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Finding Dory

Finding Dory

An unforgettable journey she probably won't remember.

201697 minPGMidcredits score: 86th percentile of all films
Directors
Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane
Starring
Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill, Hayden Rolence

Dory is reunited with her friends Nemo and Marlin in the search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale?

Where to watch

Where can I watch Finding Dory?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Finding Dory streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Finding Dory?

Finding Dory earns 12 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Star-studded.

Show 4 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Finding Dory worth watching?

Finding Dory's Midcredits score is the 86th percentile of all films, from 1.6M ratings across 6 sources. 76% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

86th percentile

Better received than 86% of films

79th percentile among Animation86th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)83rd
Approval (how many liked it)86th

71 /100

83rd percentile of all films

75th percentile among Animation82nd percentile among 2010s

Critics 77 · Audience 71

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.3 — people broadly agree on this one.

76% liked it

86th percentile of all films

81st percentile among Animation87th percentile among 2010s
76% rated it 7–1024% rated it 1–6

Critics 94% · Audience 84%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 17 wins / 49 noms overall

  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Animated Feature Film

99th percentile

1.6M ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 27% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$200M
Opening weekend$135M
Domestic gross$486M
Worldwide gross$1B

Returned 5.1× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree the film is visually impressive and well-acted, but while fans see it as a heartfelt journey, detractors find its narrative too derivative of the original.

Fans praised

  • Ellen DeGeneres' voice performance as Dory is a perfect blend of actor and character
  • The new characters, like Ed O'Neill's escape-artist septipus, add colorful energy
  • The flashback narrative structure cleverly explores Dory's backstory and search for her parents

Detractors panned

  • The plot is too similar to Finding Nemo, retracing familiar steps without the original's depth
  • Giving the comic relief character her own story doesn't work, making Dory less effective as a lead
  • The film feels overlong for a children's movie, with pacing issues and set pieces that don't link well

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Ellen DeGeneres' return as Dory is universally praised, with strong support from Albert Brooks and Ed O'Neill

Cinematography85

Stunning animation and visual details bring the ocean and aquarium to life

Effects and spectacleDivisive80

Impressive aquatic set pieces, though some lack the tension of the original's

Emotional impactDivisive70

Dory's search for her parents tugs at heartstrings, though it's less affecting than Nemo

CharactersDivisive60

New characters like Hank the septipus are beloved, but some argue giving Dory the spotlight backfires

Plot and storyDivisive55

Derivative of Finding Nemo, with a predictable search-for-family storyline that lacks the original's novelty

PacingDivisive50

Runtime feels long for a kids' film, and some set pieces feel disconnected, though the emotional beats land well

OriginalityDivisive40

Recycles the original's premise, with critics and fans noting a lack of fresh ideas

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 12 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Finding Dory like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
HopefulJoyful
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film is earnest and heartwarming, with gentle humor and emotional peaks.
The rideThe film balances lighthearted adventure with emotional moments, with the heaviest emotional weight during Dory's mid-journey crisis of doubt, though the overall tone remains hopeful.
StructureThe story follows Dory's journey in linear order, with flashbacks providing context.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a warm, uplifting sense that family love overcomes all obstacles.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestRescue
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Voyage and return underneath

Why this archetypeDory embarks on a journey across the ocean to find her parents, with a return home.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% (this title) · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsMemory · 3% of filmsIdentity · 14% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Dory's enduring love for her family and her determination to find them, while also exploring how memory shapes identity and belonging.
StanceThe film celebrates the enduring power of family bonds and the determination to overcome obstacles, presenting Dory's quest as a triumphant affirmation of love and perseverance.

The world

ContemporaryWildernessInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Thomas Newman
SettingThe Pacific Ocean, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Marine Life Institute in California
MusicThomas Newman's score blends whimsical and emotional cues, enhancing the film's adventurous and heartfelt tone.

Content guide

Is Finding Dory okay for kids?

PG

Finding Dory is rated PG: “Rated PG for mild thematic elements” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (8/100), sexual content at minimal (12/100), language at minimal (11/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (2/100) and frightening material at mild (29/100). Overall it is heavier than 5% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 29 other countries
  • UKU
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandG
  • New ZealandG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • GreeceΚ
  • Hong KongI
  • Hungary12
  • IDSU
  • ItalyT
  • LTV
  • MexicoAA
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway6
  • PolandAL
  • PortugalM/6
  • ROAP
  • Russia6+
  • SpainA
  • Sweden7
  • Switzerland0
  • Taiwan普遍級
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 1% of all filmsHeavier than 5% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 6%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 21%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 17%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 2%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 31%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 31% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Finding Dory have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Finding Dory?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Ellen DeGeneres
as Dory
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Albert Brooks
as Marlin
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ed O'Neill
as Hank
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Hayden Rolence
as Nemo
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Diane Keaton
as Jenny
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Eugene Levy
as Charlie
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Ty Burrell
as Bailey
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Kaitlin Olson
as Destiny
Idris Elba
as Fluke
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Dominic West
as Rudder
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Finding Dory?

Movies like Finding Dory include Finding Nemo (2003), Toy Story 5 (2026) and Toy Story 3 (2010). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Andrew Stanton, and all are family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its subject: family bonds. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Finding Dory?

827 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: animal. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.