Let’s face it—our first exposure to English wasn’t always in a classroom. For many of us, it came from cricket commentary, movie dialogues, and those catchy English songs we hummed without understanding a word.

We’ve been surrounded by English more than we realise.

But here’s the big question:
Can you actually learn English through movies and music?

The answer is yes—but only if you do it the right way.

Start With Movies That Feel Familiar

If you’re just beginning your journey to learn English online, starting with Hollywood blockbusters full of slang and fast speech might be overwhelming. Instead, begin with movies that have an Indian connection.

Here are a few English movies you’ll enjoy and learn from:

• Slumdog Millionaire – Set in Mumbai, the dialogues are simple and clear, and the context is familiar.
• The White Tiger – Sharp storytelling, modern language, and strong Indian characters.
• The Namesake – A mix of Indian and American culture, with lots of daily-use English.
• These films give you a sense of comfort because they show places, names, and emotions you already relate to. You’ll understand more, and you’ll learn faster.

Move Into Genres That Match Your Mood

After building some confidence, start exploring movies based on genres. Because when you enjoy what you’re watching, your brain naturally remembers more.

Here are some genres to try—and what you can learn from them:

• Drama/Romance – Slower, emotional dialogues full of useful expressions.
• Thrillers – Learn questioning, storytelling, and problem-solving language.
• Comedy – Understand casual, everyday English and expressions with timing.
• Travel/Adventure – Hear how people ask questions, describe places, and express excitement.
• Family Films – Great for beginners, with simple, clear dialogues.

Remember: always begin with English subtitles. As you get better, try turning them off and just listen.

Why Songs Are a Game-Changer

Songs do more than entertain. They teach tone, emotion, rhythm, and pronunciation—without feeling like a lesson.

Think of it this way:
You may not remember what you studied last week, but you still know the lyrics to a song from ten years ago. That’s the power of rhythm and repetition.

Smart Tips to Learn From Movies and Music

Don’t just watch or listen—engage with the content. Here’s how:

• Pause and Repeat – Hear a cool line? Pause, repeat it out loud. Match the accent and rhythm.
• Write It Down – Maintain a list of phrases or words you hear often. Try using them in your daily life.
• Shadow Practice – Play a dialogue or lyric and try saying it at the same time as the actor or singer.
• Mimic the Emotion – Don’t just say the words—feel them. This builds natural flow in your speech.
• Sing Out Loud – Even if you sing badly! It helps your mouth get used to English sounds.

What Movies and Songs Can’t Do Alone

Movies and songs are great companions on your learning journey—but they’re not complete teachers. They’ll only help you with pronunciation, vocabulary and natural expressions. But to truly speak fluently, you still need sentence structure, grammar basics, and guided correction.

That’s where a good English speaking course comes in. It gives you the structure and foundation you need, while movies and music make learning fun.

So, Does It Really Work?

Absolutely!
Learning through entertainment works because it doesn’t feel like learning. You enjoy the process, which means you stay consistent. And that’s the real secret to becoming fluent.

Whether you’re watching Netflix, listening to Spotify, just know—every little bit helps. But if you wish to take your fluency to the next level, it’s time to combine your entertainment habits with expert guidance.

With flexible options to learn English online, English House’s programs are fun, practical, and made for learners just like you—especially if Malayalam is your first language.

Let’s turn your screen time into speaking time!