7 Effective Strategies to Learn Languages with Netflix

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Written By jolii

Watching movies and TV shows on Netflix can be an excellent and engaging way to enhance your language learning experience.

 

 
In this blog we will introduce the best movies, series, and cartoons to watch to learn language easily for beginner or intermediate users. Also, we will tell you some techniques of using subtitles to learn faster. Don’t miss the enjoyment of focusing on learning. it won’t be so effective for the long term. Just keep watching. Gradually, you will learn by hearing it again. Finding some good movies is important.
You’ll also learn some sneaky subtitle tricks to pick up the language faster.


Don’t just focus on learning, enjoy the ride!


Watching the same show over and over might sound crazy, but trust me, it works. You’ll start to understand more and more each time. And finding movies you love is a must – you want to watch them again and again without getting bored!


 
Netflix Best Movie, Series, Cartoons to Learn English Faster


Immersing yourself in English-language media is a fantastic way to enhance your language skills. Netflix offers a vast selection of movies, series, and cartoons that can aid in learning English. Here are some top recommendations in each category:
Movies:
If Beale Street Could Talk
This romantic drama provides exposure to American culture and conversational English.


Darkest Hour
A historical film that offers insight into British accents and political terminology.


The Lost Daughter
A psychological drama that delves into complex character interactions and advanced vocabulary.


The Hateful Eight
A Quentin Tarantino film known for its rich dialogue and unique expressions.


1917
A World War I epic that combines visual storytelling with authentic British English.


Aftersun
An emotionally complex film that explores nuanced conversations and dialects.


American Psycho
A satirical thriller that offers insight into American culture and business jargon.


Collateral
A neo-noir thriller featuring dynamic dialogues and urban slang.


RRR
An epic action film that provides exposure to Indian English and diverse accents.


Whiplash
A drama centered around music, offering specialized vocabulary and intense dialogues.


Series:
Friends
A classic sitcom ideal for learning everyday conversational English and humor.
 
The Great British Bake Off
A reality series that introduces British accents and baking-related terminology.


The Crown
A historical drama that provides exposure to formal British English and historical contexts.


The Big Bang Theory
A comedy series that blends everyday English with scientific jargon.


Sherlock
A modern adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, offering complex plots and advanced vocabulary.


House of Cards
A political drama that delves into American politics and sophisticated dialogue.


Grey’s Anatomy
A medical drama that introduces medical terminology and interpersonal dialogues.


Suits
A legal drama focusing on law-related vocabulary and corporate English.


Brooklyn Nine-Nine
A comedy series set in a police precinct, offering colloquial language and humor.


Stranger Things
A sci-fi series that combines 80s nostalgia with modern storytelling, useful for understanding cultural references.


Cartoons:
Peppa Pig
A children’s show with simple dialogue, ideal for beginners.


Simon
A cartoon featuring clear and slow speech, suitable for new learners.


Octonauts
An educational series that introduces marine biology terms in an engaging way.


Pokémon
An adventure series that combines action with everyday conversations.


SpongeBob SquarePants
A humorous show with playful language and imaginative scenarios.


The Magic School Bus Rides Again
An educational series that explores science topics with simple explanations.


Maya and the Three
An animated miniseries that blends mythology with accessible language.


Glitch Techs
A series that combines technology themes with everyday language.


Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures
A show that focuses on friendship and everyday scenarios, using clear dialogue.


Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
An action-comedy series that offers dynamic conversations and cultural references.
 
 


Slow Down Subtitles for Smarter Language Learning


When you’re watching a movie or series, focus on listening to the dialogue first. Give yourself a moment to process what you hear. Afterward, rewind and turn your attention to the subtitles to check if you understood it correctly. By delaying the subtitles, you train your brain to actively listen, rather than passively read.
This technique is incredibly effective because it builds your listening skills while also reinforcing your vocabulary and sentence structures. Instead of relying on subtitles as a crutch, you learn to trust your ears first. Over time, this habit will help you recognize words, accents, and speech patterns naturally.
 


How to Slow Down Subtitles in PotPlayer: A Quick Guide


PotPlayer is a powerful media player with a ton of customization options, including the ability to adjust subtitle timing. If you want to slow down subtitles to sync with audio or give yourself time to focus on the dialogue first, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open Your Video in PotPlayer
Launch PotPlayer.
Open your desired video by dragging it into the player or using the menu (File > Open File).
Make sure the video has subtitles enabled. If it doesn’t, you can load a subtitle file by clicking Subtitle > Add Subtitle.
Step 2: Adjust Subtitle Timing
PotPlayer allows you to control the timing of subtitles using shortcut keys or the menu.
Use Shortcut Keys:
Press [ to delay the subtitles. Each press delays the subtitles by 0.5 seconds.
Press ] to speed up the subtitles. Each press advances the subtitles by 0.5 seconds.
Adjust via the Menu:
Right-click on the video screen.
Navigate to Subtitle > Subtitle Sync.
You’ll see options to adjust the delay forward or backward by small intervals.
Step 3: Fine-Tune Your Sync
Listen to the dialogue carefully, then pause the video.
Use [ ] keys to sync the subtitles perfectly or slow them down by a few seconds to match your listening speed.

The Enjoyment-First Approach


Forget flashcards and grammar rules! The most effective way to learn a language is by immersing yourself in it naturally. And what better way to do that than with Netflix?
This isn’t about forcing yourself to study; it’s about falling in love with a movie and watching it until you know every single line.

Why this works


Natural Exposure: Movies are packed with everyday conversations. You’ll learn how to order food, ask for directions, and even flirt (if the movie has a romantic plot!).
Subconscious Absorption: When you enjoy something, you pay closer attention. You’ll start picking up on subtle nuances in pronunciation and grammar without even realizing it.
Motivation Boost: Learning becomes a joyful experience when you’re entertained. You’ll be eager to watch more and more, making the process feel effortless.
Here are 7 tips to make the most of this “enjoyment-first” approach:
Find Your Obsession: Choose a movie you absolutely adore. Something you can watch again and again without getting tired of it.
Start with Subtitles: Use subtitles in your target language at first. This helps you connect the sounds to the written word.
Gradually Fade Out Subtitles: As you become more comfortable, slowly reduce your reliance on subtitles. Challenge yourself to understand more and more without visual cues.
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: Watch your chosen movie multiple times. You’ll be amazed at how much more you understand with each viewing.
Pay Attention to Details: Notice how characters greet each other, how they express emotions, and how they navigate social situations.
Mimic and Practice: Try to imitate the actors’ pronunciation and intonation. Practice speaking along with the dialogue.
Don’t Force It: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, take a break. Come back to it later when you’re feeling more relaxed.
Remember, the key is to have fun! This isn’t a race. Enjoy the process of discovering a new language through the magic of cinema.
 


Conclusion


So, there you have it! Learning a language doesn’t have to be a chore. By embracing the power of entertainment and focusing on enjoyment, you can transform Netflix into your personal language lab.
Find movies you love, watch them repeatedly, and let the magic of cinema immerse you in the language. Remember, consistent and enjoyable exposure is key.