In the vibrant and endlessly blue world of Pixar’s Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, the ocean is more than just a setting—it’s a sprawling landscape of emotions, adventures, and unforgettable bonds. While the stories focus on family, determination, and growth, it’s the friendships that make these films truly unforgettable. Whether forged through wild road trips across the ocean, moments of shared vulnerability, or hilarious misunderstandings, these underwater friendships bring heart, humor, and healing to the story. From the deep bonds between unlikely pairs to those that blossomed out of chaos and danger, each relationship adds a layer of magic that keeps fans diving back into the ocean time and again. Here are the top ten underwater friendships from the Nemo franchise that have made a splash in our hearts.
#10: Dory and Hank
Dory and Hank’s friendship may have started out as a favor-based alliance, but it quickly turned into one of the most endearing and unexpected relationships in Finding Dory. Hank, a grumpy, camouflage-savvy “septopus” who just wants to escape the aquarium life and live out his days in a quiet tank in Cleveland, finds himself reluctantly helping Dory in her mission to find her parents. At first, he’s irritated by her forgetfulness, hyper energy, and constant distractions. He only agrees to help her so he can snag her tag and guarantee his own transfer. But as their journey unfolds, so does a surprising camaraderie.
What makes this friendship so memorable is the way it plays on contrast. Dory is bubbly, optimistic, and trusting, while Hank is cynical, anxious, and prefers solitude. But it’s Dory’s belief in people—and in herself—that gradually cracks Hank’s hardened shell. He starts looking out for her, even when he pretends, he doesn’t care. In fact, his protective instincts kick in more than once, especially when Dory is at risk of getting lost or giving up. One of the most touching moments is when Hank, despite his fear of the open ocean, dives into chaos to help Dory reach her goal. That’s not just friendship—that’s loyalty born from true emotional connection.
Visually, their dynamic is also a feast for the eyes. Hank’s ability to blend into his environment makes him a unique visual element, and his interactions with Dory create some of the most fun and inventive sequences in the movie, including their wild stroller ride and the unforgettable truck hijacking finale. Despite Hank’s crusty demeanor, there’s genuine softness underneath it all—and it’s Dory who brings that out.
By the end, Hank doesn’t just help Dory—he chooses to stay with her. He leaves behind his dream of Cleveland for something much better: companionship. And for a character who begins the film wanting nothing more than to be alone, that’s a pretty huge arc. Their friendship teaches us that sometimes the people—or sea creatures—you least expect can become the ones you trust the most. Dory and Hank prove that even in the most unlikely situations, connection can blossom, and that even the most reclusive souls need someone who believes in them.
#9: Nemo and Pearl
Pearl, the adorable flapjack octopus with the pink hue and perpetually cheerful tone, may not be as central to the story as Nemo, but her small role in the first Finding Nemo film represents the importance of friendships formed early in life. As one of Nemo’s classmates, she forms part of the trio that includes Sheldon and Tad. Together, they explore their underwater world with the reckless curiosity only young sea creatures can muster. While their antics may be brief, they showcase how friendships forged during childhood play an essential role in shaping who we become.
What’s particularly charming about Nemo and Pearl’s dynamic is the balance between their personalities. Pearl is upbeat and brave—though she famously says, “Aww, you guys made me ink!” when startled, which has become a fan-favorite line. Nemo, on the other hand, is often more cautious and thoughtful, especially given his overprotective upbringing. But when Pearl suggests venturing to the “drop-off,” Nemo doesn’t hesitate to follow. It’s one of the first moments we see Nemo trying to assert his independence, and his friendship with Pearl, Sheldon, and Tad acts as the spark.
Though their screen time is limited, the bond between Nemo and Pearl reflects a core theme of the Nemo franchise: that courage often stems from connection. Pearl, in all her tiny, squidgy enthusiasm, encourages Nemo to push boundaries. It’s in chasing these friendships—and their underwater dares—that Nemo begins the journey that drives the rest of the film. Their relationship isn’t about saving the world or deep emotional growth; it’s about the everyday bravery of being a kid and trusting your friends.
