Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo is the fifth CGI film to be produced by Pixar Animation Studios. It was released to theaters by Walt Disney Studios and Buena Vista Distribution on May 30, 2003 in the United States. It has been nominated for and won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Film. The animation of the film represents a continuation of Pixar's cutting-edge status in the computer-animation field. Notable is the sunlight seen through the ocean water, which at times is indistinguishable from the real thing.

The realism of the underwater environment was a big achievement as well as the naturalistic motion of the fish. Although this animation seems so realistic, the Pixar studio actually "dumbed" down the animation in order to adopt a more cartoon feel. For instance when animators were working on one of the ocean scenes, they made the ocean look too real. The studio still wanted a cartoon feel throughout the film. These trends of realism and iconic characters are apparent in both Pixar and Disney films.

Reception
Finding Nemo grossed $70 million during its opening weekend in theaters, setting a record for an animated film. It has grossed over $864.6 worldwide, and has become Pixar's most successful film to date.

The movie also strongly affected the clownfish pet market by increasing sales, despite portraying themes against keeping them as pets. Consequently, clownfish were harvested intensely in Vanuatu in 2004.