Best Movies like Finding Dory (2016)

Finding Nemo shares a closely connected premise with Finding Dory, featuring the same main characters—Dory, Marlin, and Nemo—on an undersea adventure. Both films combine animated family storytelling with heartfelt themes of friendship, perseverance, and discovering one's place in the world.

Nemo, an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist's office aquarium. It's up to his worrisome father Marlin and a friendly but forgetful fish Dory to bring Nemo home -- meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more along the way. Finding Nemo is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2003 with an average rating of 7.8 by 20,766 people. The movie made an estimated total of $940,335,536 in the box office.

Paddington 2, like Finding Dory, presents an uplifting family-friendly story centered on a lovable main character searching for connection and acceptance. Both films use humor and warmth to explore the importance of friendship and family bonds in overcoming personal challenges.

Paddington, now happily settled with the Browns, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy, but it is stolen. Paddington 2 is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 44m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 7.5 by 2,851 people. The movie made an estimated total of $290,132,513 in the box office.

The Good Dinosaur, similar to Finding Dory, is an animated adventure that follows an unconventional protagonist on a quest tied to personal growth and the search for family. Both films are designed for family audiences and highlight themes of self-discovery and overcoming adversity.

An epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. The Good Dinosaur is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 6.7 by 6,091 people. The movie made an estimated total of $332,207,671 in the box office.

Finding ʻOhana and Finding Dory both revolve around young characters embarking on a quest to uncover their family roots. The theme of self-discovery and reconnecting with loved ones is central to both stories, making them resonant companion pieces for viewers interested in family adventures.

Two Brooklyn siblings' summer in a rural Oahu town takes an exciting turn when a journal pointing to long-lost treasure sets them on an adventure, leading them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage. Finding ʻOhana is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 3m runtime, released in 2021 with an average rating of 6.2 by 454 people.

Lilo & Stitch features a journey of self-discovery and family, paralleling the emotional journey seen in Finding Dory. Both animated films focus on characters dealing with feelings of not belonging while ultimately finding connection through new and unconventional family bonds.

As Stitch, a runaway genetic experiment from a faraway planet, wreaks havoc on the Hawaiian Islands, he becomes the mischievous adopted alien "puppy" of an independent little girl named Lilo and learns about loyalty, friendship, and ʻohana, the Hawaiian tradition of family. Lilo & Stitch is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 25m runtime, released in 2002 with an average rating of 7.6 by 7,179 people. The movie made an estimated total of $273,144,151 in the box office.

Babe: Pig in the City follows an animal protagonist venturing into unfamiliar territory to achieve a personal mission, echoing Dory’s journey beyond her comfort zone. Both stories explore resilience, unexpected friendships, and the challenges of a world much larger than themselves.

Babe, fresh from his victory in the sheepherding contest, returns to Farmer Hoggett's farm, but after Farmer Hoggett is injured and unable to work, Babe has to go to the big city to save the farm. Babe: Pig in the City is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 1998 with an average rating of 5.7 by 1,342 people. The movie made an estimated total of $69,100,000 in the box office.

Bolt, like Finding Dory, is an animated family adventure centered on a lost protagonist navigating an unknown world in hopes of reunion. Both films focus on the value of companionship and courage during unfamiliar journeys, offering similar emotional beats to young viewers.

Bolt is the star of the biggest show in Hollywood. The only problem is, he thinks it's real. After he's accidentally shipped to New York City and separated from Penny, his beloved co-star and owner, Bolt must harness all his "super powers" to find a way home. Bolt is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 38m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.6 by 6,583 people. The movie made an estimated total of $309,979,994 in the box office.

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon shares with Finding Dory a lighthearted tone, animal leads, and an adventure-driven structure. Both films are engaging animated stories suitable for families, revolving around friendship and teamwork through various misadventures.

When an alien with amazing powers crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun the Sheep goes on a mission to shepherd the intergalactic visitor home before a sinister organization can capture her. A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 27m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 6.9 by 599 people. The movie made an estimated total of $43,133,089 in the box office.

Over the Hedge features a group of animal characters banding together to face challenges in a new environment—mirroring the camaraderie, exploration, and humor present in Finding Dory. Both animated films target family audiences with tales of unlikely friendships and teamwork.

