Great movies to help you learn English

PTE Author
PTE Author
A female model watching movie
Reading time: 5 minutes

Learning a language is much easier when you’re enjoying yourself – which is why watching movies can be a great way to immerse yourself in the language.

What better way is there to pick up new phrases and slang terms that you would not learn in the classroom, all with popcorn in hand?

It can be hard to know which movie to choose so here are our top ten to help you get started. These films are chosen for their language clarity and cultural insights, offering a fun way to improve English skills for beginners and advanced learners alike.

If you are not feeling confident, watch with subtitles and you will soon pick things up.

1. Forrest Gump (1994)

A fantastic choice for beginners, this film teaches English while taking you through the heart of American history. This movie is one of the best English movies for learners as Forrest speaks so slowly throughout the entire movie. It is also an iconic 90’s movie which will make you laugh and cry in equal measure.

2. Harry Potter series

Perfect for all ages, these films are a treasure trove of rich vocabulary set in a magical world. Many things make the Harry Potter series great for your linguistics skills! Aside from the rich vocabulary, due to the sheer number of films in the series you will get to build up your understanding of different characters, their personalities, accents and ways of communicating.

3. The King's Speech (2010)

What a great idea for learning English – watching a film where the main character – a historic British figure – is learning to speak! King George VI struggles to communicate due to a speech impediment, which means pronunciation is a very big focus in this movie.

4. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

For lovers of classic literature, this film offers a window into historical British English. The movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice will also expose you to societal norms, colloquial expressions, formal language and phrases as this movie is set in the early 19th century England.

5. Home Alone (1990)

This is one of the best English movies to watch, especially for beginners. It is full of day-to-day phrases and a slower pace, so it is easier to follow along. It is also a Christmas classic for all the family.

6. Love Actually (2010)

Great for picking up informal turns of phrases, slang and expressions used by British people. It also showcases a variety of British (and Irish) accents, so you can expose yourself to a breadth of British ways of speaking.

7. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

A charming film for mastering conversational American English.

8. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Immerse in everyday conversational English set in contemporary America.

9. Brave (2012)

Animated and perfect for beginners, this film is set in Medieval Scotland so you will get to experience the Scottish accent and culture as well as learning some everyday phrases and idioms.

10. Inception (2010)

This movie should be on your list if you are focusing on advanced language learning. The language and the plot are both really complex. You will be exposed to advanced vocabulary and narratives which are really thought-provoking.

These films offer an immersive, engaging, and often emotionally resonant context for language learning. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, each movie is a step forward in your language-learning adventure.

More ways to prep

Ready to prepare for your English language test? Explore Smart Prep, which combines all our practice materials in one place, so it's easier for you to stay on track with your PTE preparation.

  • Smart Prep is a clear path to test day, guiding you through the official paid and free resources available for your test

  • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

  • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips.

 Sign up for Smart Prep

Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...

2. The Social Network (2010)

The Social Network is an interesting movie. Although it’s an English language film, it tackles a subject matter that almost every person in every country is familiar with: social media.  

The Social Network stars Jesse Eisenberg as Harvard University student, Mark Zuckerberg, the real-life current CEO of Facebook. As Zuckerberg establishes a social network that will go on to be one of the most dominant forms of media in the current age, he is being sued by twins who claim he stole their idea, as well as the co-founder who was eventually ousted from the business. 

The familiarity of the subject matter is bound to be helpful to those learning English, especially when trying to understand the context and gravity of this film in a new language. 

Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...

3. Jurassic Park (1993)

Jurassic Park is a ridiculously entertaining movie and memorable due to its impressive special effects, sweeping score and some of the most iconic scenes in modern cinema history. After dinosaurs are brought back to life using DNA samples, a park is opened where the beasts can roam. Paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) is invited to inspect the park before it is opened, but when a storm knocks out the park’s power and security systems, the dinosaurs are let loose and the race to escape the park is on. 

If you have been learning English for some time already, Jurassic Park is one of the great movies to learn English too, with some fancy scientific terminology thrown in that can really open up your vocabulary. The sheer entertainment factor will have you coming back again and again for more in-depth learning. 

Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...

 4. Australia (2008)

Directed by iconic Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, Australia is a fantastic choice for learning through movies for various reasons. Set in northern Australia before World War II, Australia follows the journey of English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) as she comes to Australia and reluctantly teams up with stock-man Drover (Hugh Jackman) in order to protect her newly inherited property from a takeover plot. This sees them drive 2,000 cattle across the harsh Australian Outback. 

Australia is a great movie that can be used as a tool to understand the English language, Australian accents, and unique slang, and the many facets of Australian culture.

Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...

5. The King’s Speech (2010)

The King’s Speech is a fantastic introduction to British accents and is a rare film that focuses on an individual’s manner of speech – which is rather important when you’re the king of England and World War II is approaching. It almost works as an English lesson on its own, as King George (Colin Firth) works under a speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) to tackle his stammer. 

This highly acclaimed film is another that does more than cover the English language; it also brings in plenty of colloquialisms (get ready to hear “bloody” used in a new context!) and a rich lesson in British history.

Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...

6. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Considered to be one of the best English movies of all time – perhaps the best – The Shawshank Redemption is a long film, but a must-see if you’re learning English and want to appreciate an absolute classic. The story follows two imprisoned men and their years spent in an American prison, and the ways that they deal with their torturous lives. 

A highly emotional film, The Shawshank Redemption might be difficult to follow until the advanced stages of English, but regardless it is a film that all English-speakers should one day see.

Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...

7. Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone (2001) 

With seven movies to follow the first, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone. is a fantastical look into a hidden wizarding world and the magical school of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With a cast made up almost entirely of UK actors, it gives you excellent exposure to many English, Scottish and Irish accents and a great sense of British culture as well as fun words that are entirely unique to the Harry Potter franchise, such as “Muggle” (a non-magical person) – and plenty of British slang, too. 

The film’s plot is thoroughly enjoyable and easy to follow but eventually builds in intricacy as the franchise goes on.  

Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...

 8. Forrest Gump (1994)

This charming and funny film follows the life of Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) and his unknowing involvement in parts of America’s history, including the Vietnam War and teaching Elvis Presley how to dance. Due to the simpler way Forrest speaks throughout the film (as is part of his character), he is easy to understand, especially for those who are new to learning English, although he does speak with a strong southern American accent.  

Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...

As you can see, English language movies are an excellent aid in becoming a proficient English-speaker – and it’s a lot more fun than staring down at a textbook all day! And when it comes time for you to test your understanding of English, Pearson PTE Academic can help to set you up for the future.

Related Content

  • Group of nurses standing together in a hospital and clapping.
    Growing demand for international nurses in Canada
    By PTE Author

    An ongoing nursing shortage means well-trained international nurses are in high demand with many job openings to pick from.

    There’s no one cause of the nursing shortage in Canada; a combination of several factors mean the supply of nursing staff isn’t enough to meet demand:

    1. Aging population

    Canada's population is aging rapidly, with seniors projected to make up to 25% of the population by 2036. This demographic shift is increasing the demand for healthcare services, including nursing care.

    2. Retiring workforce

    A substantial portion of Canada's nursing workforce is nearing retirement age. According to the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, a third of registered nurses providing direct care were over 50 years old in 2020, meaning a wave of retirements is on the horizon.

    3. Burnout

    The COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health of as many as 83% of registered nurses in Ontario, with 34% considering leaving the profession as a result.

    4. Limited training capacity

    Despite growing demand, Canadian nursing schools have limited capacity to train new nurses. This bottleneck in education contributes to the ongoing shortage.

    The Canadian government has made a commitment to address the nursing shortage, allocating $2.8 million CAD to the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing to develop a National Nurse Residency program.

    How many nursing job openings are there in Canada?

    Nurses are in high demand across Canada’s ten provinces and three territories, with significant numbers of job openings across the country.

    That demand is increasing, with the number of job vacancies for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses increasing by almost 10% in the third quarter of 2023.

    To help address the shortage, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has allocated $115 million CAD over the next five years, and $57 million CAD ongoing for expanding Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program, helping international nurses get their qualifications recognized by the Canadian government.

    Which Canadian provinces and territories have the highest demand for nurses?

    The biggest Canadian province is also the hungriest for nurses. In 2023, the Ontario Nurses Association reported a shortage of about 24,000 nurses, and the province has held the dubious honor of having the lowest nurse-to-population ratio for almost a decade.

    French-speaking Quebec isn’t far behind in the nursing need department. Canadian think tank MEI projected a shortage of about 10,000 nurses in 2021. French is the official language of the province, so you’ll need to have professional level French or be willing to learn.

    With an increasing number of residents over the age of 65, prairie province, Alberta, is facing its own nursing crunch. The provincial government even announced a Health Workforce Strategy with a pillar dedicated to attracting international healthcare workers.

    Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are also worth highlighting as they’ve recently introduced an accelerated license process for international nurses.

    Where do international nurses come from?

    According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, about 8.9% of registered nurses in Canada in 2021 were internationally educated, highlighting the significant contribution of foreign-trained professionals to Canada's healthcare system.

