Movies are a universal topic that works across all proficiency levels. These questions cover everything from favorite genres and memorable films to discussions about the film industry and how we watch movies today.
Questions are organized by level from beginner to advanced. Download the printable PDF worksheet
Beginner (A1-A2)
- What kind of movies do you like? What’s a good one you’ve seen?
- Who are your favorite actors? What’s a good movie they’re in?
- Do you usually watch movies at the theater or at home? What’s good about each?
- How do you watch movies at home? On your phone, laptop, or TV?
- Who do you like to watch movies with? Why?
- When do you usually watch movies? What does a typical movie night look like?
- What movie did you watch recently? What was it about?
- Do you have a favorite movie character? What are they like?
- Where is your favorite place to watch movies? Why?
- Do you watch movies in English? How is it for you?
- What was the last movie that made you laugh? What happened in it?
- Do you prefer old movies or new movies? What’s one you remember?
- Do you like animated movies? What’s a good one?
- Do you have a movie theater near your home? Do you go there often?
Elementary (A2)
- Do you cry during movies? What kind of scenes make you emotional?
- What is the best movie you have ever seen? Why did you like it so much?
- What was the scariest movie you have ever seen? What made it so scary?
- How often do you watch movies? Where do you usually watch them?
- What is the best snack to eat during a movie? Why?
- What do people do during movies that really annoys you?
- What kind of movies do you avoid watching? Why?
- Have you ever fallen asleep during a movie? What happened?
- What movie disappointed you? What didn’t you like about it?
- Have you ever watched a movie more than once? Which one and why?
- What movie made you feel sad? Why did it affect you?
- Do you like watching movies with subtitles? Why or why not?
- Have you ever left a movie theater before the movie ended? Why?
- What time of day do you prefer to watch movies? Why?
- Do you read movie reviews before watching a film? Why or why not?
Intermediate (B1)
- What kind of movie is best for a date?
- Which is more important, acting or special effects?
- If you could make a movie, what would it be about?
- If someone made a movie of your life, what kind of movie would it be?
- Do you think movie theaters will exist in 20 years, or will everyone watch at home? Explain your thinking.
- Should movie sequels be made if the first movie was successful? Share your reasons.
- What do you think makes a great movie director? Give some examples of directors you admire.
- If you could be any character from a movie, who would you choose and why?
- Do you believe that violent movies make people more aggressive? Why do you think so?
- How do you feel about movies based on true stories versus completely fictional ones? Give your reasons.
- If you had to show someone from another country one movie to represent your culture, which would you pick and why?
- Do you think award shows like the Oscars are important for the film industry? Share your perspective.
- Do you think movie tickets are too expensive? Explain your thinking.
- Should parents control what movies their children watch? Why do you think so?
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
- How has the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix changed the way movies are made and distributed? Consider both positive and negative effects.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of making movies from popular books?
- Compare how superhero movies today differ from action movies of the 1980s and 1990s. What has changed in storytelling and production?
- How do movie trailers influence audience expectations and box office success? Analyze the relationship.
- What are the implications of using CGI and special effects instead of practical effects in filmmaking? Consider artistic and financial aspects.
- How is the representation of diversity in Hollywood films different now compared to 20 years ago? What factors have driven these changes?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of movie franchises that span multiple films over many years?
- How has social media changed the way movies are promoted and discussed by audiences? Analyze both benefits and drawbacks.
- What factors determine whether a movie becomes a classic that people watch for generations? Analyze some examples.
- How does product placement in movies affect viewers’ perceptions and behaviors? Consider both obvious and subtle effects.
Advanced (C1)
- How do blockbuster movies simultaneously reinforce and subvert cultural stereotypes about gender, race, or nationality?
- What tensions exist between artistic vision and commercial viability in contemporary filmmaking? How do directors navigate these competing demands?
- To what extent do historical films shape public understanding of past events versus merely reflecting existing cultural narratives?
- How might the globalization of cinema both preserve local storytelling traditions and erode cultural distinctiveness? Consider specific examples.
- What does the dominance of certain genres reveal about underlying societal values and anxieties in different historical periods?
- How do movies about technology and artificial intelligence reveal contemporary tensions between progress and human values?
- To what extent does the star system in Hollywood perpetuate both meritocracy myths and structural inequality in the entertainment industry?
- How might the increasing use of algorithms to predict audience preferences both democratize and homogenize film production?
- What ethical responsibilities do filmmakers have when depicting marginalized communities, and how should artistic freedom be balanced against potential harm?
- How has the distinction between ‘high art’ cinema and popular entertainment evolved, and what does this reveal about changing cultural values?