10 Best Modern American Classics for Learning English With Movies

by Sandra Mason

Learning English is challenging for many people. The lack of time and the tedious process often are getting in the way of success. The good news is experts already know how to learn a language faster and speak English fluently. There is also the general principle that helped many beginners to improve speaking and listening skills. We talk about watching movies to get good at English, keeping it on a fun side. Videos are the source of essential English vocabulary and natural style. If you want to sound like a native speaker, films cannot be discarded as a contributor to the education process.

Best Classical Movies For English Learners

Professional teachers advice to favor classics for learning English with movies. The reason is accents are more precise and stories – more real. There is plenty to choose from, but we focus on modern classics. Its perspective is closer to the audience and therefore makes the study more enjoyable. If you have already watched these movies, it even makes the process of learning easier. You know the plot and can focus on the way characters express their thoughts in English.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

The movie’s plot deals with the eternal problem of friendship between men and women. The main actors (Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan) try to find out is it possible to be friends without love and sex. They meet several times in different periods of their lives and discuss the same thing again and again. The issue is the subject of lively debates, making it easy for viewers to remember catchphrases and language that reflects the point. By the way, one more tip to expand the vocabulary on the topics of love and relationships is to join single hearts and flirt with attractive strangers.

**The Harry Potter series (2001-2011)**

The story of the boy who lived has won millions of spectators’ hearts. The movies are based on a series of books written by J.K. Rowling. Young wizard Harry, who lost his parents under mysterious circumstances, is in the center of events. Since the day he was born, he has become the magic world legend, but his glory would be the smallest of challenges waiting for him. Harry Potter is the story of magic, a struggle of good and evil, friendship, and love. J.K. Rowling created the alternative reality, which most viewers find amazing. The movie is very visual and uses basic English, so it’s easy to follow. There are many useful conversational phrases and idioms you may enrich your speaking with after watching the movies.

The Social Network (2010)

The film is based on a real story of inventing Facebook. The desire of a young geeky student to get the attention of a pretty girl turned into creating the brand new way of communication. The social network made young genius rich. He became infamous overnight, but very soon, newfound fame started to remind a nightmare. People who were best friends yesterday became his sworn enemies. Will the main hero manage to withstand and protect his invention? If you want to enjoy natural dialogues and funny lines, learn more words and phrases related to technology, this film is just what the doctor ordered.

Cast Away (2000)

This American adventure drama can boldly be named modern classics. It raises philosophical issues of life and death and also will to live. The plot concerns a systems analyst Chuck Noland who is used to a regulated, well-ordered life. He has a good steady job and is going to marry. But faith has other plans for Chuck. His plane crashes in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. All alone and without means of support, a man is trying to survive.

Tom Hanks, who played the leading role in the movie, is known for his clear and slow voice. So it’s easy to understand his monologues and learn from it.

The Hangover (2009)

Moving from drama to comedy, The Hangover is worthy of mention. The movie was released in 2009 and still is a comic gem. Something that has to be a harmless bachelor party turns into huge trouble. The film is filled with embarrassing, funny situations, hilarious jokes and dialogues. Watching The Hangover is an awesome way to learn modern American slang and improve speaking skills. The emotions you get in the process will help to remember new English phrases and words for everyday communication.

Forrest Gump (1994)

This legendary film won 6 Oscars and the hearts of many viewers worldwide for a good reason. Despite his mental problems, the main character Forrest manages to reach the American dream. His love and will for life, kindness, and open-mindedness help overcome all the difficulties and fly through life like a feather. By watching the movie, you will know many useful conversational phrases and learn about important parts of U.S. history and culture.

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

It’s not another typical love story. Therefore, the movie has more chances to catch your interest. Does real love exist in this world? Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel) are about to answer this thorny question. The story is based on narrative from one person’s perspective, so it’s easy to follow. Dialogues are emotional, meaningful, and thought-provoking. That makes learning English with the movie really absorbing.

Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story is a computer-animated comedy for kids that adults love no less than the younger audience. It has all the English beginner wishes for. The language is easy, and the narrative is exciting. Events take place in the room of a boy named Andy. He has a lot of toys but doesn’t suspect that all of them are alive, have their characters and feelings, but are united by one fear. They all are scared Andy will leave them without attention. One day this big fear comes true for toy’s leader sheriff Woody as new super toy Buzz Lighter appears in the room. The story of their fight and adventures is the main plot.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

This neo-noir crime film by Quentin Tarantino has become American classics. There are three primary storylines of American criminals in it. The movie’s plot, concept, visual effects, and cast make it a modern cinematic masterpiece. Slang expressions found in this movie can take your English speaking skills to the top level. Use subtitles and the urban dictionary to absorb the words productively.

The King’s Speech (2010)

Well, it’s not American classics, but it gives you a remarkable opportunity to learn English with the King of England. Don’t believe it? Just watch The King’s Speech, the movie which tells us how King George VI overcame a stutter before his first wartime radio broadcast. The film’s most helpful advice is you should speak as nobody hears you. Make your study entertaining, work hard, and soon you’ll have total command of the language.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandra Manson is a passionate journalist who has been contributing to major media publications. She enjoys writing about human psychology and lifestyle. Sandra also runs her blog https://singlehearts.org where she covers topics of great interest in modern society