How can you enjoy learning English as a family?

Watch British and American Films With Your Family

Watching films is a wonderful way to develop your English speaking skills. Not only will you improve your listening comprehension, you will also discover new vocabulary and expressions that you can use every day.

If you like to watch movies together as a family, I invite you to get your loved ones together with plenty of snacks and enjoy these family films. 

If you would like to see my list of recommended TV series, click here.

If you would like to see my list of recommended British films, click here.

If you prefer my list of recommended American films, click here.

Enjoy watching!

The Railway Children*

Released in 1971, The Railway Children is a story about an upper-middle class family in Edwardian London. One night in 1905, two mysterious strangers come in and speak to the father and they all leave together. The father never returns, leaving behind a wife and three children. His absence leads to hard times for the family, eventually causing them to move to Yorkshire. The three children in their adventures, eventually start to uncover the mystery of their father’s disappearance. 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 

Determined to take a day off from school, Ferris Bueller plots an elaborate scheme where he borrows his friend’s father’s Ferrari and takes his girlfriend Sloane to Chicago for a day. From fine dining, to art museums to parades, Ferris and Sloane have a fun day. However, their school principal is almost certain that Ferris is playing truant again and is determined to prove it. 

Movie is best for children 12 years and older. 

Free Willy 

When a fishing boat accidentally separates a young orca whale from his mother, the young orca is captured and placed in an aquarium. The whale is named Willy. One day, a young 12-year-old boy named Jesse gets caught vandalising the pod where the orca is kept. The boy is not punished as long as he cleans up the mess he made. Over time, Jesse becomes Willy’s friend. When Jesse discovers that the aquarium plans to kill Willy, Jesse springs into action to save the life of his orca friend. 

Secret Garden*

After living in India her whole life, Mary Lennox finds her whole world turned upside down when her parents are killed in an earthquake. Sent to England to live with her Uncle Archibald Craven, Mary finds herself lonely and has to keep finding things to stay occupied. One day she meets her cousin Colin Craven and they discover a secret garden. 

This film is based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. One version was released in 1993 and a  reboot was released in 2020. I recommend both versions. This film is best for children ages 6 and up. 

Billy Elliot *

When Margaret Thatcher closed the coal mines, a violent strike followed. Jackie Elliot and his firstborn son Tony both found themselves out of a job. Jackie’s youngest son Billy is enrolled in boxing. Jackie and Tony are disappointed when they find out that Billy is performing poorly in boxing; this is worsened when they find out that instead of practicing, Billy is sneaking out to join a girls-only-attended ballet class. Only Billy’s friend encourages him to pursue his passion in dance and his teacher Mrs. Wilkinson wants him to train to try out for the world-renowned Royal Ballet audition. What follows is a struggle between family and passion for Billy Elliot. 

This film is better for older children ages 15 and up due to strong adult language.

The Chronicles of Narnia*

Based on the book series by C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantasy series about a mystical land called Narnia. Across 7 books, many different children and some adults visit Narnia where they learn the values of love, friendship, and valour.

These films are all friendly for children ages 6 and up. 

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

After losing their home to the bombings of WWII, the four Pevensie children find themselves in the Victorian home of an old Professor. During a game of hide and seek, the youngest child Lucy finds a strange wardrobe which leads to the magical land of Narnia. Later she brings her siblings into Narnia where they find themselves in the midst of a conflict between the magical creatures of Narnia and the White Witch. Under the White Witch’s reign, it is always winter but never Christmas. Together, the four Pevensies must help the myriad of magical creatures to bring peace to Narnia.

Prince Caspian

One year after their first visit to Narnia, the four Pevensie children find themselves whisked away to Narnia as they are summoned by Prince Caspian. Time operates differently in Narnia and they find centuries have passed since their last visit. Caspian needs their help to reclaim the throne to Narnia from his tyrannical uncle Miraz. 

Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Edmund and Lucy Pevensie find themselves stuck in Cambridge with their pesky cousin Eustace Scrubbs. One day as they are looking into a painting of a boat in the ocean, they find themselves whisked away to Narnia once more. Joining the ship of King Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace must sail through to the Lone Island to rescue the Lords of Telmar and save Narnia from a dark magical evil. 

We bought a Zoo

Benjamin Mee and his children find themselves struggling to move forward after the tragic death of their wife and mother. Wanting to create a fresh start for his children, Benjamin purchases a dilapidated zoo hoping that it will bring his family together. Based on a true story, We Bought a Zoo is a story about loss, grief, and finding strength in small moments of bravery.

This film is great for children ages 6 and up.

* My personal favourites

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