelligence in a suspenseful sci-fi thriller. Caleb, a programmer, is chosen to evaluate Ava, a stunningly realistic humanoid robot, for her ability to seem human. As Caleb interacts with Ava in her isolated forest dwelling, he becomes increasingly fascinated and questions her true desires. Lines blur between programmed responses and genuine emotions, leading to a shocking revelation and a desperate fight for freedom that forces Caleb to confront the ethical implications of creating near-human AI.
4: A Beautiful Mind (2001)
“A Beautiful Mind” portrays the life of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician grappling with schizophrenia. The film follows his journey as a promising student at Princeton, where he makes groundbreaking discoveries. However, as his mental illness progresses, the lines between reality and delusion blur. With the unwavering support of his wife Alicia, Nash must learn to manage his condition and navigate a world where his greatest genius is intertwined with his most debilitating struggle.
5: Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” sends shivers down spines with its shocking story and masterful manipulation of suspense. Marion Crane, on the run after stealing money, seeks refuge at a seemingly innocuous motel managed by the odd Norman Bates. A now-infamous shower scene shatters expectations, and as the mystery unfolds, Norman’s unsettling behavior and a dark secret from his past cast a chilling shadow, leaving viewers questioning who, or what, they can truly trust.
6: The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror masterpiece, “The Shining,” chills audiences with its descent into madness. Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer with a troubled past, takes a job as winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel. As a supernatural blizzard traps them inside, the hotel’s dark history and insidious influence prey on Jack’s inner demons, turning him violent and jeopardizing the safety of his wife Wendy and son Danny, who possesses a psychic ability called “the shining” and uncovers the hotel’s horrifying secrets.
7: Dead Poets Society (1989)
Set in a strict Vermont boarding school, Robin Williams’ captivating performance as John Keating breathes life into a group of stifled students in “Dead Poets Society.” Through his unconventional teaching methods and emphasis on seizing the day (“carpe diem“), Keating inspires his pupils to explore poetry, challenge tradition, and discover their own voices. However, the clash between their newfound passion and the school’s rigid expectations leads to a heartbreaking realization about the power and limitations of following one’s dreams.
8: Rango (2011)
In “Rango,” a chameleon with an identity crisis stumbles out of his terrarium and into the dusty Wild West town of Dirt. Ill-equipped for survival, he stumbles upon a chance encounter that leads him to become the reluctant sheriff. Embracing his newfound role and fueled by fictional tales, Rango must overcome his cowardice, face down outlaws, and uncover a hidden conspiracy to save the drought-stricken town, all while discovering his own inner hero along the way.
9: Rain Man (1988)
“Rain Man” explores the complexities of family bonds in an unexpected journey. Self-absorbed Charlie Babbitt learns of a long-estranged autistic brother, Raymond, who inherited their deceased father’s fortune. Initially motivated by money, Charlie kidnaps Raymond, setting off a cross-country trip that challenges his perceptions. As they navigate social awkwardness and Raymond’s savant abilities, Charlie uncovers a deeper connection with his brother, confronting his own selfishness and learning valuable lessons about empathy and unconditional love.
10: Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks delivers a heartwarming performance in “Forrest Gump,” a comedic journey through American history from the perspective of a man with an intellectual disability. Despite his challenges, Forrest’s genuine kindness and unwavering optimism propel him through extraordinary experiences, from becoming a college football star to meeting historical figures and even venturing into space. The film explores themes of fate, resilience, and the power of love, reminding us that life, like a box of chocolates, is full of unexpected surprises.