Pearl’s presence also adds levity and warmth to the school scenes. Her cheerful nature softens the tension that surrounds Marlin’s fear of letting Nemo go. She and Nemo don’t have a dramatic arc, but they don’t need one. Sometimes, the purest friendships are the simplest based on play, shared curiosity, and laughter. While other characters may play larger roles in the plot, Pearl’s influence on Nemo at the start of his story makes her a key part of his emotional development. In a sequel, it would be wonderful to see their friendship revisited—older, wiser, and still just as squishy.
#8: Dory and Destiny
The friendship between Dory and Destiny in Finding Dory is one of the most heartfelt reconnections in Pixar’s oceanic universe. Destiny, the near-sighted whale shark with a goofy grin and an even goofier swimming style, was Dory’s childhood tank neighbor at the Marine Life Institute. Though separated for years, their reunion is both emotional and hilarious, filled with nostalgic squeals, whale calls, and joyful recognition. It’s a friendship that shows how even childhood bonds that drift apart over time can be rekindled in a way that feels effortless.
Their bond is rooted in their shared struggles—Dory with her short-term memory loss, and Destiny with her poor eyesight. Neither of them fits into the world as neatly as others might, and that’s part of what makes their connection so important. They never judge each other for their quirks. Instead, they empower one another, reminding each other of their strengths. Destiny believes in Dory even when Dory doubts herself, and Dory reminds Destiny that being different doesn’t mean being incapable. That kind of mutual encouragement is a cornerstone of deep friendship, and theirs blossoms naturally, as if no time had passed at all.
One of the most touching scenes is when Destiny calls out to Dory using whale speak, and Dory answers back—a skill Destiny taught her long ago. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment that highlights how much their bond mattered to Dory’s development. Even in a tank, surrounded by barriers and limitations, they managed to teach each other hope.
Destiny’s presence also brings a different dynamic to Dory’s world. While Marlin and Nemo are cautious and grounded, Destiny is bold and emotional diving (sometimes literally) into chaos if it means helping a friend. And though she’s a bit clumsy, especially when paired with the neurotic beluga Bailey, her spirit is nothing short of heroic. Her willingness to swim through tight pipes and leap into uncertain waters for Dory shows just how strong their friendship is.
In a sea of characters, Destiny stands out not only for her size but for her soul. She’s the kind of friend who doesn’t just cheer you on—she jumps in after you, even if she can’t see where she’s going. And for Dory, whose memory makes life a constant uncertainty, having a friend like Destiny—anchored in love and full of joy—is priceless. Their bond reminds us that the best friendships don’t need perfect recall. They just need heart.
#7: Marlin and Crush
When Marlin meets Crush, the 150-year-old sea turtle with surfer vibes and a totally tubular attitude, it’s a friendship built on transformation. At first glance, the two couldn’t be more different. Marlin is the ultimate worrywart, riddled with anxiety and desperate to control every detail of his journey. Crush, meanwhile, floats through life—literally—riding the East Australian Current with a laissez-faire spirit and a heart full of trust. But their brief interaction leaves a lasting impact on Marlin, turning Crush into one of the film’s most quietly influential friends.
Crush offers Marlin more than a ride on the EAC—he offers perspective. Their conversations are layered with surfer lingo, but there’s real wisdom buried in Crush’s laid-back demeanor. When Marlin questions whether he should let Nemo venture out into the world, Crush’s response is simple but profound: “Well, you never really know. But when they know, you’ll know, you know?” It’s a moment that stays with Marlin—and the audience—long after the scene ends.
What’s particularly moving is the way Crush includes Marlin in his world without pressure. He shows him that parenting doesn’t mean holding on—it means knowing when to let go. Watching Crush interact with his son, Squirt, Marlin sees a kind of fatherhood he’s never allowed himself to imagine. One that trusts, empowers, and encourages. Crush isn’t just a new friend—he’s a role model in sea turtle form.
The visuals of their ride through the EAC are some of the most exhilarating in the franchise. The swirling current, the dynamic movement, and the constant flow mirror the changes happening inside Marlin. Crush, with his effortless cool and open heart, helps Marlin loosen his grip—not just on his anxieties, but on his need to control Nemo’s future.
