Spending a lot of time in the nest? Got some free time on your flippers? Here are five of my favorite penguin movies and TV shows to brighten your day.

1.) Pingu, Animated series

Possibly my first penguin love, Pingu is a playful (and sometimes troublesome) young penguin who lives with his stern, but caring mother; his good humored father (a mail carrier); and his doting (if pesky) younger sister Pinga. Five minute claymation episodes portray anything from everyday activities, such as making shadow puppets (though maybe not your average puppet!), to outlandish adventures, like a massive runaway snowball. In 2017, Japan released a computer animated series, Pingu in the City, where Pingu’s curiosity leads him to a host of mishaps adventures with his new neighbors. Filled with humor, Pingu is a great choice for all ages. Noot noot!

2.) Oddball, Live-action film (2015)

Based on a true story, Oddball tells of a colony of little penguins whose homes and livelihoods are threatened by invasive foxes. Enter Oddball, a Maremma Sheepdog who becomes their unlikely hero. It’s a heartwarming family film with plenty of cute penguins and some cuddly dogs to boot.

3.) Shirokuma Cafe, Anime series

In a world where humans and animals live as neighbors, the Polar Bear Cafe is a place for them all to mingle. Shirokuma Cafe focuses on the proprietor, Polar Bear, and regulars Panda and Penguin as they go about their lives, get advice about work and budding romance, enjoy picnics under the cherry blossoms or take adventures to the sea. This Japanese anime is available with English subtitles.

4.) Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Live-action film (2011)

Though only very loosely based on the original children’s book, this film is nonetheless charming. When a workaholic father receives a mysterious delivery, he finds himself suddenly the caretaker of a flock of gentoo penguins. Jim Carrey plays the lead, but the penguins really are the stars in this film, and they know it!

5.) Spy in the Huddle, Documentary series

What do you get if you combine robotic penguins with narration by David Tennant? A delightful nature documentary! A array of custom remote controlled spy cameras– designed to mimic adult penguins, chicks, eggs and even rock formations — capture unique scenes of life within a penguin colony, often with humorous results! As to be expected with a nature documentary, there are some sad or frightening moments, but the majority of the show is upbeat. I give them bonus points for featuring the Humboldt penguin, a lesser known species that is a favorite of mine.

Do you have a favorite penguin film or show? Let me know in the comments!