Can I Learn Italian Just by Watching Movies and TV Shows?

Watching Italian movies and TV shows is one of the most enjoyable ways to get used to hearing the language. If you’re applying for Italian citizenship, you might be wondering:

Can I reach B1 level just by watching Netflix?

The short answer? It helps—but it’s not enough to pass the citizenship exam.

Fun fact: The Italian Job (1969), was filmed in Turin. It is great for getting inspired, but you’ll still need focused prep to pass the B1 exam.

🎧 Why Movies and TV Can Be Helpful

If you’re watching something in Italian— especially a show or movie you already know in English—you’re giving your brain extra exposure to:

🗣️ Natural pronunciation and how Italian really sounds

💬 Everyday words and phrases you’ll actually hear in real life

📺 Listening practice that doesn’t feel like studying

It’s a great way to stay motivated and build confidence with the language. But it won’t prepare you for what the CILS B1 cittadinanza exam actually tests.

💡 What Subtitles Should I Use?

To get the most benefit from movies or shows:

✅ Watch in Italian

✅ Use Italian subtitles

❌ Avoid English subtitles

Even if you’re a beginner, pairing the spoken Italian with written Italian helps you:

👂 Match sound to meaning

🧠 Notice how words are used in context

📝 Improve your listening and reading together

This kind of practice supports the listening and reading sections of the citizenship exam.

🎬 Watch What You Already Know—in Italian

Here’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference: Rewatch movies or shows you’ve already seen in English, but now in Italian.

Because you already know the story line, your brain can focus more on the language—not on trying to figure out what’s going on.

It’s easier to:

👀 Follow conversations

🔄 Recognize words and phrases in a familiar context

✨ Pick up useful expressions without feeling overwhelmed

This method gives you a big boost in comprehension with much less effort.

⚠️ Why It’s Not Enough for the B1 Cittadinanza Exam

The CILS B1 cittadinanza exam isn’t a general language test—and it definitely isn’t about movie dialogue.

It’s designed to see if you can:

🏘️ Talk about your daily life, job, or neighborhood

📢 Understand basic instructions or announcements

📩 Write a short message, request, or simple description

🗨️ Speak clearly about common topics in a short conversation

You won’t learn how to do these things just by watching TV. You need to practice real-life Italian—the kind that comes up in everyday situations and public life.

🚀 What Actually Prepares You for the Exam

To pass the B1 exam, you need more than exposure. You need:

✅ Practice with the types of tasks on the actual test

🧾 A focus on topics that really appear, like work, housing, appointments, and local services

🎯 Guided support to help you stay on track and feel confident

That’s exactly what Ready Set Italia was built for.

We help you stop guessing, avoid wasting time, and prepare faster—so you can get your B1 certificate and move forward with your citizenship.

🎉 Final Thought

Movies and TV in Italian are an amazing support tool—but they’re not a complete strategy for passing the B1 exam.

If you’re serious about citizenship, you need a focused plan that covers the right topics and builds the right skills.

That’s where Ready Set Italia comes in. We’re here to get you across the finish line—with confidence. 💪