File this under: “Wait, did that actually happen or did I dream it?” 🐠✨
If you grew up in the early 00s, there’s a chance you stumbled across Help! I’m a Fish — that Danish animated film where three kids drink a potion, turn into sea creatures, and then have to find the antidote before they stay fish forever. Casual. Totally fine. Not at all the stuff of childhood nightmares… 😅
On the surface, it’s a colourful, quirky little film. But dig in and you realise: it’s actually weirdly dark. You’ve got:
- 🦈 Creepy villains (Joe the fish is the stuff of therapy sessions)
- 🧪 A scientist who just leaves dangerous potions lying around
- ⏳ The looming threat of being trapped in the ocean FOREVER
Like… excuse me??? No wonder so many of us had fish-related dreams (read: nightmares) after watching it.
The Saving Grace: That Soundtrack 🎶
Here’s where things get wild. This random kids’ film gave us a genuinely iconic pop soundtrack — including Aqua (yes, Barbie Girl Aqua) with their absolute banger “Cartoon Heroes”. And honestly? It still slaps.
Other tracks like “Supercool” turned what could’ve been a straight-to-VHS fever dream into something you might actually put on a playlist. Imagine being traumatised by a mutant fish scene, then immediately vibing to Europop. Peak 00s energy. 💿✨
Why It Lives Rent-Free in Our Brains
Help! I’m a Fish is one of those films that feels almost too obscure to be real, but once you mention it, everyone who’s seen it has the exact same reaction: “OH MY GOD YES. THAT FILM.”
It’s nostalgic, it’s slightly cursed, and it’s proof that the early 00s gave us some of the strangest, most memorable kids’ media ever. 🐟💖
Daisy says: Honestly babes, I’ve seen horror films less disturbing. But also — Aqua deserved an Oscar. Balance. ✨
Fun fact: My fiancé Myron casually rolled up the other week with his actual 2001 DVD copy. This thing is rarer than some Disney vault editions. Protect it at all costs. 💎🐠
Did you watch Help! I’m a Fish back in the day? And more importantly… did you secretly love the soundtrack more than the actual film? 👀
Asten Does Nostalgia 
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