Example: If a movie has actors like Tom Hanks or Meryl Streep, we can say it has a seasoned cast because they have been in movies for many years and are very skilled.
5. Charismatic
Charismatic means someone who has a special, charming quality that makes people like them. When describing a charismatic movie cast, it means the actors have a strong, likable presence that makes them stand out and attracts people’s attention.
Example: If an actor like Robert Downey Jr. is in a movie, you might say he has a charismatic presence because he has a way of making people excited and interested in his character just by being himself.
6. Well-matched
Well-matched means the actors work really well together because their personalities or acting styles fit each other. When describing a well-matched movie cast, it means the actors look good together on screen and have good chemistry.
Example: In a movie like The Avengers, the cast is well-matched because each actor’s character complements the others. For example, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man have a great balance of humor and action, making their team dynamic fun to watch.
7. Iconic
Iconic means something or someone that is very famous and has become a symbol of something special. When describing a movie cast as iconic, it means the actors or characters are so well-known and loved that they are remembered for a long time.
Example: In Star Wars, characters like Luke Skywalker (played by Mark Hamill) or Princess Leia (played by Carrie Fisher) are iconic because they are famous all over the world and have become symbols of the movie itself.
| The cast of a movie can be… |
All-star
Star-studded
Strong
Seasoned
Charismatic
Well-matched
Iconic
|
Adjectives to describe movie plots
1. Complicated
If it isn’t easy to follow the story or understand what is going on in a movie, the that movie is complicated.
2. Intricate
If the plot is very complicated, you can say it’s “intricate”. It means that the movie is so complicated that you cannot understand anything. Just like the movie “Inception”. “Inception” is an all-star cast movie, but the plot is intricate. I watched it several times but I couldn’t figure out what happened in the end.
3. Gripping
If a movie is “Gripping”, it means it’s so good that you can’t stop watching it. For example:
- I found the movie so gripping that I couldn’t take my eyes off the TV.
4. Intriguing
You can say the plot was “intriguing”, which means the movie is very interesting or fascinating. A good example of an intriguing movie is “Edge of tomorrow“. While I was watching this movie, I couldn’t move or pause, I had to keep watching to figure out what was happening in the movie and to understand what will happen in the end! Truly a masterpiece!
5. Boring
The plot of a movie can also be very boring, predictable, or tiresome, meaning it’s not intriguing or gripping at all. You just want a boring movie to end and every event that takes place in this movie is very predictable.
- I wish this movie wasn’t so boring
In my opinion, “Bad boys for life” was a comedy movie which was very boring and predictable. I think it wasn’t gripping or intriguing at all.
6. Fast-paced
A fast-paced plot means the story moves quickly. Things happen one after another with little waiting. The characters face problems and make decisions fast, keeping the reader or viewer excited.
Example: Imagine a movie about a spy. In the first scene, he is running from bad guys. Then, he jumps into a car and drives fast. A few minutes later, he is in a new city, solving a mystery. There is always action, and there is no time to get bored.
7. Predictable
A predictable plot means you can guess what will happen next. The story is not surprising because it follows a common pattern.
Example: Imagine a movie about a poor girl who meets a rich prince. They fall in love, but something separates them. In the end, they get back together and live happily ever after.
This is a predictable story because many movies and fairy tales follow the same idea, like Cinderella. You know the ending before it happens!
8. Suspenseful
A suspenseful plot means the story makes you feel nervous and excited because you don’t know what will happen next. It keeps you guessing and wanting to know more.
Example: Imagine a movie about a detective trying to catch a thief. The detective follows clues, but the thief is always one step ahead. Then, the detective finds a secret note—who sent it? Is it a trap? You don’t know, and you feel excited and a little scared.
A good example of a suspenseful movie is Sherlock Holmes.
| The plot of a movie can be… |
complicated
intricate
gripping
intriguing
boring
Fast-paced
Predictable
Suspenseful
|
Adjectives to describe movie characters
If you want to describe the characters of movies in English, you can use adjectives like:
1.Central/ main/ principal
To talk about the leading role of a movie, we can use “Main”, “central” or “principal“. For example:
- In the movie “Edge of Tomorrow”, the central/ main/ principal character was Tom Cruise.
2.Protagonist/leading role
You can also use “protagonist” or leading role instead of the main, central, or principal character. Like the sentence below:
- The leading role was Tom Cruise.
3.Supporting character
We use “Supporting character” to talk about the supporting roles.
4.Fictional character
“fictional character” means a character that does not exist in reality and it’s imaginary. For example:
- My favorite fictional character is Thanos. I adore Josh Brolin for his performance as Thanos in Avengers movies. He is my favorite fictional character.
Adjectives to describe the performance of the cast in a movie
1.Remarkable
If you want to say that the performance of the cast was very good, you can say it was remarkable. Instead of remarkable, you can also use the adjectives below:
- Brilliant
- Outstanding
- Impressive
- Dazzling
All of the adjectives above have the same meaning. They mean very good, strong, or top-notch.
