Our five favourite flipper-filled flicks

The mid-to-late 2000s saw a raft of penguin-related films, as discussed on this week's episode of Goals on Film.

The Goals on Film crew gathered together this week to chat about 2007 mockumentary-style animated film, Surf's Up. During the podcast, they found that this film fell smack bang in the middle of the greatest era of penguin films of all time.

So, get ready for a waddle down memory lane as we rank the top five penguin-themed movies of all time! These heartwarming and entertaining films have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, providing a unique insight into the fascinating lives of our flippered friends. Let's dive right in!

Happy Feet (2006)

There's no denying the charm of this toe-tapping, Oscar-winning animated film. Happy Feet tells the story of Mumble, a young emperor penguin who has an extraordinary talent for tap-dancing. 

A beautiful blend of music, dancing, and environmental messaging, this movie melts hearts and raises awareness about the importance of preserving our planet.

March of the Penguins (2005)

This captivating documentary, narrated by the iconic Morgan Freeman, offers a glimpse into the incredible journey emperor penguins undertake each year to find their mates. 

Visually stunning and emotionally powerful, March of the Penguins highlights the resilience and determination of these incredible creatures, providing a fascinating look into their complex social structures.

Penguins of Madagascar (2014)

An action-packed spin-off of the successful Madagascar franchise, Penguins of Madagascar showcases the hilarious adventures of four penguin operatives — Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private. 

This light-hearted comedy is filled with witty humour and fast-paced action, perfect for both kids and adults looking for a fun-filled movie night.

Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011)

Starring Jim Carrey as the eccentric Mr. Popper, this heartwarming live-action film tells the story of a businessman whose life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits six penguins. 

A delightful mix of comedy and family values, Mr. Popper's Penguins teaches us about the importance of friendship, love, and embracing life's surprises.

Surf's Up (2007)

Riding the wave into our list is Surf's Up, a mockumentary-style animated film that follows the journey of a young penguin named Cody Maverick as he competes in the Penguin World Surfing Championship's Big Z Memorial tournament. 

With its unique animation style, Surf's Up provides a refreshing take on the world of surfing and a fresh perspective on penguin life.

These penguin-themed movies have left a lasting impression on audiences, providing a mix of entertainment, life lessons, and insights into the world of these fascinating birds. So, the next time you're in the mood for a flipper-filled flick, be sure to check out one of these top-ranking films!

To listen to this discussion - including our ranking of the films within this 'golden age' of penguin-cinema - and more, listen to this week's episode of Goals on Film, 2007 animated surfing mockumentary, Surf's Up, on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.