Skip to main content Skip to footer

Explore films with a city in the title to learn English

Learning English is a journey, but it doesn’t always need to be textbook-based or confined to a classroom. One fantastic way to boost your language skills is through watching English films. They are not just entertaining but also provide a glimpse into everyday language, cultural nuances, slang, and accents that books alone can’t capture. Imagine learning English through films with a city in the title. Set in some of the most famous cities around the world, they provide both visual context and authentic conversational English.   

Join us as we explore ten films with a city in the title that is ideal for learning English. Each film offers unique dialogue, accents, vocabulary, and cultural insights connected to its setting. By watching these films, you will pick up practical English skills that textbooks don’t cover. 

London Has Fallen (2016)  

This action-packed thriller, set in London, highlights the contrast between British and American English. You will be able to identify the different accents and conversational skills of both nations. You will also learn a lot of formal and military vocabulary and gain insight into professional slang appropriate for the workplace. 

Notting Hill (1999) 

This romantic comedy is set in Notting Hill, a well-known district in West London. The charming dialogue uses words from everyday conversational English with a British twist. It highlights the charming British accent, which will help you understand various British expressions.  If you are interested in mastering informal English for everyday conversations and slang, this film is the perfect choice. 

Paddington (2014) 

A delightful film for all ages, Paddington uses simple yet engaging language that is easy to follow. The story is set in London, which is best for understanding an authentic British accent. You will also learn many new words that are used in daily life, which is excellent if you are just beginning to learn English. 

Roman Holiday (1953) 

This is a classic romantic story set in Rome, Italy. Even though the language used in the film may feel a bit more formal than in modern cinema, it is a great way to learn polite phrases. It will also help you understand the difference between American English from the 1950s and modern-day conversational English. 

Malta Story (1953) 

This historical film captures the story of Malta’s strategic location during World War II. The dialogue uses a variety of military terminology and formal English. Watching Malta Story is great if you want to add words related to history or the military to your vocabulary and master formal English, which is appropriate in a professional setting.   

Malta Radio (1991) 

This is another good example of a film set in Malta. It focuses on radio communication and uses a range of English phrases and expressions related to broadcasting and media. If you plan to further your studies or develop a career in media or journalism, Radio Malta can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your conversational skills. 

Midnight in Paris (2011) 

Set in Paris, the “City of Light,” this film blends romantic and philosophical dialogue. It is the perfect choice for you if you are interested in improving your English poetic expressions and artistic vocabulary. The mix of American and British English will help you improve your comprehension and listening skills, as well as understand different dialects. 

Toronto Stories (2008) 

Set in Toronto, this film is a collection of four short stories. Each story captures different aspects of Canadian culture and language. Although Canadian English is very similar to American English, this film contains some unique expressions and slang that can only be found in Canadian English. 

Berlin Syndrome (2017) 

This psychological thriller set in Berlin is an excellent choice for advanced English learners. It uses a more serious tone, complex dialogues, and vocabulary related to emotional and psychological themes, which is very helpful for broadening your understanding of expressive language. 

Watching films with a city in the title can help you improve your English language skills and get entertained at the same time. The combination of visual storytelling and authentic dialogue will provide you with an immersive learning experience that textbooks cannot replicate. However, even though films are a great addition to your language-learning toolkit, they can never beat structured learning. English Path offers a range of English language courses, from beginner to advanced, across more than ten campuses worldwide. With experienced and qualified teachers, practical learning materials, and cultural immersion activities, English Path can help you become proficient in English much faster than a film ever could. Learn more about our courses to master English and achieve your language goals! 

FAQs about learning English as a second language

Q1. How can watching films with a city in the title help me improve my English?

A1. Films with a city in the title provide an engaging way to learn conversational English. You will be able to identify and understand different accents, add new words related to various fields to your vocabulary, and pick up culture-specific slang and nuances of each city. 

Q2. Should I watch with or without subtitles?

A2. If you are just beginning to learn English, it's best to start with English subtitles. As you become more comfortable, try watching without them to improve your listening skills. 

Q3. Can I improve my pronunciation by watching films with a city in the title?

A3. Yes! Films are a great way to hear how native speakers pronounce words. You can mimic their pronunciation and improve your speaking and pronunciation skills. 

Q4. Are films with a city in the title suitable for beginner English learners?

A4. Yes, many films, like Paddington or Notting Hill, use clear language that's easy for beginners to follow. Plus, you will pick up a lot of new words and slang used in daily conversations. 

Q5. How often should I watch films to improve my English?

A5. Try watching a film or a few scenes weekly. Add subtitles if you feel you are unable to follow the story or understand the dialogue. You can even practise speaking the famous lines or phrases that you liked in the film aloud to improve your speaking skills.