Top 10 romantic movies to improve your English
Valentine’s day, the day of romance is coming, which made us wonder: What are the top romantic movies to improve your English? Catt and I have listed below our recommended movies which will improve your English as you watch this valentine’s day (or any day).
What are the best romantic movies to improve your English?
-
The Notebook
This is a classic love story based on the novel written by Nicholas Sparks. Boy meets girl. Boy is from a poor background, girl is from a wealthy background and her parents really disapprove of their relationship. Their love goes on quite the journey as the decades pass, but will they end up together? Well, you’ll have to watch it to find out!
What level is it good for?
Intermediate+
Why is it good for your English?
This film has very emotive language throughout and provides you with the opportunity to listen to a variety of American English accents and vocabulary. If you’re a fan of romantic novels, then this is the film for you. It may even inspire you to start reading other books by Nicholas Sparks! Tip: Put the subtitles on for greater comprehension.
-
Love Actually
Although this film is typically watched around Christmas time, it’s success as a romantic comedy classic means it can be watched year round! The film follows a number of different stories which highlight just how complicated relationships and love can be, all while providing laughs and touching moments.
What level is it good for?
Intermediate+
Why is it good for your English?
This film has a variety of different accents and the cast includes many famous British actors (Hugh Grant, Kiera Knightley, Colin Firth and Emma Thompson to name a few)! It’s extremely entertaining and follows a number of different stories, one of which includes a Portuguese speaker trying to communicate with an English speaker even though neither can speak each other’s language. This may be something you can relate to as a learner of a foreign language! You can learn more about English traditions during the Christmas period and even pick up some new vocabulary. Take note of any new words you come across.
-
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
This is an American teen romance on Netflix, based on the novels written by Jenny Han. The story follows the main character, Lara Jean as she deals with her secret love letters being sent out to the boys she had written about in the past. The film has excellent reviews and is sure to become a classic in its own right.
What level is it good for?
Pre Intermediate+
Why is it good for your English?
This film is aimed at younger audiences so the language is naturally a little easier to understand. It’s an easy storyline to follow, yet still offers a lot of excitement and entertainment. As with The Notebook, perhaps you’ll also be inspired to read other novels written by Jenny Han! The sequel is out this month (February 2020) so you can get really into the story.
-
Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is a story all about a girl, Sophie who lives her life on a beautiful Greek island with her mother. She’s met the love of her life, is about to get married and wishes she could find her father so he can be at the wedding. She secretly invites three men from her mother’s past who could all potentially be her father…what could go wrong!
What level is it good for?
Pre Intermediate+
Why is it good for your English?
This film is a musical based on ABBA music, so if you enjoy singing along to the ABBA classics and maybe having a dance while watching, this is definitely for you. Along with this, there are also a mixture of different accents throughout the film so you can practise your listening skills. They always say you are more likely to learn something quicker if you’re having fun in the process, so give it a watch!
-
Paper Man
This is a black and white, short romantic comedy film produced by no other than the great Walt Disney Animation Studios. After seeing a beautiful girl on his way to work, a man tries to catch her attention by using paper airplanes. Simple yet very romantic – what’s not to love.
What level is it good for?
Elementary+
Why is it good for your English?
Now, you may be wondering how Paper Man can possibly help you to improve your English as it’s a silent film! This is actually the perfect way for you to practice telling stories in English, perfecting your present tenses and improving your vocabulary. Why not watch it, make notes about what is happening and then practice telling your friends about it. You could even watch it with another person and both have a go at describing what you see. This is a great interactive activity which can really help you to improve your language learning and is suitable for all levels.
-
The Twilight Saga
Where would we be without The Twilight Saga? A human girl falls in love with a shiny Vampire man. What could go wrong? Loads! This is not just one movie, but a collection of 4 movies, so you will have a great chance to adjust to each actor’s speech pattern while you binge-watch the series.
What level is it good for?
Pre-Intermediate +.
Why is it good for your English?
The language is simple and straightforward. The plot is not too complicated and the conversations are all quite predictable. This means that you’ll be able to figure out much of what is said through context. This series of movies is filled with relationship vocabulary from marriage to pregnancy to breakups! But tops up with a little bit of vampire and werewolf lore!
The language is repeated a lot, which means that you probably won’t even have to look words up, you can try and catch their meaning when they are used again.
-
The Holiday
Heartbroken English girl trades places with heartbroken American girl for Christmas. But will they adjust to their new environments and can they get over their heartbreak? Amanda comes from a big American city, so it is difficult for her to adjust to life in rural Britain. Vice versa, Iris struggles with her new Hollywood environment.
What level is it good for?
Intermediate +.
Why is it good for your English?
This movie offers a great chance to practice listening to both American and British English dialects by listening to 4 iconic actors: Cameron Diaz and Jack Black on the American front, Kate Winslet and Jude Law on the UK side.
Expect vocabulary connected to daily life in the UK and America, plus all the language of dating.
-
A Star Is Born
Have your tissues at the ready… Falling star Jack and rising star Ally fall head over heels in love as they cross paths on their journeys through stardom. Nominated for 272 awards and winning 93 of those including an Oscar for ‘Best Achievement in Music’, A Star Is Born is definitely one to watch.
What level is it good for?
Intermediate +.
Why is it good for your English?
OK, so Bradley Cooper does mumble a lot, so it can be difficult to catch what he is saying. However, there are plenty of songs for all you musical-rhythmic learners out there! I personally learn a second language better when I listen to it through song. If you are the same as me, then this is a movie for you!
-
Long Shot
After watching A Star Is Born, you’ll probably need something to cheer you up! Long Shot is an American romantic comedy that pushes the humour into ridiculousness. Fred is a down-on-his-luck ‘gritty’ character who goes to work for and falls in love with one of the most powerful women in the world, Charlotte. Do you like adult comedies? Then you’ll like this romantic comedy.
What level is it good for?
Intermediate / Upper-Intermediate + (And over 18 years old, there are a lot of adult themes).
Why is it good for your English?
The topics of the movie rotate through political discussion and romance, but often in a funny way. This means that it is easier to learn and practice vocabulary that is connected to politics as it will make you laugh. Some of the jokes might be more difficult for lower-level students to catch.
-
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Have you ever thought, “I want to watch a romantic movie, but it needs to include a few kung-fu fight scenes”? Then this is the movie for you! In order to win the heart of the girl he has just fallen in love with, Scott Pilgrim must fight and defeat her seven evil ex-lovers. A romantic action comedy which will have you hooked!
What level is it good for?
Intermediate +.
Why is it good for your English?
The movie is aimed at younger audiences and discusses topics such as ‘finding yourself’, ‘getting over break ups’, and ‘what to do about the girl you like’. When we are genuinely interested in something, we can learn and pick up the language faster. So if these themes speak to you, then you will both enjoy and learn as you watch this movie!
Next step…
Are you interested in studying at LSI/IH Portsmouth?
Are you thinking of studying an exam at LSI/IH Portsmouth?
Want to know more about us?