2. Disappointing
If the performance isn’t very good, you could say that the performance was disappointing or use synonyms like:
“Lackluster” means unimaginative, dull, or colorless.
Learn more: The vocabulary related to food in English
Adjectives to describe movies in English
In order to describe a movie in English, you need to be equipped with a set of adjectives to describe films!
1. First-rate
If you want to say that a movie was really good, you can say it was first-rate, which means it was very good, extremely interesting, or top-notch.
2. Insightful
Another item of adjectives to describe films is “Insightful” . This word means it shows deep understanding or is very perceptive.
3. Intriguing/ absorbing/dazzling
The third item of adjectives to describe a movie is intriguing/ absorbing/ dazzling. If you want to say that the movie was very interesting, instead of interesting you can say “intriguing”, “absorbing” or “dazzling”.
4.Thought-provoking
The fourth word of adjectives for movies is “Thought-provoking” . This word means it can make you think about the meaning of life or etc.
5. Moving/touching
“Moving” is also of adjectives to describe films that means, it can make you emotional. A synonym for “moving” is “touching”, which means it touches your soul, just like the animated movie by Disney called Soul.
It was dazzling, very insightful and really thought-provoking. After watching the movie, I was thinking about my life, my future, why I am alive, why we are in this world for a couple of years. It was very thought-provoking, absolutely dazzling, and insightful.
6. Second-Rate/third-rate
the sixth item of adjectives to describe movies is second-rate/third rate. However, if you didn’t like a movie and you want to describe it negatively, you can say it was second-rate. If it was very bad you can use third-rate.
7. Unpleasant/distasteful
“Unpleasant” or “distasteful “ are used to describe a movie in English in a negative way, and they mean you didn’t like it or it didn’t appeal to you.
8. Boring
“Boring” means tiresome or predictable which is of common words to describe a movie .There was no surprise in the movie.
| A movie can be… |
First-rate
Second-rate / Third-rate
insightful
Intriguing/ absorbing/ dazzling
thought – provoking
moving / touching
unpleasant / distasteful
boring
|
Adjectives for action movies
How to describe a good movie in one word
If you have always had a challenge with how to say a movie is good , this section is for you!
When you want to describe a good movie in just one word, “exciting” can be a great choice. An exciting movie is one that keeps you on the edge of your seat with thrilling action, suspenseful moments, and unexpected surprises. It makes your heart race and fills you with anticipation for what’s going to happen next. An exciting movie is like a roller coaster ride of emotions that leaves you feeling exhilarated and wanting more.
Another word to describe a good movie in one word is “funny.” A funny movie is filled with hilarious jokes, silly situations, and lovable characters that make you laugh out loud. It brings joy and happiness, and it’s a great way to have a good time with your friends and family. A funny movie can brighten your day and leave you in stitches from all the laughter.
If you’re looking for a word to describe a good movie that touches your heart, “inspiring” is a great choice. An inspiring movie is one that uplifts you, fills you with hope, and makes you believe in yourself. It tells stories of courage, determination, and overcoming obstacles. It can teach you important lessons about life, friendship, and the power of never giving up. An inspiring movie leaves you feeling motivated and ready to chase your dreams.
Lastly, a word to describe a good movie that sparks your imagination is “magical.” A magical movie takes you on a journey to extraordinary worlds filled with enchantment, wonder, and fantastical creatures. It has elements of fantasy, adventure, or even science fiction that transport you to places you could only dream of. A magical movie ignites your creativity and makes you believe in the power of imagination.
Remember, one word may not capture all the amazing aspects of a movie, but it can give you a glimpse into what makes it special and worth watching!
How to describe a movie in one sentence
Describing a movie in just one sentence is like telling a quick story. For example, you can say “This movie is a hilarious comedy filled with funny jokes and silly characters that will make you laugh non-stop.” In this sentence, you’re highlighting the movie’s genre (comedy), its main feature (funny jokes), and the effect it has on the audience (laughter). It’s of great ways to describe a movie that gives a sense of joy and entertainment.
Another way to describe a movie in English in one sentence is by focusing on its main theme or message. For instance, you can say “This movie is an inspiring tale about never giving up and believing in yourself, where the main character overcomes challenges to achieve their dreams.” In this sentence, you’re emphasizing the movie’s theme of perseverance, the character’s journey, and the motivational aspect of the story. It evokes a sense of empowerment and optimism.
Remember, when we describe a movie in English in just one sentence, we capture its main elements and make others curious about it. Choose words that reflect the movie’s genre, main features, and overall message to give a glimpse of its exciting and meaningful aspects!
Describe a film that you found really boring
Sometimes, we come across movies that we find really boring. One way to describe a film that you found boring is by using the word “slow.” A slow movie is one that seems to take a long time to tell the story and doesn’t have many exciting or interesting moments. It may have long, quiet scenes or dialogue that doesn’t capture your attention. A slow movie can make you feel like time is passing by slowly and may leave you feeling a bit uninterested or sleepy.
