---
title: "Finding Nemo"
year: 2003
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/finding-nemo"
fi1m_id: "finding-nemo"
imdb_id: "tt0266543"
tmdb_id: 12
wikidata_id: "Q132863"
fi1m_score: 85
critics_score: 78
critics_reviews: 19
published: "2026-09-14"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:28.616246+00:00"
region: "DK"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Finding Nemo (2003)

Directed by Andrew Stanton · 1h 40m · Medierådet 7 · Animation, Family, Adventure

## Identity

Finding Nemo

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/finding-nemo
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** finding-nemo
- **IMDb ID:** tt0266543
- **TMDB ID:** 12
- **Wikidata ID:** Q132863
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266543/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/12, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132863

**Fi1m score: 85** · Critics 78 from 19 reviews

*In a sentence:* The sharks have joined a recovery group and the father still thinks he’s the sensible one

> Andrew Stanton makes a funny, moving ocean adventure out of a father’s fear for his son. The voices are excellent and the underwater world is full of life, though the parenting advice can get insistent.

## Synopsis

An ocean search puts a fearful fish father’s wish to protect his child up against a rebellious son’s need for independence. Marlin (Albert Brooks), Nemo (Alexander Gould) and Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) are at the centre of the adventure, which takes place among sea creatures with recognisably human worries and habits. Even the sharks are trying to reform their behaviour. Andrew Stanton directs a story about family, danger and learning to let children make mistakes, with Willem Dafoe voicing Gill and Geoffrey Rush voicing Nigel.

## Review

*Finding Nemo* is a funny, affecting family adventure with a clear understanding of how tiring an anxious parent can be. Andrew Stanton takes that worry seriously without requiring us to agree with every attempt to keep a child safe. Both generations have a fair complaint: the father sees danger, while the son wants room to live. We recommend it warmly, with a small reservation about how firmly the parenting lesson is spelt out.

Albert Brooks gives Marlin the strained voice of someone who regards relaxing as a lapse in responsibility. We were moved by his fear for Nemo, because Brooks lets the affection remain audible beneath the fuss. The voice can be wearing, and that is useful up to a point: here is a father whose concern might make a child desperate to get away. Alexander Gould gives Nemo enough resistance to make that wish for independence seem reasonable.

Ellen DeGeneres gives Dory a welcome conversational ease. Her exchanges with Brooks have a loose, companionable rhythm that allows the jokes to feel discovered during conversation. The screenplay, credited to Stanton, Bob Peterson and David Reynolds, also finds room for the sharks’ attempts at reform, a joke that is funny before the adults have finished recognising it. The sea creatures have enough individual worries to keep the journey from feeling like a succession of introductions.

Cinematographers Jeremy Lasky and Sharon Calahan keep the characters readable amid the underwater colour and movement. The Great Barrier Reef is busy and expansive enough to make a small fish’s vigilance seem understandable. Ralph Eggleston’s production design keeps the habitat convincing even when the sharks behave like people attending a recovery meeting. There is pleasure in the scenery, but it never makes the creatures seem like an interruption.

David Ian Salter’s editing keeps the adventure moving while leaving enough room for Brooks and DeGeneres to find their comic rhythm. That matters in a film with so many creatures asking for attention. Thomas Newman’s score gives the underwater world a sense of space, allowing the images to feel larger than the immediate business of the search. His music works best when it leaves the voices room; these performances need little help making us care.

Stanton and his fellow writers are sometimes too keen to tell us what the parent should learn. The family tensions are plain enough in the performances, and the insistence on a lesson makes an otherwise nimble film feel briefly instructional. A little more trust in the audience would help, especially when Brooks has already made both the love and the exasperation clear.

As a family adventure, it gives adults and children a good reason to pay attention to the same characters. The creatures are entertaining company even when their problems are familiar. At 100 minutes, it offers plenty without wearing out its welcome. Watch it together, and resist explaining the lesson afterwards.

*Fi1m score 85, published 14 September 2026.*

## Straight answers

**Is Finding Nemo worth watching?**

*Finding Nemo* is worth watching for families and for anyone who has ever been the anxious parent or the child trying to escape one, and we scored it 85. Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres carry a funny, moving ocean adventure with a fair complaint on both sides. Our one reservation is that the parenting lesson is spelt out more firmly than the performances need.

**How long is Finding Nemo, and what is it rated?**

*Finding Nemo* runs 1h 40m and is rated 7 by the Medierådet in Denmark. It is an animation and family film.

