Disney fans say same thing as they discover age of iconic Pixar film

Fans of Finding Nemo might be gobsmacked to realise just how old Oscar-winning flick is turning today.

First hitting American cinemas on May 30, 2003, the Pixar masterpiece is now marking its 22nd anniversary, leaving its fans in shock.

Helmed by the acclaimed director and voice artist Andrew Stanton, the tale charts the journey of clownfish Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) as he searches the ocean for his kidnapped son Nemo (Alexander Gould).

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Joined by the forgetful blue tang Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), the duo embarks on an epic underwater odyssey.

At its heart, this touching story explores themes of kinship and camaraderie, alongside the trials and tribulations of parenting, reports .

The film boasts a glittering ensemble including Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett, and Oscar laureate Allison Janney.

Upon hitting cinemas, the animated gem received a rapturous reception, securing four nods at the 76th Academy Awards. Nominated for Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing, and Best Animated Feature, it was Stanton who snagged the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, earning his first Oscar win.

The accolades for Finding Nemo didn't end with the Oscars; the family comedy also clinched an exceptional 99 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, hailed by reviewers as "breathtakingly lovely and grounded by the stellar efforts of a well-chosen cast."

Viewers have been celebrating the major milestone, with many expressing their disbelief at how many years have passed since the film landed in cinemas.

In a thread celebrating the occasion by @FilmUpdates, fans are sharing their shock, some noting that they are even younger than the beloved movie.

"The film that defined my whole childhood. ALSO JESUS F*** THIS MOVIE'S TWO YEARS OLDER THAN ME," one fan exclaimed. Echoing the disbelief, another one shared: "HOW LONG AGO?!"

A third simply expressed their shock with: "Twenty Two?!?" "Oh god I remember watching this in theatres," confessed another. A different fan questioned: "Wdym [what do you mean] 22 years?"

As well as their surprise, enthusiasts are heaping praise on the enduring comedy hit. "One of the best Pixar movies," declared a cinema buff.

Another admirer added their voice, saying: "Kinda the greatest film ever."

Finding Nemo is streaming now on Disney+