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Finding Nemo Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Finding Nemo movies in order

Last updated: April 15 2026

Written by: ChronoChris

Finding Nemo and its sequel Finding Dory are two of Pixar's most beloved films — heartwarming underwater adventures about family, friendship, and never giving up. Short as the series is, knowing the connection between the two films makes the emotional journey all the richer.

Pixar's Finding Nemo took the world by storm in 2003 with its stunning underwater animation and deeply emotional story of a father's desperate search for his missing son. Marlin the clownfish and the lovably forgetful Dory became instant icons of animated cinema. Thirteen years later, Finding Dory gave the fan-favorite blue tang her own adventure, shifting focus to Dory's search for her own family while Marlin and Nemo tag along for the ride. Together the two films form one of Pixar's most charming duos.

🕐 Release Order

There are only two films in the series, and they were released in the order you should watch them — starting with Finding Nemo is essential, as Finding Dory directly builds on its characters and relationships.

  1. Finding Nemo (2003)
  2. Finding Dory (2016)

The story chronology is exactly the same as release order — Finding Dory takes place approximately one year after the events of Finding Nemo, continuing the story of Marlin, Nemo, and Dory as a found family.

📖 Story Chronology

Finding Dory is set roughly a year after Finding Nemo, making it a true continuation of the story rather than a prequel or standalone adventure. The two films connect seamlessly.

  1. Finding Nemo (2003) — Marlin searches the ocean for his son Nemo
  2. Finding Dory (2016) — Dory searches for her long-lost family at the Marine Life Institute

Which Order Should You Choose?

Always start with Finding Nemo — it's one of Pixar's absolute masterpieces and introduces every character you'll care about in Finding Dory. Watching Dory's sequel without knowing her story from the original would significantly reduce the emotional impact of her adventure. Finding Dory is a worthy follow-up that works as both a companion film for adults who loved the original and as a standalone adventure for younger viewers. Whether you're introducing these films to a child or revisiting them as an adult, watching them in order is the only way to go.

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