Videos - Movies, TV, Online Videos & Trailers
DVDs
Watching movies or TV in English has long been a popular way to study. Videos offer authentic spoken English, which exercises listening skills and builds vocabulary. Videos are also fun to watch, and you can do it together with friends. Now, let's think for a moment about the best ways to study using videos.
Many people watch English movies or TV without any special preparation or method; they just watch and enjoy the show, often while reading the subtitles in their native language. While this is certainly better than nothing, it's probably not the most efficient way to learn English. Nowadays, most DVDs have a setting for English subtitles. These are often listed as English for the Hearing Impaired. If you use this setting, you can read the English while listening to the English audio. You may have less understanding of the meaning at times (compared to using native language subtitles), but you can always pause to read the English and search the meanings of words, and you can also rewind to re-watch the parts you don't understand.
If you take notes while you're watching, you can write down words or expressions to look up later. You can also note the places in the video where they occurred (the time in minutes and seconds) in case you want to watch those parts again later. Watching videos actively instead of passively takes more effort, but you will have better results.
Most people have access to videos through their local video shop, but here at Tsurumi University, we have an extensive collection of current movies in the library that are free to watch.. Everyone should take advantage of this great resource.
Watching movies or TV in English has long been a popular way to study. Videos offer authentic spoken English, which exercises listening skills and builds vocabulary. Videos are also fun to watch, and you can do it together with friends. Now, let's think for a moment about the best ways to study using videos.
Many people watch English movies or TV without any special preparation or method; they just watch and enjoy the show, often while reading the subtitles in their native language. While this is certainly better than nothing, it's probably not the most efficient way to learn English. Nowadays, most DVDs have a setting for English subtitles. These are often listed as English for the Hearing Impaired. If you use this setting, you can read the English while listening to the English audio. You may have less understanding of the meaning at times (compared to using native language subtitles), but you can always pause to read the English and search the meanings of words, and you can also rewind to re-watch the parts you don't understand.
If you take notes while you're watching, you can write down words or expressions to look up later. You can also note the places in the video where they occurred (the time in minutes and seconds) in case you want to watch those parts again later. Watching videos actively instead of passively takes more effort, but you will have better results.
Most people have access to videos through their local video shop, but here at Tsurumi University, we have an extensive collection of current movies in the library that are free to watch.. Everyone should take advantage of this great resource.
Movie Websites
There are many websites related to movies, some of which are listed here. These sites are great for getting more information about the movies you like or for finding out about upcoming movies. You can also read about your favorite movie stars, directors and soundtracks. Personally, I like to read movie reviews after I watch a movie. Sometimes movie reviews help me to understand a movie better, or to notice things about them that I hadn't noticed while watching.
There are many websites related to movies, some of which are listed here. These sites are great for getting more information about the movies you like or for finding out about upcoming movies. You can also read about your favorite movie stars, directors and soundtracks. Personally, I like to read movie reviews after I watch a movie. Sometimes movie reviews help me to understand a movie better, or to notice things about them that I hadn't noticed while watching.
IMDb
The Internet Movie Database is the most popular movie-related website on the Internet. It is ranked #43 in the U.S. and #55 in the world, with most viewers coming from the following English-speaking countries; the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia & India. This site has so many features, it's difficult to list them all. You should at least know that IMDb has trailers, actor info, director info, box office receipts, reviews, images, quotes, trivia, and more. If you like movies, you really should explore this site. You can also download the IMDb app for your smartphone. |
Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is the second most popular movie website, ranked #416 in the U.S. and #936 in the world. This site specializes in movie and TV reviews and rankings. The movies are ranked by popularity as decided by viewers. Movie rankings are a good way to find recommended movies that you haven't seen yet. Also, if you're thinking about watching a movie, but you're not sure if it's good or not, the rankings may give you a hint. Obviously, you should judge the movies on your own, but since we don't have time to watch every movie, sometimes it's useful to get the advice of others. |
Other Movie Websites - for movie/TV information & trailers
Subtitled Movie Trailers
Everyone knows how to find English movie trailers on YouTube, but did you know that you can find subtitled English movie trailers too? Subtitled trailers are a great way to study English when you have little time, as they're short and fun to watch. Below are links to some sites wear you can watch them. Try these soon!
Everyone knows how to find English movie trailers on YouTube, but did you know that you can find subtitled English movie trailers too? Subtitled trailers are a great way to study English when you have little time, as they're short and fun to watch. Below are links to some sites wear you can watch them. Try these soon!
Open Culture - Free movies online
This site helps you find 100s of free movies that you can watch for free. Many of these movies will be too difficult for English language learners, but if you take some time to look at the list, surely you can find something interesting! |
Online Videos - Clips, Viral Videos, and Complete Movies
For current popular movies or TV shows, your local video shop is still the best option, but increasingly, there are more choices of video available for free online. Below are some links to online video resources.
For current popular movies or TV shows, your local video shop is still the best option, but increasingly, there are more choices of video available for free online. Below are some links to online video resources.
Reddit Videos
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Funny or Die
Ted Talks
Documentary Heaven
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TedEd
SnagFilms
Free Streaming Sites
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PBS
Discovery Channel
Dead Meat - Horror Reviews
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Unplug the TV is a site that recommends random educational videos. Take a chance and learn something new, or click "I want to watch something else" for another pick.
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Social Studies Video Links
Hip Hughes History
Crash Course
Timelines.TV
C. G. P. Grey
Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History
Oversimplified
History PowerPoint Presentations for Teachers (not video)
Hip Hughes History
Crash Course
Timelines.TV
C. G. P. Grey
Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History
Oversimplified
History PowerPoint Presentations for Teachers (not video)