In the great nation of Emperor Penguins, deep in Antarctica, you're nobody unless you can sing - which is unfortunate for Mumble (Elijah Wood), who is the worst singer in the world. He is born dancing to his own tune...tap dancing. Though Mumble's mom, Norma Jean (Nicole Kidman), thinks this little habit is cute, his dad, Memphis (Hugh Jackman), says "it just ain't penguin." Besides, they both know that without a Heartsong, Mumble may never find true love. Mumble is just too different-especially for the stern leader of Emperor Land, who ultimately casts him out of the community. Away from home for the first time, Mumble meets a posse of decidedly un-Emperor-like penguins, the Adelies, which instantly embrace Mumble's cool dance moves and invite him to party with them. Mumble seeks counsel with Lovelace the Guru, a crazy-feathered Rockhopper penguin who will answer any of life's questions for the price of a pebble.

Together with his new friends, Mumble sets out across vast landscapes and, after some epic encounters, proves that by being true to yourself you can make a difference in the world.