In one scene in the first film, Elastigirl shapeshifts into a raft, and Dash is able to use his ability to kick in a super-fast manner to function as its outboard motor.

Edna Mode designed his super suit to be resistant to the air friction, wear, and heat generated when Dash runs at superhuman speed.

Joshua Tyler of CinemaBlend described the character thus: "He's completely in love with his superpowers, the way any kid would be if he knew he could run at the speed of sound.

[10] In the 2004 film The Incredibles, Dash complains that his mother, Helen, will not allow him to play school sports, because she thinks that he would use his super-speed and blow the family's civilian cover.

This proves to be the first time Dash is able to fully explore the extent and application of his powers, which allow him to evade his pursuers, best them in fistfights, quickly generate cover by kicking up dirt, and even run on water.

A few months later, Dash's parents allow him to participate in the track & field practice, but urge him to pull back on first place, as a way to avoid using his powers too conspicuously.

When the villainous Underminer emerges from beneath the ground, Dash joins his family in donning his mask in preparation to confront the criminal.

When his family is confronted at their home by a group of superheroes being mind-controlled by Evelyn Deavor, Frozone is captured, and Dash, Violet and their infant brother Jack-Jack escape in the Incredimobile.

[11] The Washington Post's Jennifer Frey described Dash as "the classic rambunctious little boy, driven nuts by the fact that his superhuman speed prevents him from being able to join any sports teams".

[14] Molly Freeman observed that the character's arc "largely exist[s] to serve Bob's own storyline" and stated that "Dash receives less screen time, and even less development as a result, with him providing little more than comedic relief".