Forgotten Island (2026) pairs a fantastical adventure with a recognisable growing-up problem: two lifelong friends are approaching separate futures, and a final night together takes an unexpected turn. DreamWorks Animation’s original film sends Jo and Raissa through a mysterious portal to Nakali, an island shaped by Filipino family stories and populated by magical and mythological creatures. The quest that follows is not only about getting home. The friends must confront what their shared memories mean and what it would cost to lose them. This spoiler-light review analysis considers the premise, cultural influences, animation, character dynamics and the questions families may have before watching.
Forgotten Island: at a glance
- Release: September 25, 2026 in the United States; regional dates may differ
- Genre: Animated fantasy, adventure and comedy
- Directors and writers: Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado
- Producer: Mark Swift
- Lead voice cast: H.E.R. as Jo and Liza Soberano as Raissa
- Supporting voices: Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng and Lea Salonga
- Studio and distributor: DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures
See the official DreamWorks movie page for credits and the studio synopsis.
A fantasy journey built around one final night together
Jo and Raissa have been close since childhood, but their school years are ending and their next steps may take them in different directions. That emotional starting point gives Forgotten Island a grounded concern before the magical adventure begins. Many animated films send young characters into a strange world; the meaningful question is what they have to learn while navigating it. In this story, the island is not a random obstacle course. It tests the friendship itself, giving an external adventure a personal stake.
The official synopsis says the friends encounter a portal to Nakali, a place filled with creatures from stories they heard through their Filipino families. Some become allies, others create danger, and a helpful but hapless weredog named Raww joins their journey. The central dilemma is memorable: returning home may cost the friends their memories of one another. That idea offers a clear dramatic question for children and adults alike. Is a relationship defined only by what we remember, or can its meaning survive change and uncertainty?
Friendship, growing up and the fear of drifting apart
Forgotten Island’s strongest theme is the way friendships change when a familiar routine ends. Moving to a new school, choosing a different career path, relocating or simply growing into a different version of yourself can make a relationship feel less certain. The film turns that everyday emotion into fantasy stakes. Jo and Raissa are not only trying to escape a strange place; they must make decisions about what they value in their shared history and what they are prepared to do for each other.
That theme can speak to younger viewers without reducing the story to a lesson about friendship. A good family adventure allows its characters to disagree, make mistakes and discover that loyalty is not the same as never changing. If one friend is ready to move forward while the other fears being left behind, neither feeling needs to be treated as foolish. The challenge is learning how to be honest about change without assuming that change automatically erases a bond.
The memory-based dilemma also gives the film a way to make an abstract emotion visible. Memories are often what people use to explain why a friendship matters: a shared joke, a difficult day, a promise or a moment that only two people understand. The threat of losing those details turns the adventure into a question about identity. It invites viewers to consider why relationships matter in the present, not just because of a record of the past.
A fantasy world influenced by Filipino folklore
One notable feature of Forgotten Island is its connection to Filipino family stories and mythology. The island of Nakali gives those influences a central role in the adventure rather than treating them as a decorative reference. For viewers who recognise the cultural material, seeing names and traditions reflected in a major animated feature may make the world feel distinctive. For viewers who are unfamiliar with it, the story can act as an introduction to myths and creatures they may want to learn more about after watching.
The presence of the Manananggal, voiced by Lea Salonga, is part of the film’s supernatural challenge. As with any adaptation of folklore, the movie is offering one creative interpretation, not a definitive account of an entire culture’s traditions. Folklore varies by region and storyteller; it changes across families and generations. A viewer interested in the subject should treat the film as a starting point and seek out reputable cultural or historical sources to learn more.
That approach helps the film balance fantasy with respect. A mythological creature can function as a memorable character in a family adventure while still carrying a background beyond the movie. When animation draws on living traditions, a thoughtful viewer can appreciate the story and remain curious about the source material without assuming that one film represents every version of a legend.
Animation, scale and the world of Nakali
A fantasy island gives animation room to shift between different visual moods: colourful landscapes, unusual creatures, hidden passages and locations that would be difficult to stage in live action. That freedom is useful when a story needs the audience to feel that a world has its own history. A strong design language helps each location communicate something about the culture, geography or danger of the place rather than merely serving as a pretty background.
For an adventure about memories, the environment can also echo the characters’ inner lives. A vast island can make Jo and Raissa feel small as they confront a challenge bigger than their normal experience. A safe-looking clearing can become uncertain when the story reveals that not every creature is friendly. The visual rhythm matters too: long views can establish the scale of a journey, while close framing makes a moment between friends feel intimate. Animation is most effective when spectacle and emotional detail support each other.
DreamWorks has previously worked on films that combine energetic comedy with more emotional journeys, and the official Forgotten Island page connects this production team with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. That connection indicates creative experience, but it does not guarantee that every audience will respond the same way. The finished experience depends on whether the images, character movement, music and pacing help the audience care about the journey rather than simply admire the setting.
Voice performances and character chemistry
H.E.R. voices Jo and Liza Soberano voices Raissa, placing two performers at the centre of the friendship that drives the plot. The supporting voice cast includes Dave Franco as Raww, with Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng and Lea Salonga among the other performers. That collection gives the film space for very different comic and dramatic rhythms as the friends meet new personalities across the island.
