Beyond entertainment: Moroccan EFL learners' perceptions of film-based language learning in the digital streaming era

The educational landscape has witnessed many changes in the 21st century. Learners and teachers have incrementally relied on various digital resources rather than traditional ones. Films have been significantly used to enhance the teaching practices and learning processes of both teachers and learners. However, studies are still limited in this area of research, as they are proposed by many scholars. This study aims to investigate the learners’ perceptions of using films as an English language learning tool. A quantitative research design was chosen, and data were collected through a five-point Likert scale questionnaire from 107 students of the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), Moulay Ismail University. The instrument consisted of two parts: demographic information and learners’ perceptions of film-based learning. Descriptive statistics were conducted on the learners’ responses using SPSS (version 27). The findings show that films are considered by learners as a vital tool that improves language skills, facilitates vocabulary acquisition, sparks motivation, increases interest, and helps reduce anxiety. Based on these findings, pedagogical implications are drawn to direct the effective use of films in English language learning. Additionally, the study implies that films could be useful in educational contexts due to their authenticity, motivational value, and salient role in boosting the learners’ self-confidence.