Crush may only be in the movie for a short time, but his friendship with Marlin is pivotal. He doesn’t change Marlin with lectures or grand gestures. He changes him by being himself—chill, present, and endlessly supportive. That’s the power of a good friend. They don’t always steer you—they ride the wave beside you.
#6: Dory and Bailey
Bailey the beluga whale may believe he’s “echolocation-challenged,” but when it comes to friendship, his connection with Dory proves he’s anything but limited. Their friendship blossoms in Finding Dory when they reunite at the Marine Life Institute. At first, Bailey is a bit of a drama king—convinced his echolocation skills are broken, wrapped in self-doubt, and generally overreacting to every situation with a hilarious flair. But like Dory, he’s more capable than he realizes, and it’s their budding friendship that helps him discover his strengths.
Dory and Bailey don’t spend a lot of time reminiscing or trading deep backstories. Their bond is forged in the heat of urgency. But even in that high stake setting, there’s a natural, instinctive connection between them. Dory never mocks Bailey for his insecurities—in fact, she believes in his echolocation abilities before he does. Her signature optimism and tendency to believe in the best of everyone helps pull Bailey out of his self-imposed fog. She doesn’t try to fix him—she just trusts that he can rise to the challenge.
The moment when Bailey finally activates his echolocation to help locate Dory is both triumphant and touching. It’s the payoff to Dory’s faith in him, and it’s the turning point where Bailey realizes his worth isn’t defined by what he thinks he lacks. Their partnership during the truck hijacking finale also cements their bond—navigating through chaos with teamwork and last-minute instincts.
Bailey, for all his quirks and exaggerated personality, becomes a loyal companion. And Dory, who often struggles to maintain long-term memories and connections, instinctively understands how to reach someone like Bailey. Their friendship is rooted in acceptance—of flaws, fears, and funny habits. They may not seem like the obvious pairing, but that’s what makes their relationship so refreshing. They complement each other’s weaknesses with patience and humor.
In a franchise where everyone is searching for something—family, purpose, identity—Bailey and Dory’s friendship reminds us that sometimes, the best way to find what you need is to help someone else find their way first.
#5: Nemo and Dory
Though the primary journey of the original Finding Nemo centers on Marlin and Dory’s search for Nemo, the relationship between Nemo and Dory blooms quietly and beautifully in Finding Dory. When they’re finally brought together as more than just names in a story, their connection becomes one of the emotional anchors of the sequel.
Nemo has always been more patient than his father, and with Dory, he showcases a natural empathy beyond his years. Unlike many adults in Dory’s life, Nemo doesn’t treat her forgetfulness like a burden. Instead, he listens, adapts, and supports her without hesitation. There’s something powerful about watching a child lead with compassion where others falter. Nemo accepts Dory for exactly who she is, no questions asked.
Their friendship grows in moments of teamwork—Nemo helping Dory remember, Dory teaching Nemo that sometimes you have to trust your instincts. They become a team not because they’re forced to, but because they choose to believe in each other. It’s particularly moving because Dory often struggles to maintain relationships due to her memory loss. With Nemo, there’s a bond that feels steady—even eternal.
The scenes in Finding Dory where Nemo reassures Dory, especially when she’s doubting herself, are tearjerking in their simplicity. Nemo, in many ways, becomes what Dory once was for Marlin: a grounding force of faith and encouragement. Their mutual respect and quiet understanding elevate their connection from a secondary relationship to one of the franchise’s core emotional foundations.
Their friendship is a beautiful reminder that empathy isn’t about age or experience—it’s about the willingness to truly see someone. And Nemo, despite being the youngest among the main trio, sees Dory more clearly than anyone. It’s that emotional insight that makes their bond unforgettable.
#4: Dory and Marlin
The heartbeat of Finding Nemo and a major emotional throughline of Finding Dory, the friendship between Dory and Marlin is as complex as the ocean they travel through. It begins under the most stressful of circumstances: Marlin is a frantic, overprotective father searching for his lost son, and Dory is a cheerful, forgetful fish who offers to help simply because she wants to. What unfolds isn’t just a partnership—it’s a transformative friendship built on patience, forgiveness, and hard-won trust.
