{"id":507,"date":"2023-05-04T19:41:10","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T23:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/?p=507"},"modified":"2025-06-17T07:13:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T11:13:24","slug":"how-to-learn-a-language-by-watching-tv-movies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/how-to-learn-a-language-by-watching-tv-movies\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Learn a Language by Watching TV and Movies"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are many advantages to learning a new language<\/a>, one of which is being able to watch a foreign language show or movie in its truest natural form.\u00a0But did you know that you can actually learn the foreign language using that show or movie?<\/p>\n

Here’s a guide for improving your language skills through movies and TV to get you started. Read on for 15 practical learning techniques, the top streaming platforms and our show recommendations based on your level.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

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1. Watch Something at Your Level<\/h2>\n

It’s easy to get excited and immediately jump into your favorite movies or shows, but you’ll usually learn more by starting with those that match your current skill level.<\/p>\n

Try to find a movie or show that’s just challenging enough to keep you engaged and attentive<\/strong>.\u00a0You want to flex your learner brain, but not get overwhelmed or frustrated.<\/p>\n

Even if you find yourself feeling at ease with the language used in a certain show or movie, don’t immediately progress to the next level!<\/p>\n

Instead, search for and watch other content that would feature roughly the same level of language<\/strong>. You’d be surprised how often advanced language can sneak into material targeted at younger audiences!<\/p>\n

As you improve, steadily advance to more difficult movies and shows.<\/p>\n

2. Make Your Pick Based on Genre<\/h2>\n

You should also keep in mind that different genres can offer different language content<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If there’s a certain kind of language usage you’re looking to learn directly, then keep an eye on the genre before you make your show or movie pick.<\/p>\n

A genre can give you a general idea of what kind of dialogue to expect<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Historical movies, for example, may use some dated terminology. Hospital dramas are full of medical vocabulary, and shows about high school often contain newer slang terms and topics that young people tend to chat about.<\/p>\n

3. Read the Show Summary Beforehand<\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019ve selected a show to watch, try to find a summary to familiarize yourself with the plot.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you already understand what the show is about, you\u2019ll be able to focus more on the language and less on the storyline.<\/p>\n

Reading a summary also gives you a preview of the show’s vocabulary, allowing you to look up related words ahead of time. You can even look up the actors and characters to make it easier to remember who’s who while you watch.<\/p>\n

IMDb<\/a> has all kinds of TV summaries and reviews, so you\u2019ll have no trouble finding the essential details of some of the most popular foreign language movies.<\/p>\n

4. Watch All in One Go<\/h2>\n

\"can<\/a><\/p>\n

This mostly helps with getting a “feel” for how a language sounds, but it’s also important for understanding the language in general and how its pronunciation works.<\/p>\n

When you’re bombarded with many unfamiliar words, don’t try to understand each and every one.<\/p>\n

Instead, relax and let the words flow naturally into your ears.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Slowly, you’ll find yourself recognizing words. Focus on the images and what’s happening on screen\u2014they can help you gain context.<\/p>\n

For a more relaxing approach, try watching something dubbed or subtitled in your own language, then again in the original language a few days later. When you already know the story, it’s easier to focus on how the language is being used.<\/p>\n

5. Focus on High-Frequency Words<\/h2>\n

Let’s be honest: it’s easy to space out or “lose your place” when analyzing a foreign language in shows and movies.<\/p>\n

A lot is happening all at once, so it’s not your fault! To refocus yourself, try to hone in on the words you hear most frequently<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

These are the words you’ll have the easiest time remembering in the storm of vocabulary happening within whatever you’re watching.<\/p>\n

6. Watch Segment by Segment<\/h2>\n

There’s a bottomless gold pot of words and expressions contained in foreign movies and TV series.<\/p>\n

That’s why splitting an episode or movie into small segments is the best way to focus on vocabulary. <\/strong>Check out these great tips for memorizing vocabulary<\/a>, so you don’t forget all those new words you’ve learned!<\/p>\n

Here’s how you can watch by segment:<\/p>\n