A scheming raccoon fools a mismatched family of forest creatures into helping him repay a debt of food, by invading the new suburban sprawl that popped up while they were hibernating – and learns a lesson about family himself. Over the Hedge is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 23m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 6.6 by 4,924 people. The movie made an estimated total of $343,397,247 in the box office.

Home and Finding Dory both spotlight protagonists on quests to find where they truly belong, embarking on journeys of personal discovery and reunion. Animated for family audiences, each story’s core is the relationship between the main characters and their friends met along the way.

When Earth is taken over by the overly-confident Boov, an alien race in search of a new place to call home, all humans are promptly relocated, while all Boov get busy reorganizing the planet. But when one resourceful girl, Tip, manages to avoid capture, she finds herself the accidental accomplice of a banished Boov named Oh. The two fugitives realize there’s a lot more at stake than intergalactic relations as they embark on the road trip of a lifetime. Home is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 6.8 by 4,276 people. The movie made an estimated total of $368,871,007 in the box office.

Song of the Sea, like Finding Dory, is an animated adventure about a protagonist navigating a magical world in search of family. Both films address themes of loss, memory, and identity, and are suitable for children and families seeking heartfelt storytelling.

The story of the last Seal Child’s journey home. After their mother’s disappearance, Ben and Saoirse are sent to live with Granny in the city. When they resolve to return to their home by the sea, their journey becomes a race against time as they are drawn into a world Ben knows only from his mother’s folktales. But this is no bedtime story; these fairy folk have been in our world far too long. It soon becomes clear to Ben that Saoirse is the key to their survival. Song of the Sea is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 8.0 by 1,604 people. The movie made an estimated total of $857,522 in the box office.

The Incredible Journey features animals traversing great distances to reunite with loved ones, closely aligning with the central quest in Finding Dory. Both family-oriented stories emphasize loyalty, perseverance, and the enduring bonds between friends on a journey toward home.

The story of three pets, a cat and two dogs, who lose their owners when they are all on vacation. Can they find their way home? The Incredible Journey is a movie from Canada in English, with a total 1h 20m runtime, released in 1963 with an average rating of 6.6 by 119 people.

The Secret Life of Pets, much like Finding Dory, provides a comedic look at animals embarking on a city-spanning adventure that revolves around friendship and self-discovery. Both animated films are family-oriented with stories propelled by the exploits and personalities of lovable animal characters.

The quiet life of a terrier named Max is upended when his owner takes in Duke, a stray whom Max instantly dislikes. The Secret Life of Pets is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 26m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.3 by 8,591 people. The movie made an estimated total of $875,457,937 in the box office.

Rio shares with Finding Dory a vibrant animated world, a journey far from home, and themes around acceptance and belonging. Both films follow animal characters on adventure-filled quests, exploring the importance of friendship and finding one’s place.

Captured by smugglers when he was just a hatchling, a macaw named Blu never learned to fly and lives a happily domesticated life in Minnesota with his human friend, Linda. Blu is thought to be the last of his kind, but when word comes that Jewel, a lone female, lives in Rio de Janeiro, Blu and Linda go to meet her. Animal smugglers kidnap Blu and Jewel, but the pair soon escape and begin a perilous adventure back to freedom -- and Linda. Rio is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.8 by 7,265 people. The movie made an estimated total of $483,866,772 in the box office.

The Fox and the Hound centers on animal friendships tested by the world around them, paralleling the loyalty and emotional core seen in Finding Dory. Both family-oriented tales explore themes of connection and personal growth through the eyes of non-human protagonists.

When a feisty little fox named Tod is adopted into a farm family, he quickly becomes friends with a fun and adorable hound puppy named Copper. Life is full of hilarious adventures until Copper is expected to take on his role as a hunting dog -- and the object of his search is his best friend! The Fox and the Hound is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 22m runtime, released in 1981 with an average rating of 7.2 by 3,545 people. The movie made an estimated total of $29,800,000 in the box office.

Missing Link offers an animated journey of self-discovery and companionship, much like Finding Dory. Both films take their characters on adventures that challenge assumptions, foster new friendships, and highlight the search for identity and a sense of belonging.