At first, their differences couldn’t be starker. Marlin is rigid, rule-following, and constantly stressed. Dory is spontaneous, optimistic, and a bit chaotic. But the deeper their journey goes, the more they begin to learn from each other. Marlin starts to loosen his grip on control, opening up to the unpredictable rhythm of life. Dory, in turn, finds someone who genuinely wants her around—not out of obligation, but appreciation. For a character who constantly apologizes for being forgetful and feeling like a burden, that kind of acceptance is everything.
One of the most emotionally resonant moments in Finding Nemo is when Marlin tells Dory, “When I look at you… I’m home.” It’s not a romantic confession—it’s a moment of deep platonic love and connection. Marlin realizes that Dory, in all her unpredictability, has become his anchor. And by the time Finding Dory begins, that bond has become an unspoken but vital part of both their lives.
But friendships, like ocean currents, aren’t always smooth. In Finding Dory, their dynamic is tested. Marlin says something careless that cuts Dory deeply, reigniting her fears of being unwanted. It’s a tough but important scene—because it reminds us that even close friendships can falter. What matters is how they recover. And Marlin, to his credit, owns his mistake. He doesn’t just apologize—he learns how to be better. Their reconciliation is quiet but deeply moving, and it reflects how much they’ve both grown.
Together, Marlin and Dory teach each other—and the audience—how to navigate relationships that require real effort. Their friendship isn’t built on convenience; it’s built on consistent choice. They choose each other again and again, through misunderstandings, mistakes, and every unpredictable twist in the ocean. It’s a friendship that proves love doesn’t always look like perfection. Sometimes, it looks like a clownfish and a blue tang figuring it out as they go—and never giving up on each other.
#3: Hank and Destiny
Though they don’t share as many scenes as other character pairings, Hank and Destiny’s friendship in Finding Dory is a subtle gem that deserves the spotlight. These two couldn’t be more different on the surface. Hank is grumpy, calculated, and desperately trying to escape the Marine Life Institute for a solitary tank in Cleveland. Destiny is upbeat, clumsy, and absolutely thrilled to reconnect with her childhood friend Dory. But in their overlapping missions to help Dory, they develop a bond grounded in mutual respect and unexpected teamwork.
Their relationship grows out of necessity, but it’s laced with comedic friction that masks a deeper admiration. Hank, who tends to view emotional expression as a weakness, is initially baffled by Destiny’s openness and chaotic energy. Destiny, in turn, sees past Hank’s gruff demeanor and recognizes a heart that still cares—despite his protests. When Dory gets separated, both of them rally to help her, despite their individual fears and limitations.
There’s something charming about the way Hank reacts to Destiny’s frequent misjudgments of distance or direction. Instead of mocking her, he eventually starts adapting, working around her quirks instead of trying to correct them. In a subtle way, this shift reflects one of the film’s deeper messages: that our differences, when embraced, make us stronger as a team.
One of the most impactful moments between them comes during the escape sequence. Hank, who’s used to operating solo, must trust Destiny (and Bailey) to guide him through pipes and peril. It’s a leap of faith that shows just how far he’s come—from cynical loner to someone willing to follow a whale shark’s call in the dark.
Their friendship might be underplayed compared to the bigger emotional arcs, but it’s one of the most realistic portrayals of how camaraderie can develop out of shared struggle. Hank and Destiny aren’t the loudest or most obvious duo, but they’re one of the most quietly compelling. They show that friendship doesn’t always need big declarations—sometimes it’s found in simple trust, mutual problem-solving, and sticking together even when the current gets rough.
#2: Nemo and Squirt
When Nemo meets Squirt, the energetic young sea turtle with a surfer’s heart and boundless enthusiasm, it’s like watching two currents of youth and courage collide. Squirt, the son of Crush, brings an energy that’s infectious from the moment he launches out of the East Australian Current with a gleeful “Whoa!” He’s fearless, funny, and full of life. But more importantly, his brief but powerful interaction with Nemo shows us what peer encouragement and shared bravery can look like beneath the waves.
