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

77%

Tomatometer

129 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

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

The 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

Gisela Savdie

El Heraldo

It’s a story that highlights compassion and moral commitment, although it falls short of exploring the political and ethical tensions of one of the darkest periods in Argentina’s history [Full review in Spanish]

Jul 30, 2025

Full Review

Alfred Castaneda

Shade Studios

In a touch under two hours, it’s an enjoyable watch for those seeking a buddy film involving a penguin, or hard-core Coogan fans.

Jul 30, 2025

Full Review

Joshua Ryan

The Cosmic Circus

The story is just too thin, and the handling of real-life events feels mismanaged.

Jul 19, 2025

Full Review

Read all reviews

Steven S

It was funny and poignant.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/17/25

Full Review

merav

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/15/25

Full Review

James J. O

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

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/12/25

Full Review

Michael Deeee

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/12/25

Full Review

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

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

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%

91%

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 (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): $3.3M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Most Popular at Home Now