30 Famous Fish in Movies and Books (2024)

Fish have provided a backdrop for adventure, humor, and heartwarming tales. In both movies and books, fish have become beloved characters and they teach us valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the importance of protecting our planet’s precious marine ecosystems.

They have taught us the importance of family, friendship, courage, and perseverance reminding us of the wonders that lie beneath the surface of the ocean and the marine ecosystems. This article will discuss some famous fish in both movies and books such as Nemo, Dory, Marlin, and many others, and how they have been impactful and some characters we can learn from them.

1. Nemo

Nemo is a special fish that has been starred in the film Finding Nemo. Finding Nemo is a comedy-drama adventure film that was produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures in 2003. He is a captivating character who embodies the spirit of curiosity and resilience.

Nemo is a young and curious crownfish who wants only to take adventures and be independent. However, he keeps on crashing with his dad who is very overprotective. That does not hinder him from doing what he wants until his father comes to terms that he will take care of himself.

In the film Nemo he is captured by an unknown scuba diver and taken far from the places he knows. , He then embarks on a mission to reunite with his father. Throughout the film, his resilience and determination shine through. He doesn’t give up and keeps on confronting his fears and insecurities.

2. Dory

Dory is a forgetful character from the films Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. Dory has attracted the audiences with her unshaken loyalty, ability to connect with the underwater world, and how optimistic she remains.

Even though she has memory loss, she faces every situation with a lot of positivity making her an amazing character in the film. She is a film believer that every solution can be solved with a smile and a good attitude. She has used her ability to connect with the underwater world to help other characters such as Merlin and Nemo. Dory treasures friendships and has done everything to maintain and help her friends.

3. Marlin

Marlin is one of the main characters in the film Finding Nemo. He is the father to Nemo and husband to Coral. Marlin is a very protective and paranoid parent in the ocean. When his son Nemo is trapped by a scuba diver, Marlin works so hard and so much dedicated to bringing his son back.

Marlin being overprotective began when he lost his wife and so he didn’t want to lose his son too. His unwavering attempt to look for his son proves the unconditional love he has for his son. He is that character who would have done anything to find Nemo.

Along the way, he learns to let go of his fears and trust his son’s ability that he can take care of himself. He discovers the importance of balancing between protection and independence and he realizes that being overprotective is hindering his son’s growth.

4. Bruce

Bruce is one amazing character in the film Finding Nemo. He is a great white shark and also the leader of the Fish-Friendly Sharks support group. He is known for the slogan “Fish are friends, not food”. He desires to prove to people that he is a friendly and understanding creature despite that he has an inherent predatory nature.

From his talk with Dory the forgetful blue tang you can see how compassionate he is and how he desires to break free from his predatory tendencies. He is a good example that clearly shows that appearances can be deceiving and human beings may have qualities that you least expected.

5. Flounder

Flounder is a character in Disney’s animated feature film known as The Little Mermaid. He is the best friend to Ariel who for so many times embarks on her adventure despite him being a coward. He is Ariel’s confidante and closest companion. His name simply implies a Flounder but not a tropical fish.

At some point Flounder’s spirit of adventure changes and warns Ariel that they should be cautious and avoid potential dangers. However he doesn’t change, he still accompanies Ariel on her daring journey to the surface. He is a real character who portrays loyalty no matter the situation.

6. Sebastian

Sebastian is an amazing character from the film The Little Mermaid. Sebastian serves as a good adviser and an awesome musician to King Triton who is the ruler of the Atlantic. Sebastian is a lover of his kingdom. With the help of his friend Ariel, he begins a journey of self-discovery and accepting who he is.

Sabastian witnesses his friend Ariel chasing his dream of wanting to be human and how humans were so kind to her. He accompanies Ariel on her journey and helps her by providing guidance whenever she needs him. That is how he began his journey of discovering what he wants and who truly he is. Sebastian teaches us that we should embrace change and also challenge our beliefs and open up to new possibilities.

7. Dolphin

Dolphin is an amazing character in the film Dolphin Tale. He is a remarkable character who shows a lot of determination, resilience, and a great connection with both humans and animals. Dolphin was born with a deformed tail and that made him unable to swim properly and so many challenges throughout her life.

She faced her challenges calmly and so strongly, that she inspired those people who were around her. It began when she was rescued by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium who taught her to swim without her tail. She perseveres all through the challenges she faces and also her therapy sessions.

8. Lenny

Lenny is an amazing character from the film Shark Tale. He is one of the amazing characters who challenges stereotypes and promotes acceptance. He is a passionate advocate for marine life of all species, a pacifist, and a vegetarian.

He is compassionate and expresses empathy for other creatures. This can be attested to the fact that he expresses empathy even to those considered prey by his fellow sharks. He is one character who is troubled by the violence and predatory behavior of his kind. He so much waits for a harmonious coexistence among all marine life.

