Can you really learn a foreign language by watching Netflix, TV shows, and movies? Yes, you can! According to most language instructors, immersion is the best method to learn a foreign language. This is practiced through authentic content (for native speakers, not language learners), such as books, newspapers, blogs, songs, TV shows, and movies.
So basically, everything you see and hear must be in your target language for you to drastically improve your language skills. That’s why we at Ling have found the best language learning apps with movie content for you to try the immersion method. Let’s look at the top six language apps in today’s article!
| Language Learning App | Best For | Yearly Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Lingopie | Immersive Learning | $12/3 months |
| FluentU | Interactive Subtitles | $29.99/month |
| Language Reactor | Best For Those On A Budget | Free |
| LingvoTV | Best For Non-Mobile Users | Free version; $4.99/month |
| LingQ | Diverse Content Library | $8.99/month |
| Kimchi Reader | Best For Learning Korean | $5.38/month |
Lingopie: Best For Immersive Learning
Lingopie offers a unique approach to language learning using authentic materials from TV shows and movies. It helps you immerse yourself in your target language in a way that doesn’t feel like studying.
What I like most about Lingopie is its extensive library of TV shows and movies, supported by multilingual subtitles. This means you can choose your favorite movies as a medium of learning.
The app has an easy-to-use interface. You can easily switch between your target language and your native language. Also, Lingopie provides an interactive interface where you can click on unknown words or phrases to learn their definitions and translations immediately.
Although Lingopie primarily focuses on listening and reading comprehension, it provides a comprehensive learning experience. While enjoying a great movie, you can pick up real-life phrases and colloquial language and enhance your vocabulary.
Key Features
- A vast library of TV shows and movies.
- Subtitles in different languages.
- An interactive mode to see translations and definitions instantly.
- Learning through authentic content.
Pricing
- 3-month plan for $12 per month.
- Yearly plan for $78.88
- Lifetime subscription for a one-time payment of $199.
Devices: Android, iOS, web.
FluentU: Best For Interactive Subtitles
FluentU is another great language-learning app that follows an immersive approach. The app offers you a huge content library that consists of real-world videos such as movie trailers, music videos, news clips, and more.
In FluentU’s library, each video comes with interactive information, allowing you to click on each word to see its definition in context. This way, you can understand how words are used naturally.
What I like most about FluentU is the way it combines entertainment and language learning. You can immerse yourself in foreign cultures to understand the nuances of your target language and acquire new vocabulary with different accents.
FluentU has a user-friendly interface, and it allows you to have a personalized learning experience. You can choose videos suitable to your current proficiency level. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, FluentU has something for you.
Although FluentU focuses primarily on listening and reading skills, it includes writing and speaking exercises alongside these. This creates a well-rounded language learning experience.
Key Features
- An extensive library of authentic videos.
- Interactive captions with instant translations and explanations.
- Personalized learning experience.
- Exposure to different accents and speaking styles.
- Complements listening and reading with writing and speaking exercises.
Pricing
- It offers a 14-day free trial.
- Monthly plan for $29.99 per month.
- Yearly plan for $143.99.
Devices: Android, iOS, web.
Language Reactor: Best For Those On A Budget
Language Reactor is a browser extension that also lets you learn or practice new languages via movies and other video content. It works by allowing you to view subtitles in two different languages: the one you know and the one you’re learning.
The platform has a handy pop-up dictionary to see the meaning of each word and even highlights the most important terms for you to learn. Furthermore, on the right side of the screen, you can see the full transcript of the movie or show you’re watching. This makes it easy to go back and revisit something you didn’t quite grasp.
Language Reactor integrates with Netflix and YouTube, which means you’ll have plenty of movies and videos to choose from. What’s more, most of the features are available for free, which makes it ideal for learners on a budget.
Key Features
- Dual language subtitles.
- Pop-up dictionary with word definitions.
- Video playback controls.
- Full video transcript.
- Option to save words and phrases (Pro version).
Pricing
- The platform is free to use.
- There’s also a Pro Subscription that enables a couple of extra features, such as saving words and phrases:
- Monthly: $6.00
- 3 months: $14.00
- Yearly: $40.00
Devices: Google Chrome extension.
LingvoTV: Best For Non-Mobile Users
Another way to learn languages through movies and videos is LingvoTV, a web app and Chrome extension. It’s a simple but useful tool: It lets you click on words and phrases in the subtitles to translate them instantly, without having to interrupt the movie.
This is a great option for those already familiar with the language but who need to practice, as you can enjoy the movie but have the option to look up words you aren’t yet familiar with.
The way it works is simple: You play a movie or video with subtitles on one of the supported platforms. Then, you’ll see the full transcript in real-time on LingvoTV’s web app (on another tab). There, you can click on words and phrases to translate them. The only issue is that, since the subtitles are on another tab, it’s much more comfortable on computers than on mobile devices.
Key Features
- Translate words and phrases from subtitles instantly.
- Integration with Netflix, Amazon Video, and YouTube.