**Where can I watch Finding Nemo in Denmark?**

*Finding Nemo* is streaming on Disney+ in Denmark, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from kr 39.00. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Finding Nemo compare to My Neighbor Totoro?**

*Finding Nemo* is the busier, funnier film, and [*My Neighbor Totoro*](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro) the gentler and more patient one. Andrew Stanton's ocean adventure runs on a father's fear and a son's need for room, with a lesson it is too keen to state; Hayao Miyazaki's fantasy takes children's worries seriously without explaining them away. Choose Nemo for jokes and pace, Totoro for quiet attentiveness.

**What should I watch after Finding Nemo?**

After *Finding Nemo*, try [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro) (1988, Fi1m 89): A gentler family adventure that takes children’s worries seriously without explaining them away. Then [*Song of the Sea*](https://film.one/film/song-of-the-sea) (2014, Fi1m 82): Another animated sea journey with family grief beneath its creatures and colour; and [*The Iron Giant*](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant) (1999, Fi1m 88): For another animated adventure that earns its feelings through an unlikely friendship.

### Reviews we read (19)

- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (90/100, inferred): Pixar solidifies its status as Hollywood's most reliable creative force with this engaging undersea story of a fish family learning life lessons. Turan singles out the rapturous visuals of the Great Barrier Reef and the eccentric, culturally skewering sea creatures like the sharks in recovery. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-finding-nemo-review-20030530-snap-story.html)
- **RogerEbert.com**, Roger Ebert (90/100, inferred): The film delivers the usual Pixar pleasures of comedy and wackiness while adding striking visual beauty in its underwater world of color and movement. Ebert praises the inventive story, memorable voice performances, and how it appeals to both children and adults. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/finding-nemo-2003)
- **Screen Daily** (90/100, inferred): Maintains Pixar's exceptionally high standard with deliriously inventive storytelling and warm wit, setting a high artistic benchmark. Highlights its visually striking CGI underwater design while ensuring characterisation comes first, remaining endearing without cloying. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/finding-nemo/4013704.article)
- **The AV Club**, Keith Phipps (90/100, inferred): The review praises Pixar's high standard of storytelling that blends humor and emotional depth, noting the impressive visuals underwater while grounding the tale in familiar heartbreak and happiness. It highlights the opening scene's impact and the voice performances bringing heart to the characters. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/finding-nemo-1798198587)
- **The Guardian** (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as outstanding quality family entertainment from Pixar, with dazzling CGI, witty characters and superb direction. They single out the hyperreal underwater world and the voices, especially Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres, while noting it feels slightly less ambitious than prior Pixar films. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/oct/03/2)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Sheri Linden (90/100, inferred): The review calls it an exhilarating fish story with a fluid narrative and visual nuance that feels less mechanical than prior Pixar films. It singles out the chemistry between Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres along with the meticulous sound design and Thomas Newman score for praise. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/finding-nemo-review-2003-movie-1115691/)
- **The Independent** (90/100, inferred): The review calls the Pixar underwater tale a visual delight with exquisite animation and a crisp script, noting it remains a poignant examination of letting go of children even after multiple viewings. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/dvd-bluray-review-finding-nemo-3d-u-8638384.html)
- **Evening Standard**, Neil Norman (85/100, inferred): The critic calls it Pixar's finest work so far, a classic tale with genuine emotional depth, terrifically funny script and breathtaking animation. The characters, psychological insight and technical skill are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/a-fabulously-fishy-tale-7436665.html)
- **Empire**, Angie Errigo (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film beautifully composed and consistently charming, with a perfectly family-oriented mix of adventure, humour and life lessons. The animation, voice cast and underwater world are singled out for praise as terrific-looking and sweet. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/finding-nemo-review/)
- **Sight and Sound** (70/100, inferred): The review praises the film's technical mastery in rendering water and underwater visuals with extraordinary precision and detail. It criticises the narrative as fractionally less rich and more conventional than prior Pixar efforts, lacking their subtlety. [Read](http://old.bfi.org.uk/features/ultimatefilm/chart/details.php?ranking=56)
- **The New York Times**, Stephen Holden (NYT Critic’s Pick): The review calls the film an upbeat, sentimental fable about a fearful father and rebellious son, highlighting its sparkling aquatic animation and comically inspired characters like the great white shark Bruce. It praises the witty script and the way it balances adventure with family themes. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/30/movies/film-review-vast-sea-tiny-fish-big-crisis.html)
- **The Times**, Sean Macaulay (70/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's visual feast and witty family animation from Pixar, highlighting its accessibility for children and the standout shark characters. However, the plot's fractured family setup and pat life lessons are seen as calculated. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/comedy/article/digital-fish-never-tasted-this-good-9lvp9j7pddg)
- **Time Out**, Tom Huddleston (70/100, inferred): Praises the film for proving how far audiences would trust Pixar's output without familiar elements or big stars, becoming a banner title with thrilling big scenes. Notes it is not quite as note-perfect as later work, with a grating lead voice and soppy ending. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/finding-nemo)
- **Variety**, Todd McCarthy (70/100, inferred): The review calls it a buoyant adventure with spectacular underwater visuals and cheeky comic flair that will be a box office hit, though it doesn't quite match the artistic heights of prior Pixar films like Toy Story. [Read](https://variety.com/2003/film/awards/finding-nemo-4-1200541411/)
- **Slant Magazine** (50/100, inferred): The review describes the film as transplanting suburban parental anxiety to an underwater setting in an adorable but less inventive way than prior Pixar efforts. It notes the simple lesson about trusting children to make mistakes and says it should resonate with overprotective parents. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/finding-nemo/)
- **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane (50/100, inferred): The critic finds the film visually impressive with its underwater animation and praises Ellen DeGeneres's voice work as Dory, but notes it leans too sentimental and anthropomorphic compared to previous Pixar efforts. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2003/06/09/fishy-business)
- **HeyUGuys**, Steven Neish (90/100, inferred): The critic praises Finding Nemo as Pixar's greatest film overall, citing its layered narrative with multiple themes, memorable ensemble of characters, and perfect balance of humor appealing to all ages. They single out Ellen DeGeneres' voice performance as Dory for particular acclaim as the standout element. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/video-vault-25-years-of-pixar-retrospective-finding-nemo/)
- **/Film**, Josh Spiegel (80/100, inferred): The critic examines Finding Nemo's focus on parental neuroses and the embrace of surrogate or patchwork families, positioning it as a key Pixar text on letting go and community. They single out the emotional dynamics involving Marlin, Nemo, and especially Dory for praise in delivering the film's core themes. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/558598/finding-nemo-turns-15/)
- **Paste**, Andy Crump (80/100, inferred): The critic views the film as one of Pixar's best for its visual splendor and honest take on fatherly anxiety and parent-child bonds. The opening sequence stands out as uniquely effective disaster horror that resonates due to its relatable existential dread. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/pixar/finding-nemo-disneys-greatest-trauma)

