what movies are NOT useful for learning English? + 56 movies

VidiomLang
10 min readJul 6, 2023

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While different movies can have various levels of suitability for learning English, here are some examples of movies that may be less useful for language learning purposes:

  1. Non-English Language Films: Movies that are not primarily in English, such as foreign language films with subtitles, may not directly contribute to English language learning. However, they can still be beneficial for cultural immersion and expanding overall cinematic knowledge.
  2. 2. Films with Heavy Slang or Dialects: Some movies feature heavy use of slang, regional dialects, or specialized jargon that may be challenging for English learners to understand or apply in everyday situations. These films may not align with standard English language learning goals.
  3. 3. Experimental or Avant-Garde Films: Experimental films often prioritize artistic expression over traditional storytelling, resulting in unconventional narratives, abstract visuals, and fragmented dialogue. While they can be thought-provoking, they may not provide a clear and straightforward language learning experience.
  4. 4. Highly Fictional or Fantasy Films: Movies set in fictional worlds or containing fantastical elements may involve made-up languages, imaginary words, or unconventional speech patterns. While these films can be entertaining, they might not provide practical language learning opportunities.
  5. 5. Extremely Niche or Cult Films: Certain movies develop niche followings due to their unique style, unusual plots, or limited mainstream appeal. While they may have their own artistic merit, they might not offer substantial language learning benefits, especially if they deviate significantly from standard English usage.
  6. Remember, the suitability of a movie for language learning depends on various factors, including personal preferences, language proficiency level, and learning objectives. It’s generally recommended to choose films that present natural and authentic English language usage in relatable contexts to enhance your language skills effectively.
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and here are some examples:

1. “A Clockwork Orange” (1971):

This film, directed by Stanley Kubrick, features a dystopian future with a heavy use of fictional slang called Nadsat. The language used in the movie can be challenging to understand for English learners.

2. “Trainspotting” (1996):

This British film follows a group of heroin addicts in Scotland and features heavy Scottish accents, slang, and dialects. The dialogue may be difficult to comprehend for non-native English speakers.

3. “Donnie Darko” (2001):

This cult classic film explores complex themes and employs abstract storytelling, making it challenging to follow the narrative and extract practical English language learning.

4. “Blade Runner” (1982) and “Blade Runner 2049” (2017):

These science fiction films contain futuristic settings, artificial intelligence, and philosophical concepts, which may present language barriers and abstract dialogue for language learners.

5. “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975):

While this comedy film is beloved for its humor, it includes extensive use of British humor, wordplay, and references that may require a solid understanding of British culture and idiomatic expressions. Remember that these movies can still be enjoyed for their artistic or entertainment value, but they may pose additional challenges for language learners. It’s important to strike a balance between films that provide a learning opportunity and those that offer enjoyment and cultural immersion.

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“Pulp Fiction” (1994)

6. “Pulp Fiction” (1994):

Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this crime film features nonlinear storytelling, extensive use of profanity, and complex dialogue that may make it challenging for language learners to follow along.

7. “The Big Lebowski” (1998):

This comedy film, known for its quirky characters and dialogue, relies heavily on sarcasm, wordplay, and cultural references that may require a deep understanding of American culture and idiomatic expressions.

8. “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1998):

Based on the novel by Hunter S. Thompson, this film delves into the psychedelic experiences of its characters, resulting in disjointed storytelling, drug references, and unconventional language use.

9. “Fight Club” (1999):

This cult classic film explores themes of identity and consumerism, but it includes nonlinear narrative elements, complex dialogue, and philosophical discussions that can be challenging for English learners.

10. “Napoleon Dynamite” (2004):

This comedy film features dry humor, deadpan delivery, and exaggerated characters, which may make it difficult for language learners to grasp the nuances of the dialogue and comedic timing

11. “The Lobster” (2015):

This dark comedy-drama film presents a surreal and dystopian world, which includes unconventional dialogue, deadpan humor, and allegorical elements that may be challenging for English learners to fully comprehend.

12. “Memento” (2000):

Directed by Christopher Nolan, this psychological thriller employs a non-linear narrative structure and complex storytelling techniques, making it challenging to follow the plot and dialogue for language learners.

13. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004):

This romantic science fiction film explores memory, identity, and complex emotions, which can result in abstract dialogue, metaphorical language, and nonlinear storytelling that may pose difficulties for English learners.

