As streaming platforms make films and shows from around the world easier to access, international movies are becoming more popular among students. From Korean dramas to Hindi films and Japanese anime, international media may help people better understand cultures, perspectives and lifestyles outside of Hollywood.
Sophomore Hunar Kaur believes international films are an entertaining way for students to learn about different cultures. Kaur, who watches many Hindi and Dutch films, explained that subtitles and dubbing make international movies easier to understand.
“You do not feel like you are studying or doing schoolwork. Instead, you feel relaxed and interested in the story,” Kaur said. “At the same time, you are learning about new cultures, traditions and ways of thinking without even realizing it.”
Physics and math teacher Jyothi Sunkara feels international films allow viewers to see factors that are often overlooked in mainstream American movies. She explained that films from other countries show how stories unfold in various places around the world, helping audiences better understand others’ lives.
“I think students need to know the issues people in different parts of the world face. They could possibly relate to some of those problems and empathize with others,” Sunkara said. “Living in California, it’s not something I personally have to face, but look at what some people from other parts of the world have to face.”
Freshman Victor Ma explained that international movies and shows stand out because they present different communication styles and storytelling methods that are not always seen in Hollywood.
“You definitely get to see multiple perspectives. I think that’s what separates Hollywood movies from international movies. For example, there are a lot of gestures and communication styles in anime that you would never really see in Hollywood,” Ma said.
Junior Abhiram Cherukupalli said many international movies focus more on emotional stories, such as “RRR” and “Taare Zameen Par” that focus on family and education.
“They often reveal that people from different countries have similar emotions, struggles and goals, even if their cultures look different on the surface,” Cherukupalli said. “For example, they challenge ideas about education systems or that animation is only for kids by showing more emotional and personal stories.”
Instead of having to hunt down a movie, viewers can access films from all over the world by browsing their digital media services. Kaur explained that this has opened the door for more people to try them. Viewers can now easily discover films from countries and cultures they may not have explored before.
“Streaming platforms have made it much easier to access these movies,” Kaur said. “Before, it might have been harder to find international films. Now, they are right there when you are scrolling.”
International films can also challenge stereotypes that are often seen in Hollywood movies. Sunkara explained that Hollywood sometimes portrays the Indian community in unrealistic ways.
“Indians in general are always portrayed as either inconsequential or straight up clueless. These are all equally bad,” Sunkara said. “Overall, I would just hope for a more realistic representation.”
As international movies continue to grow in popularity, many students believe the films are creating larger fanbases across the globe through streaming platforms and social media. This increased visibility has also helped international films gain more attention alongside mainstream releases. Ma explained that content that was once only popular in home countries is now reaching global audiences and building communities of fans everywhere.
“Streaming platforms and social media have made international movies a lot more popular around the world,” Ma said. “I think it’s great because more people are discovering different cultures and styles of storytelling through these films.”