    Nurses relocate to Canada from the Philippines and India, with many coming from the southern state of Kerala, known for its nursing education programs. More recently, there’s a growing trend of Nigerian, Jamaican, and Chinese nurses moving to call Canada home.

    From getting ahead in their careers to feeling welcome, here are eight key reasons why international nurses are drawn to Canada.

    What’s next?

    If you’re eyeing up a move North, you’ll need to submit your nursing credentials, take the NCLEX-RN to qualify for a Canadian nursing license if needed, and show you’ve got the necessary language skills.

    Get your move off to a stress-free start with the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

    With no additional speaking exam, PTE covers all four skills in one test using computer-based assessments to remove bias. It’s the faster, fairer, simpler way to evidence your English skills and start your next chapter.

  • Woman sitting in a classroom at a desk, holding a pen and looking up.
    Introducing Smart Prep: the new way to prep like a pro for PTE
    By PTE Author

    Are you gearing up to take an English language test, and feeling a bit overwhelmed? You’re not alone – many test takers share the same initial anxieties. But don’t worry, we are here to help!

    We’ve now launched Smart Prep, so that you can be test ready with one less worry. Smart Prep is a one-stop preparation portal to get you test ready for PTE Academic, PTE Core and PTE Home tests.

    It’s based on feedback from real test takers — we recently conducted a survey of 243 students preparing for PTE and learned:

    • 82% wanted to prepare skill-by-skill. For example, they might want to focus on speaking first, then writing, reading, and listening

    • Many expressed a need for free preparation resources, especially at the beginning of their journey

    • 82% preferred having all preparation materials in one place, organized logically in a step-by-step manner

    Why Smart Prep?

    • Smart Prep combines all our practice materials in one place, so it's easier for you to stay on track

    • It’s a clear path to test day, guiding you through the official paid and free resources available for your test

    • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

    • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips. Note: the available resources depend on your chosen PTE test, please check Smart Prep in myPTE or visit the test preparation page for more details.

    Ready to get started?

    Create or sign in to your myPTE account

  • [Asset] Why more nurses choose Canada
    Why international nurses are choosing Canada: a growing trend
    By PTE Author

    Known for beautiful snowy landscapes and hot maple syrup on pancakes, Canada has become a popular destination for international nurses seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life.

    Discover eight key reasons why international nurses are drawn to Canada:

    1. Growing demand for nurses

    An ongoing nursing shortage means well-trained international nurses are in high demand with many job openings to pick from. That demand is increasing, with the number of job vacancies for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses increasing by almost 10% in the third quarter of 2023.

    To help address the shortage, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has allocated $115 million CAD over the next five years, and $57 million CAD ongoing for expanding Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program, helping international nurses get their qualifications recognized by the Canadian government.

    2. High quality of life

    Canada consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices. In 2023, Canada ranked 13th in the World Happiness Report, offering international nurses a stable, safe, and prosperous environment to live and work.

    3. Competitive salaries

    Canadian nurses enjoy competitive salaries. According to Canadian recruitment site ca.talent.com, the average annual salary for a registered nurse in Canada is approximately CAD 73,000 in 2024, varying by province and experience level.

    4. Universal healthcare system

    Canada's universal healthcare system is attractive to many international nurses. It offers the opportunity to work in a well-structured, publicly funded system that prioritizes patient care over profit.

    5. Professional development opportunities

    Canada offers numerous opportunities for career advancement and specialization. Many provinces have programs to support continuing education and professional development for nurses, and the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario offers up to $1,500 CAD per year in education grants

    6. Multicultural society

    Canada's diverse and inclusive society makes it easier for international nurses to integrate. According to the 2021 census, over 23% of Canada's population are immigrants, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers, and the country consistently ranks as one of the top ten friendliest places to live.

    7. Pathway to permanent residency

    Many international nurses view working in Canada as a stepping stone to permanent residency. Programs like Express Entry often favor skilled healthcare workers, making it easier for nurses to transition from temporary to permanent status.

    8. Work-life balance

    Canadian workplaces generally prioritize work-life balance. Nurses in Canada typically work 37.5-hour weeks, with overtime pay for additional hours, allowing for a better quality of life outside of work.

    What next?

    If you’re eyeing up a move north, you’ll need to submit your nursing credentials, take the NCLEX-RN to qualify for a Canadian nursing license if needed, and show you’ve got the necessary language skills.

    Get your move off to a stress-free start with the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

    With no additional speaking exam, PTE covers all four skills in one test using computer-based assessments to remove bias. It’s the faster, fairer, simpler way to evidence your English skills and start your next chapter.