What Gabby Wallace says to watch to learn American English
When I was learning Spanish, I watched every movie I could get my hands on — that's where real fluency came from for me, not from a textbook. So here are ten American movies I love for English: watch each one with subtitles the first time, then again without, and try shadowing the actors a few minutes at a time. Go for connection, not perfection, and keep it fun — the fluency follows.
Beginner-Intermediate
2 picks
Cast Away
Tom Hanks stranded on a deserted island; long stretches with little dialogue make it a gentle, very visual listen.
Beginner-Intermediate
Toy Story
A fun animated adventure for adults and kids alike, with clear, simple dialogue — one of the friendlier picks for newer learners.
Beginner-Intermediate
Intermediate
5 picks
500 Days of Summer
A modern rom-com told out of order, full of relaxed, natural dialogue about relationships and everyday life.
Intermediate
Forrest Gump
An American classic following one man through decades of US history; the slow Southern narration and simple, heartfelt dialogue make it very followable.
Intermediate
The Break-Up
A light romantic comedy built almost entirely on everyday arguments and conversation — great for hearing how couples really talk.
Intermediate
The Hunger Games
A hugely popular blockbuster; the familiar, well-known story makes the English easy to follow and fun to discuss with friends.
Intermediate
The Shawshank Redemption
A moving prison drama with steady, measured narration that's easy to follow, and themes of hope and freedom that stay with you.
Intermediate
Intermediate-Advanced
2 picks
The Hangover
A fast, hilarious comedy about a Vegas trip gone wrong, packed with casual slang and natural back-and-forth.
Intermediate-Advanced
The King's Speech
The true story of a king overcoming a stammer — a film literally about speaking clearly, with a pronunciation lesson built in (this one's British English).
Intermediate-Advanced
Gabby Wallace teaches American English at Go Natural English. These are their own recommendations, shared with Reelang. Found this useful? See picks in other languages.