Discover how to use family movies to improve your language skills in a fun way!
Who hasn't enjoyed an afternoon of sofa, blanket, and family movies?
If we also add the benefit of practicing a language, those hours in front of the screen become an educational resource. English movies for kids do more than entertain — they help improve listening skills, introduce everyday expressions, and spark curiosity about another language from an early age.
We've spent years using movies as an educational tool in camps and after-school activities, and we've seen firsthand how, when the content is age-appropriate, kids learn without even realizing it.
Benefits of Watching Movies in English with Kids
Before we dive into recommendations, let’s look at why this habit is worth introducing at home:
Improves pronunciation and listening skills: Hearing native voices with different accents helps children identify sounds that don’t exist in Spanish.
Expands vocabulary: Everyday phrases, short sentences, and plenty of colloquial language that textbooks often leave out.
Sparks cultural interest: Original version films introduce characters, songs, and situations that are part of daily life in English-speaking countries.
A natural way of learning: When kids are having fun, their attention increases and retention improves.
In short, the benefits of watching English-language movies with children go far beyond language skills — they also boost focus, memory, and a love for cinema.
English Movies for Young Children (Ages 3–6)
Simple, Colorful Stories
At this age, kids need easy-to-follow plots, songs, and lovable characters. Some great options include:
Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience
Ideal for little ones, as it combines short episodes, repetitive songs, and basic vocabulary. A perfect first English movie for kids.
Finding Nemo
Although it has emotional moments, the story is clear and the dialogue is simple. Kids learn words related to the ocean and sea animals.
Frozen
The music is catchy, and even though the dialogues contain longer sentences, the songs make it easier to understand. A great way for kids to sing in English without realizing it.
Practical tip: Turn on English subtitles. While they may not read fluently yet, they’ll start associating written words with sounds.
English Movies for Kids Aged 7 to 9
Adventures That Keep Them Hooked
At this stage, children can follow longer films with more complex plots.
Toy Story (entire saga)
Perfect for learning everyday vocabulary, emotions, and friendship-related themes. Possibly the best English movie for kids that appeals to all ages.
Shrek
Simple humor, clear expressions, and highly recognizable characters. Plus, it parodies classic fairy tales, which helps with understanding.
The Lion King
Combines music, clear dialogue, and an engaging story. It also introduces nature-related vocabulary and family values.
Practical tip: Take short pauses to discuss what's happening in the story. This reinforces comprehension and keeps them engaged.
English Movies for Kids Aged 10 to 12
Longer Stories with Deeper Meaning
At this age, kids enjoy richer dialogue and can follow more elaborate narratives.
Harry Potter (entire saga)
A classic that hooks viewers from the first scene. The vocabulary includes magical terms and British school-related expressions.
Matilda
Perfect for exploring values like curiosity, justice, and imagination. The English is accessible and filled with short sentences.
Inside Out
A fantastic opportunity to learn emotional vocabulary. The characters represent feelings, making learning highly visual.
Practical tip: Encourage kids to repeat phrases or words they found interesting. It’s a great pronunciation exercise.
English Movies for Teens (Ages 13 to 17)
Teen Films with More Linguistic Complexity
At this stage, it’s important to choose titles that match their interests. The challenge isn’t just the language — it’s also about enjoying the story.
The Hunger Games
More advanced vocabulary and expressions typical of action narratives. Highly recommended for those seeking excitement.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Combines action, humor, and modern language. Ideal for teens who enjoy comics and animation.
The Chronicles of Narnia
Adventure and fantasy, with an intermediate level of English that’s quite accessible.
Practical tip: Encourage them to watch these movies fully in the original version, without subtitles, to test their overall understanding.
How to Use English Movies as a Family Learning Tool
Watching films in another language doesn’t have to mean passively staring at the screen. Here are a few practical ideas we use in our programs:
Choose a short scene (2–3 minutes) and rewatch it several times — first with subtitles, then without.
Make vocabulary lists: animals, food, household items… Kids easily remember words when they see them in context.
Sing in English: If the movie includes songs, turn it into a karaoke game.
Talk about the film afterward: Asking “What was your favorite part?” in English encourages them to use new words.
These activities turn movie time into an active learning experience, not just passive entertainment.
Movies as a Learning Ally
English movies for kids are an educational resource that blends fun and learning in a natural way. When we choose age-appropriate titles and add small family activities, the impact multiplies: comprehension improves, confidence in the language grows, and — most importantly — kids enjoy the process.
So next time you're planning a movie night at home, remember that besides having fun, you could be giving your children a valuable tool for their future.