😒
Another word to describe a film that is boring is “dull.” A dull movie lacks excitement and doesn’t grab your attention. It might have a story that feels predictable or characters that don’t have much depth. A dull movie can make you feel like there isn’t much happening or that it’s hard to stay engaged. While everyone’s preferences are different, a dull movie is one that may not have captured your interest or made you feel entertained.
Remember, it’s okay if a movie doesn’t captivate you or keep you engaged. We all have different tastes and what may be boring to one person can be exciting to another. It’s all about finding the movies that resonate with you and make you feel entertained!
Learn English with movies
Watching movies is one of the best ways of learning English, because the cast of the movie speak the REAL language not the words or grammar you find in the books.
Movies are one of the best ways to improve English speaking , because the cast of the movie speak the real language not the words, vocabulary or grammar you find in books. That’s why it’s one of the best ways of improving your English level.
Best method of watching movies to improve your English
Learning about the ways to describe a movie in English is important in communications. But keep in mind that one of the best methods to improve our English level, is to watch different movies. One thing that you have to bear in mind is that movies are supposed to be fun! If you can’t understand the movie without subtitles or the movie is too difficult for you to understand, then you shouldn’t be watching it!
Bear in mind that movies are supposed to be fun!
The point is, you shouldn’t force yourself into watching movies and learning English out of them. You should try to have fun, that’s when you will see results. There are two main ways of learning:
1. Active learning
“Active learning” is when you open a book, join an online English course or have a tutor and then you start learning the language.
2.Passive learning
“Passive learning” is very important and crucial. How do babies learn the language? Do they open a book and start reading? No! They learn the language passively without trying to learn it. They learn the language passively by hearing and watching.
Movies are one of the ways with which you can learn the language passively.
Movies are one of the ways with which you can learn the language passively. When you are watching a movie, even if the movie is with subtitles in your mother tongue; you will still improve your English.
Learn more: how to improve English grammar
How to learn English by watching movies
Your method of watching a movie and learning from it should depend on your level of English.
By watching the movie, your ears will get used to hearing English ..Your brain gets used to the sound and the rhythm of the language. Plus, you will get familiar with different accents. Therefore it will be easier to describe a movie in English.
In addition, if you are having fun watching the movie, you might as well learn some of the sentences that they are saying. Maybe your favorite character uses a phrase or a catchphrase or a sentence a lot, and you like it. Then, you memorize that scene and then you try to say it out loud because you loved it.
My suggestion is that your method of watching a movie and learning from it should depend on your level of English:
- If you are a beginner and you have a low level of English understanding, then what you should do is to watch animated movies or cartoons. Because in cartoons they pronounce the words and the sentences very clearly . If you watch it with subtitles in your mother tongue, you will read and understand the meanings as well.
- If you are lower intermediate, then what you need to do is to watch movies instead of animated series. You can still watch animated series, animations, or cartoons but you can make a challenge for yourself by watching real movies. However, you can still use subtitles in your mother tongue.
- If you are an upper intermediate student, then what you need to do is to challenge yourself even more by watching movies with subtitles, but the subtitles should be in the English. In this way, you will read, hear and see.
- If your level is advanced, then, watch the movie with no subtitle to challenge yourself! A very important point here is that when you are watching the movie, don’t expect to understand 100% of every single word or line the cast are saying. Instead, try to understand the plot, the story of the movie, or the series of events. Understanding 20 or 30 percent of the movie would be perfect.
| Your level of English |
What movies are best suitable for you |
| Beginner |
watch animated movies or cartoons |
| Lower intermediate |
watch real movies with subtitles in your mother tongue |
| Upper intermediate |
watch movies with English subtitles |
| Advanced |
watch the movie with no subtitle |
In general, try to make the learning process a hobby for yourself. If you force yourself to learn, you might end up not liking it, but if you make it your hobby, at the same time you will learn and have fun.
Learn more: One of the most important skills in English is the “listening skill”. But how can we improve it? One of these ways is to listen to podcasts. Follow the link below to learn about the tips of listening to podcasts in English.
Listen to English podcast
Writing a movie review in English
In the last part of this article, we are going to read a review of a movie which I have written for you. It’s a very brief review, but I have used all the words, phrases, and expressions that we’ve learned in this article to describe a movie in English.
The other day, I went to the movies to watch the new movie “Dune“. I had heard a lot about the all-star cast, all my favorite actors including Josh Brolin, Oscar Isaac and Timothee Chalamet were in this movie. The leading role, Timothee chalamet gave a remarkable performance. The supporting actors and actresses all showed dazzling performances. The plot of the movie is intricate and the movie itself is very thought-provoking. The movie is really slow-paced but incredibly gripping and absorbing. Surely, it was one of my all-time favorites and I highly recommend watching this movie if you haven’t seen it so far.
In this article we learned how to describe a movie in English. We talked about the most common words and adjectives to describe a film and also we talked about the different genres in the field of cinema.
As you understand, learning English requires finding effective ways, like watching movies and reading newspapers. Also, attending a good class and practice with a good teacher is an important key to being successful. If you are going to get a high score in IELTS, the PocEnglish online ielts course is perfect for you.
I hope that you’ve found this article productive, useful and learned how to describe and talk about movies in English.
