'The Penguin Lessons': Cinema Dates, Streaming, and One Big Question
A heartwarming true story of friendship unfolds on screen worldwide.
Been waiting to see The Penguin Lessons on the big screen? Good news: it finally arrived in US cinemas on March 28, 2025, and hit UK theatres on April 18 (with cheeky little previews on the 16th and 17th). Prefer a sofa screening? The film landed on DVD and Blu-ray in the US by May 27, with digital rentals already buzzing across Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango.
Can I Stream It on Netflix Yet?
Short answer: not yet. Despite many hopeful whispers, The Penguin Lessons isn’t on Netflix (or Disney+ for that matter). Right now, you’ll find it to buy or rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Fandango at Home. No confirmed streaming deals yet — though keep your eyes peeled, these gentle dramas often end up on streaming a few months after home release.
Is It Actually a True Story?
Yes, and that’s half the charm. The film is based on Tom Michell’s delightful memoir about rescuing a stranded Magellanic penguin in Uruguay, smuggling it over to Argentina, and teaching it to charm an entire boarding school. In real life (and the movie), the penguin — dubbed Juan Salvador — eventually dies and is tenderly buried on the school grounds. Bittersweet, but beautiful.
Who’s in It and How Long Is It?
Steve Coogan leads as Tom Michell, joined by Jonathan Pryce, Björn Gustafsson, and a flock of lovely supporting faces. The film runs about 112 minutes, just under two hours — perfect for a Sunday watch when you’re craving something heartwarming but not too saccharine.
Quick Take: Should You Watch It?
If you’re into gentle, slightly quirky true stories that leave you smiling through tears, absolutely give it a go. With an early 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, it seems to be hitting the right notes for critics, too.
