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Trailer

The Penguin Lessons

2025Movie1 h 51 minPG-13

Drama
70
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb7.1Metacritic527.3Rotten Tomatoes77%91%

A wholesome, cathartic drama movie about a real life story and history.

Good for date night · family movie night · friends night

Skip it if you want dark or edgy material

Where to watch

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Not for scares, brutality or adrenaline.

Movies with

Story

In 1976 Argentina, on the eve of a political revolution, a teacher and his students at an exclusive boys school are enlightened by an unusual guest.

In 1976, as Argentina descends into violence and chaos, a world-weary English teacher regains his compassion for others thanks to an unlikely friendship with a penguin.

Feels like

  • Heartwarming True Story
  • Inspirational Journey
  • Unique Friendship
  • Character Transformation
  • Historical Backdrop
  • Uplifting & Gentle
  • Emotional Healing
  • Biographical Drama
  • Subtle Social Commentary

Cast

17 of 17

Crew

Directed by
Peter Cattaneo
Written by
Jeff Pope
Produced by
Rory Aitken, Adrián Guerra, Ben Pugh
Music by
Federico Jusid

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

March 27, 2025 · 1 h 51 min · PG-13

Released
March 27, 2025
Runtime
1 h 51 min
Age rating
PG-13
Genres
Drama
Original language
English
Also spoken
Spanish
Made in
Spain, United Kingdom, United States
Box office
$14 million
Available in
74 countries
Keywords
based on true story

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream The Penguin Lessons?"

Questions about The Penguin Lessons

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Penguin Lessons?

Netflix

In the United States, The Penguin Lessons streams on Netflix. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 24 other countries.

Is The Penguin Lessons worth watching?

70
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 77%, and Metacritic 52). Audiences rate it higher (78 out of 100) than critics (65).

Is The Penguin Lessons okay for kids?

PG-13

Yes: it's rated PG-13 in the United States, and the viewing guide lists it for family nights.

Is The Penguin Lessons plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (8 of 10) and pathos (7 of 10) more than on its plot.

Will I feel good after watching The Penguin Lessons?

BleakHopeful

Yes, it's an uplifting movie: the title analysis rates it 8 of 10 for hopefulness and 8 for wholesome.