Netflix is a treasure trove of entertainment, and for language learners, it’s a fantastic resource. By watching shows and movies in your target language with subtitles, you can immerse yourself in the culture and gradually improve your listening and comprehension skills.
10 Best TV Series on Netflix English Dubbed
Here’s a list of some excellent bilingual shows on Netflix that can help learners improve their language skills while enjoying compelling stories. These shows feature frequent language switches or are available in multiple languages:
Spanish-English
1.Narcos
Why watch: Mixes Spanish and English as it delves into the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the Medellín cartel. Great for learning conversational Spanish with a Colombian flair.
Language tip: Focus on how agents and locals communicate in bilingual scenarios.
2.Gentefied
Why watch: Follows a Mexican-American family balancing their heritage with gentrification in Los Angeles. It beautifully switches between English and Spanish.
Language tip: Pay attention to Spanglish and cultural expressions.
French-English
3.Lupin
Why watch: A modern take on the classic French thief Arsène Lupin. Mostly in French, with some English dialogues sprinkled in.
Language tip: Use subtitles to connect the French phrases with their English meaning.
4.Emily in Paris
Why watch: An American marketing executive navigates life in Paris, blending English and French. Great for beginners to pick up basic French vocabulary.
Language tip: Focus on work-related phrases and casual French expressions.
Korean-English
5.XO, Kitty
Why watch: A spin-off of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, this show blends English with Korean as a teen navigates her new life in Korea.
Language tip: Learn greetings, slang, and cultural nuances.
6.Run On
Why watch: Explores language barriers between a Korean athlete and a translator, blending English and Korean naturally.
Language tip: Notice how language differences are bridged in the storyline.
Other Notable Bilingual Shows
7.Babylon Berlin (German-English)
Why watch: A gripping crime drama set in 1920s Germany, with some English dialogues amid German.
Language tip: Excellent for immersing yourself in formal and casual German.
8.Call My Agent! (French-English)
Why watch: French humor and drama set in a Parisian talent agency. Occasionally switches to English.
Language tip: Learn professional and emotional vocabulary.
9.Money Heist (Spanish-English)
Why watch: Though primarily in Spanish, English phrases and cultural references are used often.
Language tip: Pay attention to high-energy conversations and negotiation phrases.
10.The House of Flowers (Spanish-English)
Why watch: A dark comedy about a dysfunctional Mexican family. English is used occasionally.
Language tip: Great for learning family and emotional expressions.
Bilingual Movies to Watch on Netflix Based on Your Mood
This list will categorize some of the best bilingual options on Netflix based on your mood. So grab some popcorn, adjust your subtitles, and get ready for a language-learning adventure!
Happy Mood:
“Julie & Julia” (English & French): This heartwarming film follows two women on culinary journeys, blending humor and food with stunning visuals.
“Sense8” (English & Multiple Languages): This visually stunning series features a diverse cast of characters from around the world, showcasing different cultures and languages.
“La Casa de Papel” (Spanish & English): This thrilling heist drama will keep you on the edge of your seat with its captivating plot and witty dialogue.
Relaxing Mood:
“Chef’s Table” (English & Various Languages): This visually captivating documentary series explores the world of renowned chefs, offering a glimpse into different cultures and culinary traditions.
“Our Planet” (English & Various Languages): This breathtaking nature documentary will transport you to stunning landscapes and introduce you to the wonders of the natural world.
“The Crown” (English): This historical drama offers a glimpse into the life of the British Royal Family, with elegant dialogue and captivating storylines.
Sad Mood:
“Call Me by Your Name” (English & Italian): This poignant coming-of-age story explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, with beautiful cinematography and heartfelt performances.
“Roma” (Spanish & Mixtec): This visually stunning film tells the story of a housekeeper in 1970s Mexico City, offering a poignant and intimate portrait of life and family.
“The Midnight Sky” (English): This sci-fi drama explores themes of hope, loss, and the human connection against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world.
Motivational Mood:
“GLOW” (English): This inspiring series follows a group of women who become professional wrestlers in the 1980s, showcasing their strength, resilience, and determination.
“The Good Place” (English): This witty and thought-provoking comedy explores philosophical questions about morality and the afterlife, offering a unique and engaging perspective.
“Money Heist” (Spanish & English): This high-stakes heist drama will inspire you with its strategic planning, teamwork, and unwavering determination.
Tips for Learning Languages Through Shows
Use Subtitles: Start with subtitles in your native language, then switch to the language you’re learning.
Replay Key Scenes: Rewatch specific scenes to focus on pronunciation and tone.
Take Notes: Write down new words or phrases and practice using them.
Speak Along: Pause and repeat lines to practice your accent.
All Time Highest Grossing Bilingual Shows on Netflix
Exploring bilingual shows on Netflix can be both entertaining and educational, especially for language learners. While Netflix doesn’t publicly disclose detailed revenue figures for individual shows, we can gauge a show’s popularity through viewership data. Here are some of the most-watched bilingual or non-English series on Netflix that offer valuable language learning opportunities:
1. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Language: Primarily Spanish with occasional English.
Synopsis: A criminal mastermind, known as “The Professor,” orchestrates an elaborate heist on the Royal Mint of Spain, recruiting eight specialists for the mission.
Viewership: Part 4 garnered approximately 106 million views within the first 91 days of release.
Why It’s Beneficial: The series offers exposure to European Spanish dialects and colloquial expressions, making it ideal for learners aiming to enhance their listening skills and cultural understanding.
2. Lupin
Language: Primarily French with some English.
Synopsis: Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief Assane Diop sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family.
Viewership: Part 1 achieved around 99.5 million views in its initial 91 days.
Why It’s Beneficial: The show provides insight into modern French language and culture, with clear dialogue suitable for intermediate learners.
3. Squid Game
Language: Primarily Korean with some English.
Synopsis: Hundreds of cash-strapped contestants accept an invitation to compete in children’s games for a tempting prize, but the stakes are deadly.
Viewership: Season 1 amassed approximately 265 million views within the first 91 days, making it the most-watched non-English series on Netflix.
Why It’s Beneficial: The series introduces learners to contemporary Korean language and societal themes, with emotional dialogues that aid in understanding context.
Conclusion
Bilingual shows on Netflix offer a unique combination of entertainment and education, making them an excellent resource for language learners. Iconic series like Money Heist, Lupin, and Squid Game not only captivate audiences worldwide with their thrilling stories but also provide invaluable opportunities to immerse yourself in different languages and cultures.
By watching these shows with subtitles, replaying key scenes, and practicing vocabulary, you can turn your favorite Netflix binges into productive language learning sessions. Whether you’re exploring Spanish heist strategies, French gentleman thieves, or Korean survival games, these series can enrich your linguistic skills while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
So grab your headphones, turn on the subtitles, and dive into the world of bilingual Netflix hits—where entertainment meets education!