The Penguin Lessons

Play trailer

1:00

The Penguin Lessons

PG-13

Released Mar 28

1h 50m

Comedy

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

116 Reviews

94%

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

Buy 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

Times (UK)

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

Rated: 2/5

Apr 28, 2025

Full Review

Tim Robey

Daily Telegraph (UK)

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.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 22, 2025

Full Review

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

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.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 21, 2025

Full Review

Victoria Luxford

City AM

The Penguin Lessons is always hampered by the feeling that a much more important story is being told in the background, but strong performances and no shortage of adorable penguin antics make it a forgivable crowd pleaser.

Rated: 3/5

May 6, 2025

Full Review

Loren King

Newport This Week (RI)

The film may be too light for such a dark time, but it’s hard not to root for The Penguin Lessons and its story of unlikely alliances that nudge the wounded toward redemption.

May 1, 2025

Full Review

Graeme Tuckett

The Post NZ

The Penguin Lessons takes its time and never turns into the three-hanky crowd- pleaser you might be hoping for. But it is a well-crafted and nicely performed film with a few things on its mind.

Rated: 3.5/5

Apr 29, 2025

Full Review

Read all reviews

Kristy M

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/27/25

Full Review

Rodrigo

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

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/26/25

Full Review

Lbtrek

A curmudgeon rescues a cute animal to impress his date. but the animal would not leave him. Even if you just like this type of story go see The Penguin Lessons. I Loved it, Not really a disney movie so defintely PG rating.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/23/25

Full Review

Ioana

Wonderful, interesting characters, and the penguin rocked!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/20/25

Full Review

Sloan

Such a sweet story and message. I wish there were more movies like The Penguin Lessons. Dont miss it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/18/25

Full Review

Diane

I liked everything except the language that wasnt necessary. It couldve been a great kids movie too.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/14/25

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Peter Cattaneo

Director

Micaela Breque

Actor

Tomás Pozzi

Actor

Ramiro Blas

Actor

Steve Coogan

Tom Michel

Björn Gustafsson

Actor

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 (Thematic Elements|Strong Language|Some Sexual References)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 28, 2025, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 29, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.1M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Most Popular at Home Now