## Details

- **Director:** Andrew Stanton
- **Director:** Andrew Stanton
- **Screenplay:** Andrew Stanton, David Reynolds, Bob Peterson
- **Cinematography:** Sharon Calahan, Jeremy Lasky
- **Editor:** David Ian Salter
- **Music:** Thomas Newman
- **Production design:** Ralph Eggleston
- **Producer:** Graham Walters
- **Cast:** Albert Brooks as Marlin (voice); Ellen DeGeneres as Dory (voice); Alexander Gould as Nemo (voice); Willem Dafoe as Gill (voice); Geoffrey Rush as Nigel (voice); Brad Garrett as Bloat (voice); Allison Janney as Peach (voice); Austin Pendleton as Gurgle (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 40m
- **Certificate (Medierådet):** 7
- **Release (Denmark):** 14 November 2003
- **Genres:** Animation, Family, Adventure
- **Also in:** [Golden Globe Best Musical or Comedy winners](https://film.one/collections/golden-globe-comedy.md) (Nominee, 2003)
- **Budget:** $94 million
- **Box office:** $940 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPHfeNgogVs

## Where to watch in Denmark

- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent kr 39.00, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy kr 129.00, sd

*Checked 2026-09-14.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2004: Best Original Score (nominated); Best Writing, Original Screenplay (nominated); Best Animated Feature (won)
- BAFTA Film Awards 2004: BAFTA's Children & Young People Award - Feature Film (nominated)
- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2004: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (won)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2003: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (won)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2003: Best Animated Feature (won)
- European Film Award for Best Non-European Film 2003: European Film Award for Best Non-European Film (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *My Neighbour Totoro* (1988), Fi1m 89: A gentler family adventure that takes children’s worries seriously without explaining them away. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro.md)
- *Song of the Sea* (2014), Fi1m 82: Another animated sea journey with family grief beneath its creatures and colour. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/song-of-the-sea.md)
- *The Iron Giant* (1999), Fi1m 88: For another animated adventure that earns its feelings through an unlikely friendship. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant.md)
- *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: Animal companions question sensible adult rules, with warmth and considerably less noise. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.md)
- *The Kid* (1921), Fi1m 84: Protective parenting, unruly childhood and comedy that makes the fear of separation matter. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-kid.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/finding-nemo