Forgotten Island
Verdict: A colorful, emotional animated tale that celebrates friendship and cultural roots with dazzling visuals, though its frantic pace and dense humor may overwhelm some viewers. Worth catching on the big screen for the spectacle and heart.
Pros:
- Stunning animation that blends styles creatively
- Heartfelt story of friendship and shared memories
- Rich incorporation of Filipino mythology and culture
Cons:
- Overly frantic energy and excess jokes can feel exhausting
- Some scarier elements may unsettle younger kids
About Forgotten Island 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Forgotten Island |
| Directed by | Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado |
| Written by | Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado |
| Produced by | Mark Swift |
| Cast | H.E.R. (Jo), Liza Soberano (Raissa), Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, Lea Salonga |
| Cinematography | Scott Cullen |
| Music by | Nathan Matthew David |
| Production Companies | DreamWorks Animation |
| Release Date | 25 September 2026 |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Family |
| Censor Rating | PG |
DreamWorks Animation’s latest original feature hit theaters on 25 September 2026. It follows two lifelong best friends navigating the end of high school and a sudden journey into a magical world drawn from Filipino folklore. The film arrives from the team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, bringing a similar mix of humour, emotion, and visual flair.
Early audience responses on platforms like X, Instagram, and BookMyShow lean positive, especially among viewers connected to Filipino culture. Many call it refreshing for telling an original story instead of relying on sequels or familiar franchises. Others note the packed energy makes it a mixed experience depending on what you want from a family animated film.
The story centers on Jo and Raissa, high school graduates who have been inseparable since childhood. On their last night together before life pulls them in different directions, they stumble through a portal onto the island of Nakali. The place is filled with the mythical creatures and spirits they grew up hearing about from family stories.
Joined by quirky allies, they face dangers and discover that the cost of returning home could erase the memories of their entire friendship. The plot stays focused on their bond and the value of shared experiences without leaning too heavily on major twists. On X and similar platforms, many viewers praise the animation for its vibrant colors, creative style shifts, and inventive creature designs.
Filipino audiences often highlight the cultural details, Tagalog moments, and mythology as sources of pride and nostalgia. H.E.R. and Liza Soberano’s performances as the leads draw frequent compliments for feeling natural and emotional. Supporting voices like Dave Franco’s hapless character and Lea Salonga’s formidable presence also get positive mentions.
Common complaints focus on the relentless pace, over-the-top humor, and moments that feel chaotic or slightly too intense for the youngest viewers. Overall sentiment leans favorable, with many describing it as fun, moving, and worth seeing, especially if you value stories about growing up and holding onto friendships.
This film will likely click most with families who enjoy energetic animated adventures, fans of Filipino folklore, and anyone who appreciates original stories about friendship and change. Its biggest strengths sit in the visuals and the sincere core relationship.
Weaknesses show up when the jokes or action pile on without enough breathing room. For the full impact of the animation and sound, theaters make sense. If the frantic style feels off putting from the trailers, waiting for streaming is a reasonable choice.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.