14. “Natural Born Killers” (1994):

Directed by Oliver Stone, this controversial crime film uses unconventional editing techniques, exaggerated violence, and nonlinear storytelling, which may make it challenging for language learners to follow the narrative and understand the dialogue.

“Lost in Translation” (2003)

15. “Lost in Translation” (2003):

While this film offers a nuanced portrayal of cross-cultural experiences, it includes whispered conversations, nuanced dialogues, and cultural references that may require advanced language skills to fully appreciate.

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16. “Mulholland Drive” (2001):

Directed by David Lynch, this psychological thriller features dream-like sequences, nonlinear storytelling, and abstract symbolism, which can make it difficult for language learners to follow the narrative and understand the dialogue.

17. “The Room” (2003):

This cult film has gained popularity for its unconventional storytelling, awkward dialogue, and poor production quality. While it has become a source of entertainment for some, its unique characteristics may not contribute significantly to English language learning.

18. “Irreversible” (2002):

This French film explores a non-linear narrative structure and contains graphic and disturbing scenes. The challenging content, combined with complex dialogue and intense emotions, may not provide an optimal language learning experience.

19. “Enter the Void” (2009):

Directed by Gaspar Noé, this experimental film includes fragmented storytelling, psychedelic visuals, and dark themes, which may not align with standard English language learning objectives.

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20. “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968):

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this science fiction film is known for its abstract narrative, minimal dialogue, and visual storytelling, which may not provide ample language learning opportunities.

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21. “Under the Skin” (2013):

This art-house science fiction film features atmospheric visuals and a deliberately slow-paced narrative, with minimal dialogue and ambiguous storytelling that may not be conducive to English language learning.

22. “Synecdoche, New York” (2008):

Directed by Charlie Kaufman, this existential film explores complex themes and employs non-linear storytelling, symbolic imagery, and introspective dialogue, making it challenging for language learners to fully comprehend.

23. “Holy Motors” (2012):

This French film follows a series of surreal and unrelated vignettes, resulting in a fragmented narrative and abstract dialogue that may be difficult for English learners to follow and understand.

24. “The Tree of Life” (2011):

Directed by Terrence Malick, this experimental drama combines family history with cosmic and philosophical themes, resulting in fragmented storytelling, poetic narration, and visual symbolism that may not offer direct language learning benefits.

25. “Inland Empire” (2006):

Directed by David Lynch, this experimental film blurs the line between reality and fantasy, employing nonlinear storytelling, fragmented narrative, and abstract imagery, which can make it challenging for language learners to follow and comprehend.

28. “Only God Forgives” (2013):

This crime drama film, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, features a slow-paced narrative, sparse dialogue, and symbolic imagery, which may not provide ample language learning opportunities for English learners.

“Dogville” (2003)

29. “Dogville” (2003):

Directed by Lars von Trier, this drama film presents a minimalist set design and theatrical style, focusing more on philosophical themes and character interactions rather than providing straightforward language learning content.

30. “The Holy Mountain” (1973):

This surrealist film by Alejandro Jodorowsky explores spirituality and metaphysical concepts through abstract visuals, allegorical storytelling, and unconventional dialogue that may pose challenges for language learners.

31. “The Fall” (2006):

This visually stunning film incorporates fantasy elements and poetic storytelling, which may make it challenging for language learners to grasp the intricacies of the dialogue and follow the narrative.

32. “Eraserhead” (1977):

Directed by David Lynch, this surreal and atmospheric film features a nonlinear narrative, dream-like sequences, and ambiguous symbolism, which can make it challenging for language learners to follow and understand.

33. “Antichrist” (2009):

Directed by Lars von Trier, this psychological horror film explores dark themes and includes explicit and disturbing content. Its intense imagery and abstract storytelling may not provide an ideal language learning experience.

34. “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” (1992):

Based on the television series “Twin Peaks,” this film delves deeper into the show’s mysterious and surreal elements, making it difficult for English learners to comprehend without prior knowledge of the series.

35. “The Lobster” (2015):

This absurdist romantic comedy-drama presents a dystopian world with unconventional rules and dialogue that can be challenging for language learners to fully understand and relate to.

36. “A Field in England” (2013):

This experimental black-and-white film combines historical settings with hallucinatory sequences and poetic dialogue, which may not provide practical language learning opportunities.