9. Oscar

Oscar is an amazing character in the film Shark Tale. Oscar is an amazing character who believes in the power of his dreams, the importance of being honest, and the power of self-discovery. He always dreamt of becoming a shark’s layer, he longs for recognition and accomplishment. He had a very humble beginning and this pushed him to want to achieve all these. He was a firm believer that achieving all his dreams would make people respect him.

In his attempt to achieve these, he is credited for killing Frankie a shark who dies in an accident. This lie goes viral and it granted him the admiration and respect he has always desired. Also, his journey for discovery begins when he meets Angie who is an angelfish who encourages him to face his fears and embrace his true self.

10. Gill

Gill is an awesome character in the film Finding Nemo. He is a character who desires freedom and the transformative power of hope. The desire for freedom comes when he is captured as a young fish and he is confined in the dentist’s office tank.

He made numerous attempts to escape but they all failed and left him frustrated. However, he doesn’t stop desiring to return to the ocean. Gill the leader of the Tank Gang takes full responsibility for the well-being of his fellow fish. He gives them hope within the confines. He is a real proof of being courageous and resilient.

11. Hank

Hank is a great fish in the film Finding Dory. Hank possesses powerful characteristics such as the ability to maintain friendships, ability to adapt to any situation and he is also very resourceful. One of his biggest dreams is to be transported to the Cleveland Aquarium where he believes he can live in peace.

However, his plans change when he meets Dory a forgetful but endearing blue tang who is determined to find her parents. Hank is reluctant to help Dory find her parents but eventually agrees to assist her in exchange for her tag, which will allow him to travel to Cleveland.

12. Gurgle

Gurgle is a great fish in the film Moana. Gurgles plays an important role in Moana’s journey despite his small size and simple mind. He offers encouragement, companionship, and a very unique perspective on the world around them.

In his initial appearance in the film, he appears very confused and frightened fish. However, when he embarked on a journey with Moana he overcame his fears and embraced the excitement of the adventure.

Despite being a creature with a simple mind he has a unique ability to see things from different perspectives. With that ability, he is able to encourage Moana to approach challenges in creative ways.

13. Wanda

Wanda is an amazing character fish in the film A Fish Called Wanda. Wanda has multiple characters by use her cunning to orchestrate a series of elaborate schemes. She possesses a deep-seated need for control and a desire to assert her dominance over others.

Wanda’s motivations extend beyond mere financial gain. She possesses a deep-seated need for control and a desire to assert her dominance over others.

14. Gubbles

Gubbles is an amazing fish in the film Pinocchio. He is such a wonderful friend to Pinocchio and he comforts and oversees Pinocchio’s companionship during the journey. The journey was when he invited Pinocchio into his underwater realm and offered him a safe shelter away from the dangers of the outside world.

This journey they embarked on, was one major one as it helped Pinocchio have personal growth and discover his true self. However much he does have a long duration in the film he leaves a lasting impression. He highlights the significance of kindness and friendship in personal growth.

15. Bubbles

Bubbles is a famous fish in the film SpongeBob Movie. He is one of the minor characters in the film but possesses powerful characters. He is known for his love for Plankton, he has an inflated appearance, and the tendency to blurt out random sounds.

His inflated appearance leads to some many comical situations and his random sounds lead to the absurdism of the movie. He is a likable and entertaining character who contributes to the overall fun of the whole movie.

16. Hank Hill

Hank Hill is a fish in the film King of the Hill. He is such an amazing character who throughout the film values the virtue of loyalty, responsibility, and ability to maintain one’s identity in the changing world. In the film, he is a propane salesman and he is proud of his work. Also, he is seen to be strict by adhering to traditions and values and that proves how he was well brought up.

We also see him having challenges and struggling to adapt to the new social norms. He tries to maintain his traditional values in a society where things have changed hence leading to awkward encounters and comical situations.

17. Bloat

Bloat is a famous fish in the film Finding Nemo. He is a character who is full of anxiety and an amazing power of friendship. Despite his worries and so many fears, Bloat has a genuine concern for his fellow tank mates and the big support he has for Marlin’s quest making him a valuable and supportive companion.

One of his characters being anxious is a clear reflection of his tendency to overthink and catastrophize situations. Also, he has hypochondria which is a source of fun and comedy throughout the film as he misinterprets his symptoms and imagines the worst-case scenario.

18. Jacques

Jacques is a famous fish in the film Finding Nemo. Jacques plays an important part in Marlin’s journey to find Nemo. Jacques provides guidance, and encouragement along the way. He becomes a confidante and friend of Marlin and supports and encouragement throughout their adventure.

He is a character who is always willing to help by either providing information or words of comfort during Marlin’s moments of despair. He is very courageous and resourceful. He faces every challenge courageously and doesn’t hesitate to put himself in harm’s way to protect his friends.

19. Swimmy

Swimmy is a black fish in the book known as Swimmy that is written by Leo Lionni. The black fish sets for an adventure after his family is eaten by a tuna. He sets out on a journey to explore the ocean on his own.

