There are many English-speaking countries (i.e., countries where English is one of the official languages), specifically 67 countries and 27 non-sovereign entities (source: Berlitz). Furthermore, it is estimated that, on average, 1 billion English speakers are not from Anglophone countries. This means there is a wide variety of accents and dialects. For non-native speakers, it can be challenging to distinguish these differences, and they can often hinder language comprehension.
Audiovisual productions, such as TV series and films, offer an excellent way to experience the rich diversity that English provides (in addition to being an enjoyable and effective method for learning a foreign language and its cultural nuances). Below is a list of 10 films (source: Speechling), categorized into "Beginner," "Intermediate," and "Advanced," to help you identify and become more familiar with the English language.
(accent: United States)
If you are beginning to study English, it is advisable to start with films that maintain a consistent accent throughout. Additionally, children's films tend to use simpler and more accessible vocabulary. Pixar films, such as "Finding Nemo," are an excellent choice as they present meaningful themes for all ages.
Note: Even though the story is set in Australia, the voice actors maintained an American accent.
(accent: United Kingdom)
Another collection of films beloved by all ages is the Harry Potter saga. Beyond their high-quality production, these films offer exposure to various British accents, with a particular emphasis on Received Pronunciation (RP). RP is recognized as the "standard" and most "prestigious" English accent (for example, it is the accent associated with the British royal family and higher social classes).
It is always worth remembering that these films feature invented magical words, so enabling subtitles is a good idea!
(accent: South Africa)
A 2009 science fiction film where sick and weakened aliens flee their planet and land in Johannesburg, leading the South African government to quarantine them in what is known as "District 9".
Although it addresses heavy themes such as xenophobia, apartheid, and migration, it is an action film with simple dialogues that serve as a useful tool for those at an intermediate English level.
(Accent: United States)
A dark comedy set in Texas, it features Jack Black, a funeral director, who becomes involved with an 81-year-old widow. After committing a crime, he must face justice from Matthew McConaughey. Furthermore, it is based on real events.
This film is not suitable for younger audiences, but it humorously explores the various accents and cultural nuances of Texas (Southern United States).
(Accent: United States)
This 7-episode miniseries, produced by HBO, stars Kate Winslet as a detective in a small Pennsylvania town (Northeastern United States) who must balance the investigation of a complex case with her personal life.
In addition to her highly praised performance, her portrayal of the regional accent also received acclaim. Therefore, it is worth watching this story to also discover less commonly explored American accents.
(Accents: Ireland and United States)
An independent film for those interested in investigative stories featuring grumpy detectives. This comedy/thriller follows an Irish police officer and his methodical new partner, an FBI agent, as they attempt to find a serial killer in Western Ireland.
This film helps to explore the cultural variations between the United States and Ireland; however, the Irish dialect can be challenging to understand, and therefore, it is recommended for those already at an advanced level.
(Accent: Canada)
A 2006 dark comedy that will help you practice both your English and French. The film explores the differences between Ontario and Quebec by pairing an Anglophone and a Francophone police officer to work together on a homicide case.
As the characters rapidly switch between French and English in one of Canada's first bilingual films, this film is recommended for advanced English students seeking an additional challenge (or who also wish to practice their French)!
(Accent: New Zealand)
This 2010 dramedy is set in 1980s New Zealand and follows a boy who finally reunites with his father, only to discover that his father (portrayed by the film's director, Taika Waititi) has returned to retrieve a bag of money he left behind.
Although the premise is poignant, it is a humorous and moving film. Due to its abundance of New Zealand slang, it is best suited for intermediate-advanced students.
(Accents: Australia and India)
A moving film that follows the story of an Indian boy who gets separated from his family, struggles to escape extreme poverty, and is eventually adopted by an Australian family. Twenty-five years later, portrayed by Dev Patel, he embarks on a reverse journey to find his biological family.
The first half of the film is set in India and Bangladesh, while the second half takes place in Australia, making language a crucial element in the plot.
(accent: Scotland)
Considered a must-see classic, based on a book of the same name, this dark comedy from 1996 features Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, and Jonny Lee Miller as friends who must overcome unemployment, heroin abuse, and relationship issues in a Scotland with Europe's highest drug addiction mortality rate.
Beyond being a pivotal film that challenged Scottish reality, it also offers insight into many regional accents. Even if you are at an advanced level in your English studies, we recommend turning on subtitles, as even native speakers find the slang difficult to follow.
