The Penguin Lessons

Play trailer

1:00

The Penguin Lessons

PG-13

2025

1h 50m

Comedy

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

138 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

100+ Verified Ratings

Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

The Penguin Lessons is appealing even if it curiously elides some disturbing geopolitical history, and is elevated by a winning performance from Steve Coogan with a little help from a lovable pint-sized companion.

Read Critics Reviews

Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Apr 28

2/5

Yes, it’s ostensibly sweet and inoffensive. But it’s so inoffensive that it’s almost, well, offensive.

Go to Full Review

Tim Robey

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Apr 22

2/5

Peter Cattaneo...is normally a surer hand with shading, but the script by Coogan’s regular collaborator Jeff Pope...also keeps defaulting to penguin lols – it waddles, it’s cute, repeat – rather than giving the ensemble much to do.

Go to Full Review

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Apr 21

3/5

Adapted from Tom Michell’s autobiographical book, The Penguin Lessons counters the inspirational teacher cliches with a bumbling charm that’s boosted considerably by a first-rate performance from the scene-stealing penguin.

Go to Full Review

Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

Dec 9

5/5

True story about how a disillusioned teacher has his life turned around by a rescued penguin.

Go to Full Review

Randy Meeks

Espinof

Sep 5

3/5

The mix of social realism, intimate drama, and animal comedy isn't entirely successful, but despite the risks involved, the result is enjoyable, relatively original, and goes beyond what anyone would imagine...[Full review in Spanish]

Go to Full Review

Ricardo Rosado

Fotogramas

Sep 5

3/5

Seeing Coogan alongside a flightless bird is fun, but for those accustomed to the brilliant trio he forms with Michael Winterbottom and Rob Brydon, it falls short. [Full review in Spanish]

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Steven S

May 17

It was funny and poignant.

See more

merav

May 15

Loved it and the fact that’s it is based on a true story makes it even better.

See more

James J. O

May 12

It was a charming, subtly funny film for all ages.

See more

Michael Deeee

May 11

A first rate, touching tale of personal growth and kindness.

See more

Kristy M

Apr 27

Loved this heartfelt, character driven movie! Two thumbs up!

See more

Rodrigo

Apr 26

Really good movie, lots of messages in a very entertaining movie good for all family

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Peter Cattaneo

Director

Micaela Breque

Actor

Tomás Pozzi

Actor

Ramiro Blas

Actor

Steve Coogan

Tom Michel

Björn Gustafsson

Actor

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

99%

94%

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Jojo Rabbit

81%

94%

Jojo Rabbit

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Jojo Rabbit

Bob Trevino Likes It

95%

98%

Bob Trevino Likes It

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Bob Trevino Likes It

Green Book

77%

92%

Green Book

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Green Book

A Man Called Otto

70%

97%

A Man Called Otto

Watchlist

TRAILER

for A Man Called Otto

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

The Penguin Lessons: Teaser Trailer

1:00

The Penguin Lessons: Trailer 1

2:12

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down.

Director: Peter Cattaneo
Producer: Rory Aitken, Ben Pugh, Robert Walak, Adrián Guerra, Andrew Noble
Screenwriter: Jeff Pope
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: 42, Nostromo Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Strong Language|Some Sexual References|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 28, 2025, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 29, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.3M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Most Popular at Home Now