How to Learn English with Movies to Improve Your Fluency

Created: Oct 10, 2024
Last Updated: Oct 10, 2024

Glowing film reel with images on it that winds around a scenery of mountains and a cloudy valley

Ready to accelerate your language learning journey by learning English with movies? Here at Flurret, we think it’s the best way to transform your basic English proficiency into fluency.

Shhh… don’t tell anyone, but learning English vocabulary doesn’t have to be a chore.

That’s right, learning vocabulary doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, there are lots of reasons why making English vocabulary more fun to learn means it’s far more likely to stick in your mind.

And what’s more fun than learning English through films and TV shows you would watch in your leisure time anyway? It’s a win-win.

If you’re still unconvinced, keep reading. We’re going to explain exactly why learning English with movies and television should be your go-to method and why Flurret makes it even easier.

Sign up for Flurret today, or keep reading to see just how much films could help your English!

Why learn English with movies and television?

As you probably know by now, memorizing vocabulary isn’t easy. Especially when there are so many words in the modern English language. Over 170,000 in fact, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary!

Learning English with movies takes a daunting task and makes it fun, simple and rewarding. Especially with Flurret as your secret weapon.

There’s a reason why so many people say they learned English from watching movies. It’s way more fun than sitting in a classroom and can help to:

  • Put words into context
  • Expose you to new vocabulary naturally
  • Make learning English more enjoyable
  • Tailor the subject matter to your interests

However, those aren’t the only benefits. Let’s take a look at what research has to say about using this method to help learn new English words.

3 science-backed reasons films help build fluency

Here at Flurret, we think that learning new English vocabulary with films and television shows is the most simple and effective method. But maybe you’re also interested in hearing the science behind why it works?

1. Supercharge your memory with words and images

Have you ever heard the English expression ‘watch and learn’? Usually, it’s spoken by an older, wiser character to a young rookie.

Well, there’s actually a scientific backing for it. We really do learn better when we see someone else doing something - it’s called Dual Coding Theory! Allan Paivov’s Dual Coding Theory explains how seeing images as well as written words improves memory.

This explains why using Flurret to review new vocabulary while you hear it being spoken in a film is such a recipe for success. This powerful combination helps your brain grasp and remember new words much more easily. Clever, right?

2. Learn English as it’s really spoken

English classes are great for giving you the building blocks of language. But nothing compares to hearing English spoken naturally. You’ll pick up so much more than you could in a textbook. This includes amazing skills for English fluency such as:

  • Slang or informal language
  • Natural speech rhythms
  • New vocabulary in context
  • Idioms and expressions
  • Where to place emphasis on words

Worried that too much exposure to new terminology might leave you feeling overwhelmed? Expert linguist Stephen Krashen’s ‘Input Hypothesis’ suggests learning English with movies that are a little harder than your current level. That way you’ll absorb more vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed.

Luckily, this is easy to do with Flurret. With one simple quiz, we identify how much of a film or television show’s vocabulary you already know. That way you can pick something that stretches you just the right amount. Problem solved.

3. Gain context for new vocabulary

How many methods have you tried for learning new English words?

You might have used flashcards, written words out by hand repeatedly or even recorded yourself saying them on your phone.

These popular techniques can work to an extent but they miss a crucial element: context. That’s why the new words often don’t stick, however much you repeat them.

Learning English through film is a game-changer because it gives the words you hear context, helping to cement their meaning.

This is supported by a study by Stuart Webb in the International Journal of Corpus Linguistics that found that watching movies provides rich context for vocabulary learning. This context is what helps you understand not just what words mean, but how they're used in real conversations.

A double helix made of film reels

Top tips for learning English from television or movies

You can’t expect to choose a film, press play and understand every word. That’s why at Flurret, we use all kinds of techniques to get the best from your watching experience. Here’s some more you can do yourself!

  • Choose movies you like - If you’re interested in the subject, you’ll be more invested in understanding it. Makes sense, right? Choose a genre that appeals to you and you’ll probably find you want to stick with it more than something boring.
  • Break it up - Take the film in small sections. Remember to stop often to look up any words you’re unsure of and process what you’ve heard so far.
  • Write down any words you don’t know - Why not treat yourself to a new notebook that’s just for writing down new English words and phrases you hear in movies? That way you’ll have a log of all your new vocabulary.
  • Repeat out loud - If you hear a new word, take a moment to look it up and then repeat it out loud in the context of the sentence it’s in. Use the pronunciation in the movie to help you say it correctly.

Could movies help improve your English fluency?

Anyone can learn English with movies and TV shows. However, the process might be more frustrating than rewarding if you don’t already have a basic level of language understanding.

A typical Flurret user meets these 3 requirements:

  1. Has spent time learning English grammar in school or language classes
  2. Now has a functional understanding of basic English
  3. Is trying to grow their vocabulary and confidence

Does this sound like you? If it does, we think you’ll love Flurret.

Our interactive learning process takes all the fun of learning English with movies and television and makes it even more memorable and effective. Flurret’s selection of TV shows and movies to learn English with is growing every day, so you’re sure to find something you like that fits in with your current English level!

Let’s get to know how it works.

A glowing path through movie scenes representing learning English through movies

How can Flurret help you?

Have you ever started watching an English film expecting to understand most of it and realized it’s way above your current level? It’s a universal experience for English language learners and can be really frustrating.

You’re likely to be stopping and starting the movie, rewinding scenes and missing plot points. Not a very fun watching or learning experience.

That’s why Flurret helps you learn the language you need to understand a film before you watch it.

Learn more about exactly how Flurret works and how to sign up.

Say goodbye to pausing

One big advantage of learning any missing words ahead of watching films is being able to truly enjoy them. Immerse yourself in every plot twist, fight or joke without having to press pause to look up words.

Prevent frustration & burnout

You need to watch something that isn’t too easy or too hard, but is just right for your level. If you don’t, you’re likely to lose momentum and become frustrated. Flurret makes this easy by displaying exactly how much of a film or TV show you already know.

Accelerate your learning journey

By preparing you with key vocabulary before you watch, Flurret supercharges your learning process. You'll absorb new words and phrases faster than traditional methods by hearing them used in natural contexts.

Learn more than 10,000
English words in a year
Choose between 1000's of your favourite movies and TV shows. Supercharge your vocabulary with Flurret!
A bunny sitting on a couch watching tv

Glossary

Have you found some new terms on this page? Add these words and expressions to your list of new vocabulary if you aren’t familiar with them already. Here are some you might not know yet:

  • Accelerate - To happen faster or earlier.
  • Rookie - A beginner or novice.
  • Building blocks - The most basic elements of something.
  • Watch and learn - A phrase meaning to observe how.
  • Supercharge - Accelerate significantly.
  • Draw on - To use as a resource or source of information.
  • Game-changer - An idea that completely changes a situation.
  • Secret weapon - A hidden advantage or skill.
  • Cement meaning - To firmly establish or reinforce the meaning.
  • Plot points - Important moments in a story.
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