The Pebble and the Penguin (1995)

11% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
51% of users liked it
(12,994 ratings)

This heartwarming animated tale--reportedly inspired by a National Geographic documentary--follows the exploits of a shy penguin, Hubie, who is hopelessly enamored with Marina, but must compete with the ultra macho, puffed up Drake, who wants her to be his life mate. In order to win her, one of them… More This heartwarming animated tale--reportedly inspired by a National Geographic documentary--follows the exploits of a shy penguin, Hubie, who is hopelessly enamored with Marina, but must compete with the ultra macho, puffed up Drake, who wants her to be his life mate. In order to win her, one of them must present her with a suitable pebble. Hubie finds a doozy of an emerald-like stone to give her, but before he can deliver it, the wicked Drake pushes him into the roiling sea and Hubi is swept away. Eventually Hubie is captured by traders. He must make it home within 10 days or Drake will claim his beloved Mariana. Songs are sung, action ensues, and ultimately, happiness prevails. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 14 min.
Directed By: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
Genres: Action & Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Apr 12, 1995 Wide
On DVD: Sep 19, 2000
Studio: MGM

Critic Reviews

Nancy Davis Kho, Common Sense Media
Animated penguin tale heavy on romance, peril.
Chris Hicks, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
There are a few nice moments here, but most of the way The Pebble and the Penguin is rather limp, and will likely make small children restless long before it's over.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Just like all movies with penguins, this movie is cute and somewhat funny, but not great. I liked it better when I was a kid, but it wasn't a favourite.
Jason O

A shy and not so tough penguin named Hubie (Martin Short) falls in love with the good looking Marina (Annie Golden). Once he finds out that he might actually have a chance to be Marina's mate for the upcoming mating season, he tries to find her the most spectacular pebble… More
A shy and not so tough penguin named Hubie (Martin Short) falls in love with the good looking Marina (Annie Golden). Once he finds out that he might actually have a chance to be Marina's mate for the upcoming mating season, he tries to find her the most spectacular pebble possible. For this group of penguins, a pebble is just like a wedding ring that we humans use. But there's some rough and icy waters in store for Hubie. Not only is there a macho penguin who also wants Marina, but humans and of course whales, may also pose a threat. Back when I was a kid, I wanted to see "The Pebble and the Penguin" when it first came out in 1995, but I never got the chance to see it until today. I have to admit that it's not as good as I thought it would be, but it wasn't bad either. It has good animation, it's mildly entertaining, and it would probably be especially great for kids who like animated movies. However, on the bad side, it could've been a lot better in almost every aspect and I was disappointed with the music. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2001. I'm not disappointed in many animated flicks, but this one I sorta was, although it has its charm.
danny d

decent flick but a little strange
Matt P

A blatantly banal and mediocre story any five-year-old is capable of writing that's full of unintentionally creepy animation, stereotypical characters, and awkward dialogue.
Matthew Y

By the mid-90's Don Bluth was getting absolutely crushed by Disney Animation studios at the box-office. Hammering out classic-after-classic year-after-year Bluth was struggling to even keep pace with the output let alone the quality. After Rock-A-Doodle flopped his studio was… More
By the mid-90's Don Bluth was getting absolutely crushed by Disney Animation studios at the box-office. Hammering out classic-after-classic year-after-year Bluth was struggling to even keep pace with the output let alone the quality. After Rock-A-Doodle flopped his studio was liquidated and his films sold to a Hong Kong company. Thumbelina and A Troll in Central Park barely got any form of theatrical realease and The Pebble and the Penguin was a major money loser. I was 10 when I saw The Pebble and the Penguin in theaters. When a 10 year old tells you that an animated family film sucks that is something you can take to the bank. I contemplated re-watching the film as an adult to give it a fairer assessment, however it's RT rating (critical and audience) have only solidified my childhood memories.
Gavin C

Looking back at Bluth's previous entries from the 90s, I was beginning to think about what I think about this one. Well, just say that when I was a little kid, I seemed to enjoy it, but as a young adult, I'm gonna call this movie decent. So, some of you are wondering why a… More
Looking back at Bluth's previous entries from the 90s, I was beginning to think about what I think about this one. Well, just say that when I was a little kid, I seemed to enjoy it, but as a young adult, I'm gonna call this movie decent. So, some of you are wondering why a 60%? Here's the reason why. Here are some letdowns. Letdown #1: The story was just... weird for a movie about penguins despite it's credit for a romance between two main characters. There were some things that were unexplained like "Why do penguins have clothing and hands to begin with?" and "Where did the three non-penguin birds came from?". and Letdown #2: The songs made by Barry Manilow (despite it's decent music score from Mark Watters) were mediocre. "Now and Forever" (pop song included), "Sometimes I Wonder" and reprise and "Don't Make Me Laugh" were enjoyable, but the rest weren't that catchy at all. That's it for the letdowns. Now for the highlights. The animation is very good, the character designs aren't that bad, and the voice acting is entertaining. So, is this movie weird? Well, kind of, but once you compare it to A Troll In Central Park, it's not a bad movie. It's just a decent and very cute penguin movie and it's worth watching for kids who like decent entertainment. 6/10
Curt C

Lovable, shy Hubie plans to marry the girl of his dreams by presenting her with the most beautiful pebble at the mating ceremony. Alas, Hubie is swept away by the ocean and has to find his way back before the ceremony is over. This is a Don Bluth animation, and bears many of his… More
Lovable, shy Hubie plans to marry the girl of his dreams by presenting her with the most beautiful pebble at the mating ceremony. Alas, Hubie is swept away by the ocean and has to find his way back before the ceremony is over. This is a Don Bluth animation, and bears many of his fingerprints. Lovable penguins? Oddly enough, it works, and the story is acceptable kids fare. What doesn't work, is the Don Bluth Villain. Drake the Evil Penguin? Who resides in Skull Mountain? Seriously? He adds nothing to the plot and confuses the moral. This movie could desperately use some addition by subtraction.