Happy Feet movies in order Happy Feet Marathon
Page Last Modified:
15 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Happy Feet Two - 2011
Total Runtime:
207 Minutes
Total Items:
2
Average User Score:
(6)Happy Feet movies in order
A Happy Feet movie marathon is just what the doctor ordered. This cheerful, musical franchise takes you to a chilly Antarctica filled with dancing Emperor Penguins, hilarious supporting characters, and a subtly strong environmental message. Whether you're meeting Mumble (Elijah Wood) for the first time or you're an old pro, these films are a blast. Just be careful, the order you view them in matters. Even though there are only two films, the character development and thematic continuity make it so much more enjoyable to watch them in the correct chronological sequence. Grab some popcorn, get your friends together (or your inner circle of penguin enthusiasts), and keep reading.
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1
Happy Feet Movie 108 min. 2006Into the world of the Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song, a penguin is born who cannot sing. But he can tap dance something fierce!USER SCORE 6 -
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Happy Feet Two Movie 99 min. 2011Mumble the penguin has a problem: his son Erik, who is reluctant to dance, encounters the Mighty Sven — a penguin who can fly! Things get worse for Mumble when the world is shaken by powerful forces, causing him to bring together the penguin nations and their allies to set things right.USER SCORE 6
Happy Feet (2006)
This is where it all begins: the original Happy Feet, directed by George Miller. Yeah, it's the same one from Mad Max, what a difference! Warner Bros Animation and Animal Logic have created an awesome musical with a cool mix of CGI penguins, dance numbers, and a heartwarming story. We meet Mumble, a young emperor penguin with a big problem: he can't sing. But he's got moves. His unique talent puts him at odds with the traditional penguin community, including his father, Memphis (Hugh Jackman), and mother, Norma Jean (Nicole Kidman). Luckily, there are the eccentric Adelie penguins led by Ramon (Robin Williams in a dual role alert!) and the mysterious Lovelace, also voiced by Williams. What makes this film so special? The mix of musical animated movies with a surprisingly strong environmental message is pretty cool. The animation is still impressive, especially the dance sequences choreographed based on real tap dancing. And trust me, once the first notes of "Boogie Wonderland" start playing, you're hooked. This movie sets the tone for the whole Happy Feet franchise and hits you with energy, humor, and a hefty dose of feel-good vibes. So, make sure to put this one first on your playlist. I'm not arguing.
Happy Feet Two (2011)
Fast forward to the sequel, where the tap-dancing tradition continues, but this time with a new generation of penguins. Happy Feet Two takes place a few years after the original film. Mumble is now the dad of little Erik (voiced by Ava Acres), an adorable but headstrong penguin who, as you might have guessed, is also a bit different. Mumble tried to go against the grain, but Erik's gotta find his own path, and that's not without some snowstorms along the way. What really stands out in this sequel is how the Antarctica setting is even more spectacularly portrayed, with a greater emphasis on the icy landscapes and survival in nature. New characters like Sven the Puffin (Hank Azaria) are a nice change of pace, and the subplot with Will the Krill (Brad Pitt) and Bill the Krill (Matt Damon) is funny and thought-provoking. Yes, existentialist krill in a children's film! George Miller loves taking risks, and it works. Although the film's tone is slightly darker than its predecessor, it remains a family-friendly animation with enough CGI penguin animation and musical moments to keep you warm. During your marathon, pay attention to how the environmental messages in this installment add an extra layer. And, to be honest? The climax is one of the most impressive scenes in modern animated musical comedy. If you start with the first film, you'll be in the right groove right from the start.
Why this order works
It might be tempting to jump straight to the latest film, especially if you've seen the first one a bunch of times, but watching the Happy Feet movies in order is really worth it. You get to build up the characters logically, and you also see how the themes evolve. From personal expression and acceptance in the first part to parenthood, responsibility, and ecological threats in the second. Also, there are a lot of small callbacks, visual easter eggs, and character developments that only stand out when you watch the films back-to-back. Think about how Mumble grows in a subtle way, and how Robin Williams' characters play different roles in the community in both movies. If you're into modern animated classics, this is a subtle masterclass in character continuity.
Expanding the Happy Feet world beyond films
If you're not tired of dancing penguins after your marathon, good news: the Happy Feet franchise extends beyond the screen. There are a bunch of Happy Feet video games out there for platforms like the Wii, DS, and PlayStation. They've got you on rhythmic missions and icy adventures. The Happy Feet merchandise is also super cozy. Imagine penguin plush toys, mugs featuring Mumble, and even tap dance socks. You'll really want to have these for your next movie night. This franchise is perfect for anyone who loves dance sequences in animation, catchy soundtracks, and a good dose of heart. And yes, feel free to shed a tear during certain scenes, even if you didn't expect it in a film about a tap-dancing penguin.
Make it an unforgettable movie night
Now that you know you should watch the Happy Feet movies in chronological order, it's time to set up your movie night properly. Lower the lights, crank up the heat (since you're in Antarctica), and get snacks with a "cool" theme like ice cream, blue slushies, or popcorn in penguin-shaped containers. Go wild! Invite your fellow fans. This marathon is short enough to watch in one evening, but powerful enough to stick with you. And remember: these films are about more than just the dance moves. Their message is what makes them so powerful. Dare to be different. Dare to move like no one else does. And if you're in the mood for more animated adventures, be sure to check out our other animated binge guides. So, put everything else on hold, hit play, and let yourself be carried away to the most swinging piece of the South Pole you've ever seen.