Along the way on the adventure he encounters various sea creatures, befriends them, and decides to unite with them. He comes up with a solution to help a group of small fish work together to scare away a large predator that had threatened them for a long time.

20. The Fish in the Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

The fish is concerned about the mischievous Cat in the Hat and the dramas he brings to the house while the mother is away. The fish represents order and responsibility which contrast with the Cat’s playful and disruptive behavior. All through the story the fish is adamant about following the rules and expresses disapproval of the Cat’s antics.

21. Moby Dick

Moby Dick is a fish in the book “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville. The book tells a story of a captain known as Ahab who is determined to revenge against the giant white sperm whale known as Moby Dick. The captain wanted to revenge as Moby Dick had bitten off Ahab’s leg at the knee during a whaling expedition.

Moby Dick’s nature and seemingly supernatural abilities elevate him to an almost mythical status embodying the untamed and unpredictable forces of nature. At the end of the book, Moby Dick ends up destroying the captain and his boat.

22. Rainbow Fish

Rainbow Fish is a famous fish in the book “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister. Rainbow Fish is a beautiful fish that is admired by other fish in the sea for its appearance. However, the Rainbow Fish is very lonely since it is unwilling to share its scales with the other fish.

Later, Rainbow Fish asked for advice from a wise octopus and was advised to give away its scales to the other fish. However much he is reluctant to give out scale, he finally agrees to give them out to other sea creatures and discovers the joy of friendship and the happiness that comes from making others happy.

23. Ariel

Ariel is an amazing fish in the film The Little Mermaid. She is an amazing character that attracts audiences worldwide with her vibrant red hair, amazing voice, and how curious she is about the human world. Ariel always desired to do a lot of adventure and something more than what her underwater life offers.

She spends most of her time collecting human artifacts and dreams of walking on land much to the dismay of her father who is King Triton. Ariel’s desire for the human world stems from a deep-seated longing for connection and belonging. All through she feels out of place in her kingdom.

24. Don Lino

Don Lino is a white shark in the film Shark Tale. He is the leader of a shark mob and is portrayed as a ruthless and feared figure. He has a short temper and has an unwavering loyalty to his family and business.

He keenly protects his sons Lenny and Frankie and always wants them to follow in his footsteps as leaders of the shark underworld. However much that he has tempered, he has a soft side when it comes to his relationship with his son Lenny.

25. Mr. Limpet

Mr. Limpet is a famous fish in the film The Incredible Mr. Limpet. Henry Limpet is an unassuming bookkeeper who yearns for a life of adventure and excitement. He works for so many hours but is unappreciated by his wife and lacks the confidence to pursue his dreams.

His life takes a turn when he falls off a pier and miraculously transforms into a fish. As a fish, he discovers a newfound freedom of sense of purpose. He embraces his new being and explores the wonders of the underwater world.

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26. Sharky

Sharky is an amazing fish in the film Flushed Away. He is a scavenger who makes a living by collecting and selling items that he finds in the sewers. Sharky is loyal and resourceful. Other than looking for himself, he is always willing to help others in need.

Sharky is a very skilled navigator of the sewers and knows all the best places to find food and shelter. It is through this skill that he met St. James a pampered house pet who had been flushed down the toilets and finds himself in the sewer. Sharky saves him and eventually, they become best friends.

27. Mr. Pout- Pout

Mr. Pout-Pout is a fish in the book The Pout-Pout by Deborah Diesen. He is a blue fish with a downturned mouth and swims in the ocean spreading dreary wearies wherever he goes much to the dismay of his fellow fish.

Mr. Pout- Pout has always desired to make friends and share the joy that he sees in others. However, this seems impossible as he has self-imposed negativity that prevents him from having meaningful connections.

28. Tiddler

Tiddler is a small and spirited fish who lives in a coral reef in the book Tiddler: The Story-Telling Fish” by Julia Donaldson. He has a bright red tail and he is very curious. He is always eager to explore and learn new things.

Tiddler is a good storyteller and loves to do it. He is captivated by the tales of his fellow sea creatures and dreams of weaving his grand narratives. However, he has a weakness of daydreaming and it leads him to be late for school.

29. Little Fish

Little Fish is an amazing fish in the book Hooray for Fish by Lucy Cousins. Little Fish goes on an aquatic adventure to meet fish of all shapes, colors, and sizes with their unique appearances and personalities.

He embarks on the adventure when he encounters his mother who is the largest and most majestic fish in the story. Their reunion is filled with warmth and affection reinforcing the importance of family bonds and the comfort of home.

30. Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark

In “The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark” there are three little fish named Jim, Tim, and Kim who live in a coral reef. Each of them starts a mission to build their homes out of seaweed, sand, and treasure chests.

The Big Bad Shark appears in the tale and he is hungry and looking for a meal, he tries to blow down their homes. As the bad shark attempts to blow down each fish’s house, the clever fish use their wits and teamwork to outsmart the shark.

As we continue to explore the depths of the underwater we can be sure that fish will continue to inspire and entertain us as they swim their way into our hearts and minds through the power of storytelling