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My Penguin Friend

My Penguin Friend

Inspired by the true story of an extraordinary friendship.

202497 minPGMidcredits score: 79th percentile of all films
Director
David Schurmann
Starring
Jean Reno, Adriana Barraza, Nicolás Francella, Ravel Cabral

A lost penguin rescued from an oil spill transforms the life of a heartbroken fisherman. They become unlikely friends, so bonded that even the vast ocean cannot divide them.

Where to watch

Where can I watch My Penguin Friend?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists My Penguin Friend streaming on Hulu and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about My Penguin Friend?

My Penguin Friend earns 7 badges, led by Visual feast and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is My Penguin Friend worth watching?

My Penguin Friend's Midcredits score is the 79th percentile of all films, from 20K ratings across 6 sources. 70% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

79th percentile

Better received than 79% of films

85th percentile among Adventure80th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)77th
Approval (how many liked it)79th

69 /100

77th percentile of all films

85th percentile among Adventure76th percentile among 2020s

Critics 70 · Audience 69

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.4 — solid but not unanimous.

70% liked it

79th percentile of all films

84th percentile among Adventure79th percentile among 2020s
70% rated it 7–1030% rated it 1–6

Critics 85% · Audience 96%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 2 noms overall

89th percentile

20K ratings across platforms

84th percentile among Adventure90th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 9% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$9.7M
Opening weekend$1M
Domestic gross$2.8M
Worldwide gross$5.2M

Returned 0.5× its budget — 54th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A heartwarming true story about a man's bond with a penguin, with beautiful scenery and a charming penguin at its center.

Fans praised

  • heartfelt redemption story about healing from grief
  • Jean Reno's tender, understated performance
  • real penguins lend authenticity and charm

Detractors panned

  • illogical, manipulative plotting that ignores common sense
  • cringe-worthy dialogue and overdramatic tone
  • predictable, sentimental formula lacking originality

What stands out

Cinematography80

Beautiful coastal and Patagonian landscapes, penguin-eye low angles; some underwater shots disorient

ActingDivisive75

Jean Reno's grounded, tender lead performance widely praised; some find it phoned-in or overfamiliar

Emotional impactDivisive70

Moves many to tears, but detractors call it manipulative and overly sentimental

CharactersDivisive65

Joao's grief and healing arc resonates; supporting characters seen as thin or archetypal

Effects and spectacleDivisive60

Real penguins lauded; occasional CGI penguin and fish look jarring

Plot and storyDivisive50

Heartfelt but predictable and sometimes illogical; detractors cite manipulative contrivances

OriginalityDivisive40

Follows familiar 'man heals through animal bond' formula; based on true story adds some freshness

Dialogue40

Often stilted or overly simplistic, especially with dubbed or non-native English

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 15 points higher than men.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is My Penguin Friend like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulWarmContemplative
Heaviest: early
Warm humor
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats the true story with sincere warmth, aiming for emotional uplift without irony.
The rideThe early oil-spill rescue introduces heaviness, but the overall mood is warm and joyful throughout, with quiet reflective moments.
StructureThe story follows a linear emotional arc from despair to renewal.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe story leaves you with a belief in the redemptive power of unexpected friendship.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA heartbroken fisherman finds new purpose through his bond with a penguin he rescues.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Friendship · 9% of filmsPurpose · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the transformative power of an unlikely friendship between a man and a penguin, and how that bond restores purpose to a life that had lost it.
StanceThe film affirms the transformative power of friendship, focusing on the bond between the fisherman and the penguin.

The world

Early 21st centuryRuralWildernessDomesticStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Fernando Velázquez
Settingcoastal Brazilian fishing village
MusicLikely a warm, melodic score that underscores the emotional beats of the story.

Content guide

Is My Penguin Friend okay for kids?

PG

My Penguin Friend is rated PG: “Rated PG for thematic content” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (0/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at minimal (7/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (0/100) and frightening material at moderate (36/100). Its language has too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 10% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 13 other countries
  • UKPG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • South KoreaALL
  • Brazil10
  • CzechiaU
  • Hungary6
  • LTN-7
  • PRPG
  • SK7
  • SpainA
  • VIPG
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 3% of all filmsHeavier than 10% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 1%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 1%
Profanity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 1%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 45%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 45% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does My Penguin Friend have?

MovieCove's classifier found no content warnings in My Penguin Friend's parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

Cast and crew

Who is in My Penguin Friend?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Jean Reno
as João
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Adriana Barraza
as Maria
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nicolás Francella
as Carlos
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ravel Cabral
as Paulo
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Pedro Caetano
as Young Oscar
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Wilson Rabelo
as Marcos
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Rafael Pimenta
as Young Luis
José Trassi
as Tito
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Maurício Xavier
as Oscar
Thalma de Freitas
as Calista
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like My Penguin Friend?

Movies like My Penguin Friend include The Wolf and the Lion (2021), Caramelo (2025) and A Street Cat Named Bob (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, most are family adventures, and most are films that feel sentimental.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its character type: animal companion. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with My Penguin Friend?

813 other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: animal companion. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.