- Affordable pricing.
- The Pro Version lets you reread the new words after watching the video.
Pricing
- Free version limited to 50 translations per day.
- $4.99 /month for all features.
Devices: Web app, Google Chrome extension.
LingQ: Best For Diverse Content Library
LingQ is a comprehensive language-learning app that offers many features. While not a free option, the extensive content, customizable courses, and vocabulary focus make it a top resource for committed students.
LingQ’s main strength lies in its vast content library. Users can access articles, books, podcasts, and a variety of other texts, all in their target language. What sets LingQ apart is its import feature, which allows users to upload their own content for language practice.
The app uses a unique language learning method, emphasizing vocabulary development. Words and phrases are highlighted in the texts, and students can click on them to view definitions and save them to their own database. The database, called “LingQ Library,” helps students track their progress and revise vocabulary more thoroughly.
LingQ offers interactive classes, audio recordings by native speakers, and speech and writing challenges to practice general language skills. The platform’s community feature allows users to interact with native speakers, facilitating language learning and cultural awareness.
Key Features
- A vast library of authentic language content.
- Vocabulary-focused approach.
- Interactive lessons and speaking challenges.
- A community for language exchange.
- Customizable lessons and progress tracking.
Pricing
- Free plan with limited access to the app’s features and content.
- Monthly Plan for $12.99
- Annual Plan for $107.88
- Two-Year Plan for $191.76
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Kimchi Reader: Best For Learning Korean
This last one is for those of you learning Korean, as Kimchi Reader is a very useful tool for learning and practicing this language.
Like many of the apps above, it has the function to translate words from subtitles when you click on them. But this is accompanied by many features that make it a great resource for language learners.
First, this app highlights the words you already know in green and those you’ve previously seen in yellow, leaving unknown words in red. This can be very useful if you wish to focus only on words you’re unfamiliar with.
Furthermore, Kimchi Reader works with Netflix and YouTube, much like other apps on this list. However, it also lets you use your own videos and subtitle files, giving you more options. And the app isn’t only for videos, it works with text as well, so you’ll have plenty of alternatives.
There are many extra features on the app, such as customizing fonts and colors, dark mode, and offline mode. It also syncs with Anki, allowing you to import vocabulary and create flashcards. All in all, it’s definitely worth a look if you’re learning the Korean language.
Key Features
- Instant translation of words from subtitles.
- Highlights known, seen, and unknown words with different colors.
- Statistics feature to see your progress.
- Offline mode.
- Font and color customization.
Pricing
- 7-day free trial.
- Monthly: €5 ($5.38)
- 6 months: €25 ($26.92)
- Yearly: €45 ($48.46)
Devices: Web app, browser extension (Chrome, Firefox), progressive web app for mobile devices and desktops.
Why Learn Languages Through Apps With Movie Content?
You might be wondering what’s the big deal with learning through movie content. Here are some of the reasons this can be a great option for language learners:
- Have fun while you learn: Language learning can be a daunting task sometimes, and motivation can run low. Learning while watching interesting movies or TV shows makes it easier for you to stick to your goals by providing an entertaining element.
- Learn languages in context: Listening to actual conversations in your target language can be a great way for you to learn nuances that aren’t covered in traditional language learning programs. By learning via movies and other authentic content, you hear the language as it’s actually used in real life.
- Learn while you relax: By using many of these apps, you can take advantage of hard-earned relaxation time and use it for language learning. Just make sure you’re more focused on relaxing than on learning; the idea isn’t to give you something else to worry about!
Or… Start Learning 60+ Languages With Ling!
If you want to start learning a new language from scratch and then move up, Ling is the best app to learn over 60 languages at all levels!
Ling’s language courses are based on linguistic research, and the app is designed to teach you a new language as quickly as possible with just 10 minutes of practice per day.
With Ling, you learn new words and phrases through interactive exercises such as matching pictures to a word, forming sentences, and multiple choice questions. Listening exercises make you unscramble sentences, and speaking practice makes use of voice recognition to correct your pronunciation.
At the end, you listen to a conversation between two native speakers and fill in the blanks accordingly. What’s more, those languages with a script that doesn’t use Roman letters have writing exercises as well.
There’s also a review section at the end of the course to review everything you learned. And as a bonus, you can practice your conversational skills by talking to an AI chatbot!
Transform Your Language Skills in a Week – Get the Ling App Today!
To learn more about Ling, read our detailed Ling review here!
Key Features
- 60+ language courses.
- Courses cover all language skills.
- AI chatbot to practice your conversational skills with.
- Lessons are quick, fun, and effective.
- A great alternative for beginners with no experience.
Pricing
Ling offers flexible pricing options to cater to all language learners:
- A Monthly Subscription for $14.99 per month.
- An Annual Subscription for $79.99
- A Lifetime Subscription for a one-time payment of $149.99.
So don’t miss out on the opportunity to unlock new horizons and connect with the world through language – give Ling a try today! Download it on the App Store or Play Store now.
