The Best 5 Children's Movies Featuring Penguins

Penguins are so full of personality, they have become the stars of many family movies. Live action films capitalize on penguins' natural ability to make people laugh, while animated movies personify the little guys and even give them special abilities to sing, dance and more. These movies are penguin perfect just for entertainment, or to inspire kids to want to learn more and provide a fun break from penguin studies.

For an educational twist, watching the movies together. After each one, discuss the movie, including what your child liked about it or didn't like. Then, ask questions about the penguins, such as what was scientifically accurate, and what wasn't. it's a great way for children to apply what they learn in a fun and engaging way.

01
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Mr. Popper's Penguins

Mr.Popper's Penguins DVD cover

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Mr. Popper's Penguins, starring Jim Carrey, is based on the famous book by Richard & Florence Atwater. In the movie, Mr. Popper inherits a penguin from his late father and things get a little crazy from there. The movie features both live and CGI animated penguin pals. The live penguins in the movie are Gentoo Penguins.

This is a great film and a great book for children who dream of owning their own penguin. This movie shows hilariously how that can go wrong! The film is rated PG and is recommended for children ages seven and up.

02
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Happy Feet

Happy Feet 1 & 2 DVD

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In the animated movie, penguins sing and dance to show their love. The movie is set deep in Antarctica, in the land of Emperor Penguins. The movie stars more penguins than you can count, and the soundtrack keeps kids' toes a tappin'.

Both children and adults will love this heartwarming film, featuring incredible animation and adorable penguins.

The sequel movie, Happy Feet Two, continues the musical fun with an Antarctic adventure that finds the penguins up against powerful forces that threaten their existence. Both films are rated PG and are recommended for children seven and up.

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March of the Penguins

March of The Penguins DVD

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Presented by Warner Independent Pictures and National Geographic Feature Films, March of the Penguins won enough acclaim from moviegoers to become a rare breed: a documentary good enough to make it into mainstream theaters. The film was directed by French filmmaker Luc Jacquet, and his film has touched the hearts of audiences all over the world.

Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the documentary is slower paced than most movies kids are used to, but it became especially popular with children and families and has great educational value. It is recommended for children of all ages.

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Surf's Up 1 and 2

Surf's Up 2

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Presented in documentary style, the CGI animated film Surf's Up tells the story of Cody, a penguin from a small fishing town who dreams of becoming a surfing champion like his idol, the late Big Z. Cody must overcome a few obstacles to attain his dream, of course, and a few surprises along the way threaten to throw him off track. The movie contains lots of "surfer dude" language that kids love, and the surfing penguins have a cool factor that makes them instantly popular. The film is rated PG and is recommended for children seven and up. Check out the sequel as well.

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The Penguins of Madagascar

Penguins of Madagascar

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The mischievous, sometimes sarcastic, too-smart-for-their-tuxes penguins from the movies were so popular among fans, that they spun off and have their own TV show on Nickelodeon. Several DVDs featuring episodes and specials from the show are available. The show has enjoyed huge success among kids and families due to the hilarious penguins and their silly covert operations. Rated PG, the show is recommended for children seven and up.