Studying doesn’t always mean sitting down with books and exercises. Sometimes, a fun and effective way to improve your business English is by watching series or movies in their original version. If you choose the right ones, you can train your ear, learn real expressions from the business world, and expand your professional vocabulary—all while enjoying good content.
In this article, I’ll recommend productions that combine entertainment and learning—perfect for anyone who wants to improve their professional English from home.
1. Suits – Legal vocabulary and negotiation
This series about lawyers in Manhattan is full of legal expressions, negotiation techniques, and office jargon. If you work in law, human resources, or sales, this is a great choice.
What you can learn:
- How to present arguments in English
- Expressions for debating and persuading
- Formal and professional language
Tip: Turn on English subtitles to reinforce comprehension and spelling.
2. The Office (UK or US version) – Office vocabulary and workplace culture
Although it’s a comedy, The Office gives a realistic look at office life, including meetings, bosses, emails, interviews, and workplace dynamics.
What you can learn:
- Vocabulary from the corporate environment
- Common office phrases
- Informal tone in professional settings
Ideal for those who are just entering the workforce or want to improve their conversational English.
3. Industry – Finance and professional stress
Industry follows a group of young professionals starting out in an investment bank. It’s perfect for people in business, finance, or economics.
What you can learn:
- Financial terminology
- How teams communicate in high-pressure environments
- Fast-paced English with British accents
Advanced level: This show will challenge your listening skills.
4. The Intern (movie) – Workplace culture and intergenerational communication
This film, starring Robert De Niro, shows how a senior intern integrates into a startup led by a young CEO.
What you can learn:
- English for interviews and onboarding
- Expressions related to remote work and technology
- Professional language with an empathetic tone
Great for those who value clear and emotional communication in the workplace.
5. Erin Brockovich – English for presentations and leadership
Based on a true story, this movie is an excellent way to learn how to defend a project, present arguments, and speak persuasively.
What you can learn:
- Phrases for oral presentations
- How to structure speeches and answer questions
- Emotional but professional English
Recommended for those who need to speak in public or lead teams.
6. Moneyball – Strategy and analytical thinking
Although it’s about baseball, Moneyball is really a lesson in strategy, data analysis, and decision-making. It’s ideal for professionals in business or leadership roles.
What you can learn:
- Technical English (data-driven, ROI, forecast…)
- How to argue using evidence
- Project management expressions
If you liked this approach, you might also enjoy our article on why learning business English is an investment, not an expense.
How to watch and truly learn
Watch in English with English subtitles. Pause difficult scenes and write down new expressions.
You can even repeat dialogues out loud to improve pronunciation and rhythm.
Practical exercise:
Choose a scene of at least 1 minute and repeat it several times, copying the intonation. This improves fluency and builds confidence.
Combining series and movies with business English learning is a smart strategy for those who want to learn without feeling overwhelmed. It’s fun, flexible, and exposes you to real language used in professional settings.These are my favorite series and movies to improve my business English.
Turn your leisure time into an investment in your professional future. If you enjoy this kind of English practice, don’t miss the group class program I’ve created, where we’ll work on these exercises live. Start now!!