The charismatic Sir Lionel Frost considers himself to be the world's foremost investigator of myths and monsters. Trouble is, none of his small-minded, high-society peers seems to recognize this. Hoping to finally gain acceptance from these fellow adventurers, Sir Lionel travels to the Pacific Northwest to prove the existence of a legendary creature known as the missing link. Missing Link is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 6.9 by 948 people. The movie made an estimated total of $26,565,710 in the box office.

Abominable echoes the themes of friendship and homecoming seen in Finding Dory. Both family-oriented animated adventures feature protagonists who traverse unexpected territories, relying on friends and courage to achieve a meaningful reunion with family.

A group of misfits encounter a young Yeti named Everest, and they set off to reunite the magical creature with his family on the mountain of his namesake. Abominable is a movie from China in English, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 7.5 by 2,204 people. The movie made an estimated total of $190,304,772 in the box office.

The Missing Lynx and Finding Dory are both animated adventures featuring animal protagonists who band together to overcome obstacles. Each film uses humor and teamwork as central elements, appealing to family audiences with messages about friendship and persistence.

An eccentric millionaire becomes obsessed with the idea of constructing a new Noah's Ark. He hires a hunter to kidnap untoward numbers of animals to make this happen. The group of animals amid their valiant attempt to escape from the hunter's clutches, foil his nefarious plans, and free their captured friends. The Missing Lynx is a movie from Spain in Spanish, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.2 by 37 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,400,000 in the box office.

The Peanuts Movie, though exploring different settings, aligns with Finding Dory through its gentle, uplifting tone and focus on a central character’s personal journey. Both films highlight friendship, community, and the courage to face new or difficult situations with optimism.

Snoopy embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest. The Peanuts Movie is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 28m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.0 by 1,820 people. The movie made an estimated total of $246,233,113 in the box office.

The Iron Giant and Finding Dory both feature outsiders forming meaningful friendships while confronting personal fears and searching for belonging. Animated for families, these stories explore emotional journeys with empathetic character-driven plots.

In the small town of Rockwell, Maine in October 1957, a giant metal machine befriends a nine-year-old boy and ultimately finds its humanity by unselfishly saving people from their own fears and prejudices. The Iron Giant is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 26m runtime, released in 1999 with an average rating of 8.0 by 6,280 people. The movie made an estimated total of $23,300,000 in the box office.

Wolfwalkers, like Finding Dory, tells of a young protagonist navigating a captivating animated world and finding unexpected allies. Both films dwell on themes of identity, courage, and forging connections in unfamiliar settings, making them engaging choices for families.

In a time of superstition and magic, when wolves are seen as demonic and nature an evil to be tamed, a young apprentice hunter comes to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last pack. But when she saves a wild native girl, their friendship leads her to discover the world of the Wolfwalkers and transform her into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy. Wolfwalkers is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 42m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 8.2 by 1,424 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,310,720 in the box office.

Porco Rosso is an animated adventure with an anthropomorphic protagonist navigating self-discovery and transformation. Like Finding Dory, it blends humor and heart, exploring themes of identity and acceptance through distinctive settings and inventive character journeys.

In Italy in the 1930s, sky pirates in biplanes terrorize wealthy cruise ships as they sail the Adriatic Sea. The only pilot brave enough to stop the scourge is the mysterious Porco Rosso, a former World War I flying ace who was somehow turned into a pig during the war. As he prepares to battle the pirate crew's American ace, Porco Rosso enlists the help of spunky girl mechanic Fio Piccolo and his longtime friend Madame Gina. Porco Rosso is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 1992 with an average rating of 7.8 by 3,761 people. The movie made an estimated total of $44,600,000 in the box office.

Yellowbird shares with Finding Dory an animated adventure format, centered on an unlikely hero's quest for identity and belonging. Both films are suitable for family audiences, focusing on self-acceptance and the importance of supportive companions along the way.

Yellowbird lives in the ruins of an old house. He lacks the confidence to leave his home, no matter how much Bug, his labybird friend, tries to convince him to go out into the world. Attempts to toughen him up have had little success, so Bug seizes an opportunity that leaves Yellowbird unexpectedly finding himself the new leader of the flock that is migrating to Africa. Still, lacking faith in his own abilities and with danger and imminent failure lurking around every corner, our feathered hero is forced to either find the strength required to work with the team or bow out and stay hidden away forever. Yellowbird is a movie from Belgium in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 5.0 by 70 people. The movie made an estimated total of $3,790,114 in the box office.