In animation, a voice performance has to establish a character’s personality without relying on a live actor’s full physical presence. Timing, vocal energy and the ability to shift from humour to vulnerability all affect whether a character feels believable. For a friendship story, the two leads need to sound as though they have a history together: the shorthand, annoyance, teasing and comfort that come from knowing someone for years. The film’s emotional premise will work best when that connection feels specific, not merely announced through dialogue.
Supporting characters also have a practical job. A companion such as Raww can provide comedy and help the audience understand the island, but the side characters should not distract from the central relationship for too long. A fantasy adventure has room for memorable personalities; its pacing still needs to keep the audience aware of what the main characters are trying to do and why the next obstacle matters.
Comedy, action and pacing
Family animation has to move between danger and humour without making either one feel meaningless. A joke can release tension after a difficult sequence, while a well-timed pause lets an emotional moment land. But if comedy arrives every time the story begins to feel serious, the audience may have trouble believing that the characters face genuine consequences. Conversely, an adventure that never changes pace can become exhausting, especially for younger viewers.
Forgotten Island has several kinds of story material to balance: a friendship under pressure, a world built around folklore, new allies, dangerous creatures and a race to find a way home. The question is whether these elements reinforce one another. The most satisfying structure lets a challenge reveal something about Jo or Raissa, while the magical world changes how they understand their relationship. If the island becomes only a collection of separate encounters, the emotional thread may feel less immediate.
Viewers have different expectations from animated adventure. Some look for jokes and fast action; others want a rich setting or a story about relationships. The film’s premise creates an opportunity to serve both audiences, but the right balance depends on the execution. Parents watching with children may appreciate that the main conflict can lead to conversation about change, memory and being a supportive friend.
Is Forgotten Island suitable for family viewing?
The film is marketed as a family animated adventure and carries a PG classification in US listings. That classification is guidance rather than a guarantee that every scene will suit every child. The official materials describe fantasy creatures, peril and chase-style adventure, along with humour and emotional themes about friendship. Families can check the local cinema or rating board’s listing for region-specific guidance, because classifications and advisories can vary by country.
One useful consideration is how a child responds to suspense. A fantasy creature may be exciting for one viewer and genuinely frightening for another. The memory-loss dilemma may also raise questions about separation and growing up. These topics are not inherently unsuitable for children, but a parent or carer can help by explaining that the story is fictional and giving the child room to discuss how it made them feel.
What its box-office position tells us
Forgotten Island opened in September and remained visible in October box-office listings. The Numbers and Box Office Mojo publish domestic daily and monthly chart data, while the studio continues to provide its official synopsis and promotional information. Those sources can help readers distinguish the movie’s release timeline from later commentary about how it performed. Box-office rankings are a snapshot: the order can change daily as films add new grosses, and domestic totals are not the same as global earnings.
For an original animated film, box-office performance is influenced by more than reviews alone. Competition from other family films, school and holiday schedules, local release dates, distribution reach and word of mouth can all affect results. A movie can be culturally distinctive and still face a crowded release calendar. Conversely, a strong start does not prove that every audience will like its characters or humour. The best assessment combines commercial data with critical analysis and individual taste.
Verdict: a friendship story with a colourful mythic setting
Forgotten Island has an emotionally clear premise: two best friends facing separate futures enter a magical place where getting home may cost them their shared memories. The Filipino folklore influences give the world a more specific identity than a generic fantasy island, while the ensemble offers room for humour and adventure. Its central question—what makes a friendship last when life changes—can connect with audiences beyond the immediate plot.
The adaptation’s success depends on the relationship between its fantasy spectacle and character development. The creatures and landscapes can make the journey exciting, but the story’s emotional impact will come from whether Jo and Raissa feel like real friends with individual fears and hopes. For viewers looking for a family film that combines adventure with a theme about change, Forgotten Island is a current title worth considering. Check the official local release details and rating before choosing a screening.
Forgotten Island review: common questions
What is Forgotten Island about?
Two lifelong friends, Jo and Raissa, discover a portal to the fantasy island of Nakali, where magical creatures and a threat to their shared memories complicate their journey home.
When did Forgotten Island release?
The US theatrical release date was September 25, 2026. Regional release schedules may differ, so check official local listings.
Who directed Forgotten Island?
Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado wrote and directed the DreamWorks Animation film, with Mark Swift producing.
Who voices Jo and Raissa?
H.E.R. voices Jo, and Liza Soberano voices Raissa. The wider cast includes Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng and Lea Salonga.
Is Forgotten Island connected to an existing franchise?
It is presented by DreamWorks as an original animated film rather than a sequel to an existing title.
Does the movie use Filipino mythology?
Yes. The studio says the friends encounter creatures connected to stories from their Filipino families, including the Manananggal. The film is one creative interpretation of folklore, not a complete guide to every tradition.
Is Forgotten Island suitable for children?
It is marketed as a family animation and has a US PG classification. Families should check local ratings and consider how a child responds to fantasy peril and suspense.
What are the main themes of Forgotten Island?
Friendship, growing up, change, memory, cultural storytelling and the fear of drifting apart are central ideas suggested by the official premise.
Where can I find the official trailer and synopsis?
Visit the official DreamWorks Forgotten Island page.
Where can I check release dates and box-office data?
Use official local cinema listings and current box-office charts such as Box Office Mojo’s October 2026 chart.
Official information and further reading
- DreamWorks Animation — official synopsis, cast and crew
- NBCUniversal — release announcement
- Rotten Tomatoes — film listing and audience/critic information
- Box Office Mojo — October 2026 box-office chart
