Everyone enjoys a good movie, right? Movies are extremely popular in the English-speaking world. They are a great conversational topic because people usually have strong opinions or theories about different movies.

In this article we've collected lots of phrases that will be useful for when you go to the movies or for talking about movies in general. Take a look and improve your English!

Arriving at a Movie Theater

Before you enter a movie theater you will most likely have to buy tickets at the ticket counter first. This is usually located right by the front entrance to the theater. The phrases in this table will be useful for when you are buying your tickets and snacks.
Two tickets for the evening showing of Signs of Mars.
I'd like three tickets for Flower of Autumn.
Which showing would you like?
Sorry, but the showing is sold out.
Can I see some ID, please?
Snacks and beverages can be purchased at the front counter.
Enjoy the movie!
Please silence your phones.
Can I see some ID, please?
All movies are rated for specific age groups. In US theaters, you'll often have to show some form of identification if you want to watch an R-rated movie. These are movies for viewers who are older than 18. Not all movie theaters are strict like this, but it's still a good idea to bring your ID to the movies.
Please silence your phones
This is the most common phrase you will hear just before a movie starts. It's always played over a loudspeaker and is asking you to turn off or silence your phone. It's polite to do this so that you don't accidently distract others during the movie. There's nothing worse than hearing someone's ringtone during the most exciting scene of a movie!

Asking About Movies

In the table below, you'll find lots of phrases that you can use to ask questions about movies. Use them to find out what movies others enjoy or to discuss what kind of movie you and your friends are going to watch.
What kind of movies do you like?
Do you have a favorite movie?
Who was your favorite character in the movie?
What was your favorite part?
What kind of movie are we going to watch?
Who is in the movie?
Who's starring in it?
How long is the movie?
What is the movie about?
What do critics say about it?
What kind of reviews did the movie get?
Do you have a favorite movie?
Use the sentence pattern Do you have a favorite + THING? to ask questions about someone's favorite movie, actor, or movie genre. Depending on the question you ask, someone could respond in many ways. Here is a possible response to our example question There's too many to choose from!.

Talking About Movies

Here we've collected phrases for you that you can use to talk about and describe movies. Learn how to say what your favorite movie is, describe what happens, and more!
My favorite movie is Flower of Autumn.
I love romcoms.
The movie is an action film.
The movie stars Owen Carter.
The movie's about 2 hours long.
The movie is about a man rescuing his daughter.
The main character is named Elizabeth.
The movie didn't get good reviews.
Critics found the movie too long.
My favorite movie is Flower of Autumn
If you want to tell someone what your favorite movie is, then use the sentence pattern My favorite movie is + MOVIE TITLE. In response, the person you are talking to might ask a follow-up question like Why is that your favorite film?.
I love romcoms
By using the sentence pattern I love + MOVIE GENRE you can tell someone what your favorite movie genre is. There are lots of ways someone could respond. For example, they might then ask you What is your favorite movie?.
The movie is an action film
You can tell somebody what genre a movie is by using the sentence pattern The movie is + GENRE. There are lots of different ways somebody could respond. For example, they might say something like I'm not a huge fan of action films.

Relax while Listening to the Phrases

Keep calm and learn English! Listen to the phrases again with relaxing background music. This will help you improve your listening skills and remember the phrases. Choose your favorite style, then kick back and relax!


Relax with Meditative Music



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Relax with the Sounds of Nature: Wind

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Phrases
Dialogue
Phrases
Dialogue
Dialogue

Practice & Record a Dialogue

Take the next step and use what you’ve learned! Check out this topic’s dialogue unit and practice the phrases in a variety of exercises. Test your knowledge and get ready for real life conversations!
Good evening. Two tickets for the new "Hunger Games" movie, please.en
For what time?en
7:30 if there are still some available.en

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most essential English phrases for talking about movies?
  • I'd like three tickets for Flower of Autumn.
  • What kind of movies do you like?
  • Who was your favorite character in the movie?
  • What is the movie about?
  • What kind of reviews did the movie get?
  • I love romcoms.
  • The movie is an action film.
  • The movie is about a man rescuing his daughter.
What are some of the most popular movie genres in the English-speaking world?
Movies are extremely popular in the English-speaking world, and hundreds are produced each year. Some of the most popular genres are comedies, dramas, action films, romantic comedies (or romcoms as they're usually called), as well as thrillers.
What are movies and movie theaters called in other English-speaking countries?
The terms movies and movie theaters are used mainly in the United States. In other English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, movies are usually called films and the movie theater is a cinema. English speakers will understand what you mean though regardless of the terms you decide to use.

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