My Neighbor Totoro, like Finding Dory, offers a gentle animated exploration of finding comfort and connection in unfamiliar circumstances. Both films use imaginative settings and focus on the restorative power of friendship and kindness within the family unit.

Two sisters move to the country with their father in order to be closer to their hospitalized mother, and discover the surrounding trees are inhabited by Totoros, magical spirits of the forest. When the youngest runs away from home, the older sister seeks help from the spirits to find her. My Neighbor Totoro is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 1h 26m runtime, released in 1988 with an average rating of 8.1 by 8,950 people. The movie made an estimated total of $41,000,000 in the box office.

Balto and Finding Dory are both animated tales about determined animal protagonists embarking on adventurous, cross-country searches to help or reunite with loved ones. Their emotional journeys and themes of persistence resonate strongly with family audiences.

An outcast half-wolf risks his life to prevent a deadly epidemic from ravaging Nome, Alaska. Balto is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 18m runtime, released in 1995 with an average rating of 7.3 by 2,240 people. The movie made an estimated total of $11,348,324 in the box office.

Meet the Robinsons is thematically linked to Finding Dory through its animated depiction of a protagonist’s quest to discover their family roots and understand their past. Both films blend comedy with heartfelt moments, bringing audiences along for a journey about identity and belonging.

Lewis, a brilliant young inventor, is keen on creating a time machine to find his mother, who abandoned him in an orphanage. Things take a turn when he meets Wilbur Robinson and his family. Meet the Robinsons is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 6.9 by 3,193 people. The movie made an estimated total of $169,332,978 in the box office.

Storks, like Finding Dory, uses animation and animal characters to tell a family-friendly story about the significance of delivering loved ones to where they belong. Adventure and humor drive both stories, emphasizing teamwork and the creation of unconventional families.

Storks deliver babies…or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for a global internet retail giant. Junior, the company’s top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine, producing an adorable and wholly unauthorized baby girl... Storks is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 27m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.7 by 2,547 people. The movie made an estimated total of $182,379,278 in the box office.

Charlotte's Web shares with Finding Dory the use of animal protagonists in a family setting to teach lessons about compassion, friendship, and overcoming adversity. Both animated features deliver heartfelt storytelling centered on the emotional bonds between characters.

Wilbur the pig is scared of the end of the season, because he knows that come that time, he will end up on the dinner table. He hatches a plan with Charlotte, a spider that lives in his pen, to ensure that this will never happen. Charlotte's Web is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 6.2 by 1,476 people. The movie made an estimated total of $148,964,660 in the box office.

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, like Finding Dory, is a family-oriented animated film about a vibrant protagonist embarking on a quest to discover something essential to her identity. Both portray personal growth, teamwork, and adventure through magical, imaginative worlds.

A blue harvest moon will rise, allowing the fairies to use a precious moonstone to restore the Pixie Dust Tree, the source of all their magic. But when Tinker Bell accidentally puts all of Pixie Hollow in jeopardy, she must venture out across the sea on a secret quest to set things right. Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 21m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 6.8 by 1,131 people.

The Breadwinner and Finding Dory, though differing in setting, both center on young protagonists facing daunting journeys to reunite with their families. Each film addresses themes of resilience, hope, and the importance of perseverance in overcoming daunting challenges.

A headstrong young girl in Afghanistan, ruled by the Taliban, disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her family. The Breadwinner is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 7.9 by 938 people. The movie made an estimated total of $2,790,214 in the box office.

A Cat in Paris, much like Finding Dory, is an animated adventure with an animal at the center of a suspenseful journey. Both films use cityscapes and a cast of colorful characters to explore friendship and the excitement of discovery in unfamiliar settings.

A thrilling mystery that unfurls in the alleys and on the rooftops of the French capital, Paris, over the course of one adventurous evening. A Cat in Paris is a movie from France in French, with a total 1h 10m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 6.8 by 292 people. The movie made an estimated total of $309,973 in the box office.