37. “Persona” (1966):

Directed by Ingmar Bergman, this Swedish film delves into psychological themes and employs abstract imagery, symbolic storytelling, and introspective dialogue that may pose challenges for English learners to fully comprehend.

38. “The Dance of Reality” (2013):

Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, this autobiographical film blends reality and fantasy, employing surreal visuals, poetic dialogue, and metaphorical storytelling that may not offer direct language learning benefits.

39. “Upstream Color” (2013):

This experimental science fiction film, written and directed by Shane Carruth, explores complex themes of identity and memory using a nonlinear narrative, abstract imagery, and minimal dialogue that may not be ideal for language learners.

40. "Spring Breakers” (2012):

Directed by Harmony Korine, this film explores the darker side of youth culture and employs fragmented storytelling, exaggerated characters, and unconventional dialogue that may not align with traditional language learning objectives.

“The Master” (2012)

41. “The Master” (2012):

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this drama film explores complex themes and relationships through nuanced performances and introspective dialogue, which may require advanced language skills to fully appreciate and understand.

42. “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” (2017):

This psychological horror film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, employs a distinctive style characterized by deadpan delivery, unconventional dialogue, and allegorical elements that may not provide straightforward language learning opportunities.

43. “Only Lovers Left Alive” (2013):

This art-house vampire film directed by Jim Jarmusch features slow-paced storytelling, poetic dialogue, and philosophical musings that may require a higher level of language proficiency to fully grasp and appreciate.

44. “Swiss Army Man” (2016):

This surreal comedy-drama film follows the relationship between a man and a talking corpse, featuring whimsical humor, metaphorical storytelling, and unconventional dialogue that may not align with traditional language learning objectives.

45. “The Fountain” (2006):

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this science fiction film intertwines three parallel narratives and explores themes of life, death, and spirituality. Its abstract storytelling and philosophical dialogue may present challenges for language learners.

46. “Dogtooth” (2009):

This Greek film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, depicts an isolated family’s unconventional lifestyle and employs deadpan humor, symbolic imagery, and idiosyncratic dialogue that may not provide straightforward language learning opportunities.

47. “Synecdoche, New York” (2008):

Directed by Charlie Kaufman, this existential drama blurs the line between reality and fiction, utilizing complex storytelling, metaphorical language, and introspective dialogue that can be challenging for language learners to fully grasp.

48. “A Ghost Story” (2017):

This contemplative film, directed by David Lowery, tells the story of a ghost observing the passage of time. With its deliberate pacing, minimal dialogue, and existential themes, it may not offer extensive language learning benefits.

“The Mirror” (1975)

49. “The Mirror” (1975):

Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, this Russian film is known for its poetic and nonlinear narrative, dream-like sequences, and philosophical themes. The film’s abstract style and introspective dialogue may require advanced language skills to comprehend fully.

50. “Waking Life” (2001):

Directed by Richard Linklater, this animated film explores philosophical themes and presents a series of disconnected conversations, making it challenging for language learners to follow and understand the dialogue.

51. “Weekend” (2011):

This British romantic drama, directed by Andrew Haigh, incorporates naturalistic dialogue and explores complex relationship dynamics. The film’s conversational style and realistic portrayal may be more suited for advanced language learners.

52. “Primer” (2004):

Directed by Shane Carruth, this science fiction film explores time travel and complex temporal paradoxes. Its intricate plot, technical dialogue, and non-linear storytelling may make it challenging for language learners to follow and comprehend.

53. “Beyond the Black Rainbow” (2010):

This psychedelic science fiction film, directed by Panos Cosmatos, features a visually stunning but abstract narrative, minimal dialogue, and atmospheric storytelling that may not provide straightforward language learning opportunities.

54. “The Turin Horse” (2011):

Directed by Béla Tarr, this Hungarian film presents a bleak and minimalistic narrative, sparse dialogue, and long takes, focusing more on visual storytelling than providing extensive language learning content.

55. “Upstream Color” (2013):

This mind-bending science fiction film, written and directed by Shane Carruth, combines elements of romance and mystery with a complex narrative structure, abstract imagery, and minimal dialogue that may not be ideal for language learners.

56. “Melancholia” (2011):

Directed by Lars von Trier, this psychological drama explores themes of depression, anxiety, and the end of the world. The film’s introspective dialogue, philosophical musings, and symbolic imagery may present challenges for language learners.

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VidiomLang

If you're tired of books and learning difficult grammar and vocabulary, then take a break and watch some movies.