How Can Spanish Movies/TV Shows Help Us Learn Spanish?

For a long time, I tried learning Spanish by reading novels and books. Though it was a little helpful, it got boring really quickly. Plus, re-reading several lines just to understand the context wasn’t my cup of tea (mi taza de té.).

So, as I explored new and interesting ways to learn Spanish, I thought to give Spanish movies and TV shows a chance. And perhaps, they were what I exactly needed to learn Spanish. Not only did they help me improve my Spanish listening skills (habilidades de escucha), but I also got to know different accents and dialects.

In this article, I will share my experience of how Spanish movies and TV shows can help you learn Spanish in no time. Or, even if it takes time, trust me, learning Spanish won’t be boring this way (aprender español no será aburrido de esta manera).

How to Get Started

Getting started is really easy: just select the Spanish movie/TV show you like or want to watch. Then, follow these steps in order:

Start with Subtitles in Your Native Language and Spanish Audio

With subtitles in your native language and audio in Spanish, your focus should be on the said words in the movie and understand their meaning in your native language. It might seem difficult and a lot to handle at first, but as you progress, it will become easier and more entertaining.

Switch to Spanish Subtitles and Audio

Now that you’ve got a firm grip on audio, it’s time to switch subtitles in Spanish too. Spanish audio and subtitles will help you understand words in the right context. Plus, I believe this trick also helped me with vocabulary as well.

Turn Off the Spanish Subtitles

This step might seem difficult to some people, but for me, it’s the most interesting one (el mas interesante). Simply because this step tests the knowledge of whatever you’ve learned before. Turning off the Spanish subtitles will help you focus more on listening and help you memorize words and phrases. Plus, as you’ll only be focusing on the Spanish audio, make sure to pay attention to the Spanish accent.

Re-Watch Scenes That You Don’t Understand

When you turn off the Spanish subtitles, you’re dependent only on the audio skills that you’ve mastered in the previous steps. And even after practicing your Spanish for some time, it might be difficult to understand every word. But, don’t fret and re-watch scenes that you don’t understand. Or, it if gets too difficult after several replays, turn on the Spanish subtitles (subtítulos en español), read and understand the words, and then turn them off again.

Take Notes

While enjoying the movie/TV show, do not forget to take notes and make sure to write down important words, phrases, and idioms. Writing down words may help you memorize words and use them in sentences. This way, your writing skills may improve as well.

Now that I’ve explained how you can start learning Spanish through Spanish movies/TV shows, here’s a little tip before I move on to its pros:

Before you get all comfy in your blanket with popcorn, a pen, and a notepad, ensure your internet connection is reliable enough so you don’t have to face any buffering or unwanted delays (buffering o retrasos no deseados).

It’s because there’s nothing more frustrating than a movie/TV show buffering while you’re learning through it. When I personally faced this issue several times, I switched to Cox. Thankfully, I am able to stream movies/TV shows seamlessly and learn Spanish without any inconvenience on Cox’s high-speed (alta velocidad) internet. Plus, Cox servicio al cliente 24 horas always helped in case I required any assistance.

So, do ensure you have reliable connectivity so that your learning doesn’t stop.

Benefits of Learning Spanish Through Movies/TV Shows

Engaged Learning

For me, the biggest advantage of learning Spanish through movies and TV shows was the engagement. I could watch Spanish movies/TV shows for hours and never get bored. Unlike traditional learning methods like reading books/novels, I believe that movies/TV shows are more dynamic and enjoyable, and keep the viewers hooked.

Learning With Context

Although novels can also teach Spanish with context, I believe movies/TV shows are a better option. It’s because, with actions, gestures, and postures, it’s easier for us to understand the context of words, phrases, and idioms.

Boosts Listening Skills

When you watch Spanish movies/TV shows again and again in Spanish audio, your listening skills are bound to improve. Plus, you get to learn a lot about different dialects, accents, speech patterns, and conversational tones in the Spanish language.

Vocabulary Building

Although books and novels can greatly help you expand your Spanish vocabulary, movies/TV shows are no behind. As you take notes while watching movies/TV shows, briefly write how those words, idioms, and phrases are used and in what situations. This way, you can easily use those words, idioms, and phrases while keeping their context in mind.

Winding Up: Spanish Movies/TV Shows to Watch

Although there are tons of Spanish shows and movies that can help you improve your Spanish, I’ve jotted down a few that are not only entertaining but also rich in vocabulary:

• El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth)
• Los peores años de nuestra vida (The Worst Years of our Life)
• Hable con ella (Talk to Her)
• Todo sobre mi madre (All About my mother)
• Relatos salvajes (Wild Tales)