Nemo, the adorable clownfish from the popular Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo, is known for saying just one phrase – “Just keep swimming!” This simple yet powerful mantra underscores one of the major themes in the film about overcoming obstacles and never giving up hope.
The Origin of Nemo’s Catchphrase
The phrase “Just keep swimming” originates from a scene early in Finding Nemo after Nemo’s first day at school. Marlin, Nemo’s worried father, asks Nemo how his first day went. Nemo responds that he doesn’t want to go back because he got in trouble with his teacher, Mr. Ray. When Marlin asks why, Nemo explains that he was challenged by the other students to go touch the boat on the edge of the drop-off, which he knows is dangerous. Marlin becomes angry and tells Nemo he can’t go out there, to which Nemo defiantly responds, “I hate you.”
This hurts Marlin, who is already dealing with the grief of losing his wife and Nemo’s mother in a barracuda attack that left Nemo with a lucky fin. Marlin stammers as he tries to find the right advice to give his son, and finally tells Nemo firmly but lovingly, “Just keep swimming.” This simple mantra, encouraging Nemo to forget his setbacks and keep moving forward, sticks with both father and son throughout the film.
How Nemo Uses “Just Keep Swimming”
Nemo first uses the phrase himself when he is captured by scuba divers and placed in a dentist’s fish tank. He wakes up disoriented and panics at first at his unfamiliar surroundings. But when he hears the filtration motor switch on, he remembers his dad’s advice to “just keep swimming” and determinedly swims against the filter current, endeavoring to escape. Although he is unsuccessful, Nemo doesn’t give up hope.
In another scene where Nemo is trapped in a net with a school of fish, he encourages them by saying “When you’re trapped and can’t get out, just keep swimming!” This shows Nemo taking his father’s mantra to heart and passing on that wisdom.
How Marlin Uses It
Marlin certainly has ample opportunity to use the motto himself when he embarks on an epic journey to find his son. From sharks to jellyfish to deep ocean trenches, Marlin faces challenge after challenge in his quest to rescue Nemo. His friend Dory regularly reminds him to “just keep swimming” whenever Marlin feels like giving up.
In one poignant scene, Marlin breaks down and sobs, despairing that he’ll never find his son. Dory comforts him by saying that when she gets sad, she remembers what Nemo says: “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!” Marlin replies that it’s all he can do, and with renewed determination continues the search.
Nemo’s Journey
Over the course of his adventures, Nemo learns to embrace his “lucky fin” and figures out how to escape from the dentist’s tank using his smaller fin to fool the filter. By the film’s end, Nemo has gained courage and independence thanks to remembering his dad’s simple but meaningful motto whenever he faces trouble: “Just keep swimming!”
Marlin’s Journey
For his part, Marlin learns to overcome his fears and be less overprotective by trusting his son to handle challenges. He swims bravely through jellyfish forests and leaping whales, never losing sight of his goal: saving Nemo. Marlin’s epic journey shows the extraordinary lengths a father will go to for his child.
Dory’s Journey
Dory faces her own struggles with short term memory loss throughout the film. But she too takes Nemo’s motto to heart. Despite regularly forgetting their mission, Dory keeps optimistic and keeps swimming right alongside Marlin. Her spirit and enthusiasm inspire Marlin when he is ready to give up.
“Just Keep Swimming” in Pop Culture
Nemo’s signature line has become one of the most iconic and inspirational quotes from any animated film. It resonates with such positivity and tenacity that “Just keep swimming” has made its way into popular vernacular as a motivational slogan. Fans regularly reference it as a pick-me-up mantra whenever facing challenges or tough times in life.
The line has been featured on motivational posters, t-shirts, memes, and all manner of merchandise. Ellen DeGeneres and other celebrities have referenced it as an inspiration. It even inspired a song by the band Disney in 2019. There’s no doubt that this simple quote from a tiny animated fish has had an outsized impact on pop culture.
Conclusion
While Nemo faces scary new experiences like school, fish net traps, and life in a fish tank, he remembers the advice his dad gave him: “Just keep swimming!” And that’s exactly what Nemo does. No matter the challenge or setback, Nemo keeps moving forward with optimism and determination. His mentality never wavers from his dad’s inspirational motto. This simple but unforgettable line perfectly encapsulates Nemo’s resilience and enduring spirit.
For Nemo, Dory, and Marlin alike, “Just keep swimming” proves to be life-changing advice. This mantra spurs them onward through every hardship, reminding them never to give up hope. It’s no wonder this iconic quote from Finding Nemo has gone on to inspire countless fans who continue to chant Nemo’s favorite saying when they need some encouragement themselves: Just keep swimming!