Both Nemo and Squirt are kids navigating big, unpredictable worlds. Nemo is still dealing with the emotional weight of his disability and the trauma of being separated from his father. Squirt, on the other hand, is confident, daring, and fully at ease with the chaos of the EAC. When Squirt gets ejected from the current and then pops right back in like it’s nothing, Nemo watches in awe. It’s a moment that might seem like a small thrill ride, but symbolically, it’s everything.
In that moment, Nemo sees someone his age embracing danger with excitement instead of fear. And it’s clear that Squirt sees Nemo not as someone to pity, but as a fellow adventurer. That peer recognition is a subtle turning point in Nemo’s arc. It’s the first time he sees himself through the eyes of another child who doesn’t see him as fragile or limited. Squirt’s natural way of treating Nemo like an equal help boost Nemo’s confidence more than any adult pep talk ever could.
Their friendship, though brief, feels organic. Squirt doesn’t hesitate to engage Nemo in conversation, invite him into the EAC culture, or show him the ropes of surfing the current. And in return, Nemo relaxes. He lets go a little. The tension in his fins, so visible throughout the film, seems to ease. It’s a beautiful, blink-and-you-miss-it bonding moment that helps propel Nemo toward becoming more independent and self-assured.
A sequel exploring more of their relationship would be an absolute delight. Imagine Squirt and Nemo on an ocean adventure of their own learning from each other, clashing styles, and becoming a duo that echoes the bond of their fathers, Marlin and Crush. Squirt could challenge Nemo to be bolder, while Nemo could help Squirt think things through a bit more. It’s a perfect match of energy and heart, and it all starts with that joyful flip through the current.
Squirt and Nemo show us that some of the most powerful friendships don’t need long histories or dramatic conflicts. Sometimes, it just takes one shared adventure and a little trust to ignite something unforgettable. Their bond is the kind that resonates long after the screen fades to black—a reminder that courage can be contagious, and friends come in all shells and stripes.
#1: Marlin and Nemo
At the core of the Nemo franchise lies its most iconic and emotionally resonant relationship: the friendship between Marlin and his son, Nemo. While their bond begins as that of father and son, what unfolds throughout both Finding Nemo and Finding Dory is something much deeper. It’s a friendship forged through hardship, misunderstanding, forgiveness, and a growing mutual respect that evolves with each stroke of the journey.
When we first meet Marlin, he’s paralyzed by fear. Having lost his mate and all but one of his children in a traumatic attack, he clings to Nemo with the tightest grip imaginable. His love is suffocating, driven by the terror of losing the one thing he has left. Nemo, understandably, wants independence. He wants to explore, prove himself, and not be defined by his “lucky fin.” The early tension between them is relatable for anyone who’s ever had a parent struggle to let go—or a child desperate to be seen as more than fragile.
What makes their relationship special is that it doesn’t change instantly. It changes through action, risk, and shared experiences. As Marlin crosses oceans, dodges sharks, rides currents, and battles jellyfish, he slowly begins to see Nemo not as someone to protect, but as someone capable of bravery and brilliance. And Nemo, too, sees his dad not as a nervous wreck, but as someone willing to face the entire ocean just to find him.
By the time they reunite, they are no longer just father and son—they are true friends. They trust each other. They listen. And most importantly, they grow. In Finding Dory, this dynamic is further explored as Marlin leans on Nemo for advice, and Nemo, in turn, becomes a support system for both Marlin and Dory. It’s a full-circle evolution, showing that friendship within family is just as important as love.
Their relationship is laced with some of Pixar’s most heartfelt dialogue—from “I promise I’ll never let anything happen to you” to “You think you can do these things, but you just can’t, Nemo!”—followed by one of the most powerful reversals of belief ever animated. Marlin learns to let go. Nemo learns to lead. And both discover that their bond is strongest when it’s rooted in trust, not control.
Marlin and Nemo’s journey shows us that the deepest friendships aren’t always effortless. They take work, communication, vulnerability, and a willingness to change. But when built on love, they become the kind of connection that can weather any storm—or current. And that’s why this underwater friendship isn’t just number one—it’s a timeless tribute to how far we’ll go for the ones we love.
