The Penguin Lessons Announces Netflix Release
A charming British film is set to join Netflix’s catalog at the end of July 2025. The movie in question is the recently released comedy-drama The Penguin Lessons, starring Steve Coogan (known for Alan Partridge, Night at the Museum) and Jonathan Pryce (Game of Thrones, The Two Popes). Here’s what you need to know about this upcoming Netflix addition.
Scheduled to premiere on Netflix US on July 26th, the film is directed by Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty) and written by Jeff Pope. It is an adaptation of Tom Michell’s memoir of the same name, originally published in 2015. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Argentina during a period of significant political turmoil, the story follows an English teacher who discovers solace and purpose in rescuing a stranded penguin.
Steve Coogan leads the cast as Tom Michell. Alongside him are Jonathan Pryce, Vivian El Jaber, Björn Gustafsson, David Herrero, Alfonsina Carrocio, Micaela Breque, and Aimar Miranda. Currently, the film is confirmed only for release on Netflix in the United States, though it is expected to become available in other regions over the coming years through various distribution agreements.
In the US, The Penguin Lessons will be available on Netflix as part of a first-window deal with Sony Pictures, which holds US distribution rights under its Sony Pictures Classics label. The film will stream on Netflix for 18 months before transitioning to Hulu.
The movie holds a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with 125 reviews contributing to a 77% score. While some criticism has come primarily from the British press, many outlets have praised the film’s heartwarming moments. Others have noted that it remains a gentle comedy without pushing beyond that tone.
Christine Westood commended Coogan’s “note-perfect performance,” highlighting his “comic timing and light, sustained pitch” as excellent. Conversely, David Jenkins of Little White Lies remarked that “the film never hits the heights of charm for which it’s aiming.”
This release marks the second major Sony Pictures film arriving on Netflix in July 2025, alongside Until Dawn, a horror movie based on the popular video game, which is also set to debut soon.
For more updates on upcoming Netflix releases throughout July 2025, stay tuned to What’s on Netflix.
Will you be watching The Penguin Lessons when it premieres on Netflix US?
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