Every so often, an animated film arrives that feels different from the usual studio formula. Forgotten Island, the new DreamWorks Animation adventure, looks like one of those films. Rooted in Philippine folklore and built around a friendship that might not survive the journey home, it has already sparked plenty of conversation among animation fans. At Ultimate Fandom, we have gathered everything worth knowing about the movie, from its release and cast to its story, themes, and style.
Watch this Movie Trailer Below:
Release Date and Studio Details
Forgotten Island reached United States theaters on September 25, 2026, distributed by Universal Pictures. Before that, audiences got an early look through work-in-progress screenings at CinemaCon in April 2026 and at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. DreamWorks Animation first announced the project as an original adventure comedy inspired by Philippine mythology, which immediately set it apart from sequels and franchise entries.
The film is rated PG for scary animated action, language, and rude humor. That detail matters for parents. Reviewers describe the movie as a little edgier than typical family animation, with a few darker moments and slightly more mild profanity than most mainstream cartoons include.
Who Made Forgotten Island
The film is written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. Crawford previously directed The Croods: A New Age and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, while Mercado co-directed The Last Wish and served as head of story on The Croods: A New Age. Forgotten Island marks Mercado’s directorial debut. Mark Swift, who produced The Last Wish, returns as producer, and Nathan Matthew David composes the music. Since The Last Wish earned Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations, expectations for this creative team are understandably high. Readers who follow animation news on Ultimate Fandom will recognize how rare it is for an original, non-sequel feature to get this much attention.
The Voice Cast
The voice cast blends familiar Hollywood names with internationally celebrated talent. H.E.R. voices Jo, and Liza Soberano voices Raissa, the two lifelong best friends at the center of the story. Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto, Jenny Slate, and Tony winner Lea Salonga round out the headline announcement, while Dolly De Leon, Jo Koy, and Kevin McCann also appear in the film. Co-director Januel Mercado and Amielynn Abellera voice Raissa’s parents, Manny and Jane Molina. The world of the movie is also filled with colorful figures, including Raww, a pair of titas, and the dreaded Manananggal, a fearsome creature from Philippine folklore.
Plot Overview (Spoiler-Light)
The story begins in the Philippines during the 1990s, a time before cellphones. Jo Yuson presents a tale to her class about the forgotten island of Nakali and the terrifying Manananggal. Soon afterward, Jo and Raissa find themselves stranded on that very island, a fantastic world far from anything they know. The official synopsis explains that their only way home may come at the cost of a lifetime of memories and emotions.
The studio sums up the emotional hook with a simple question: what if your lifelong best friend just forgot all about you? That idea gives the film real weight beneath the comedy and action. Instead of treating friendship as a background detail, the story makes it the thing that is actually at risk.
Themes Worth Talking About
Friendship sits at the heart of Forgotten Island. The movie explores how shared memories shape who we are and what happens when those memories are threatened. It also celebrates Filipino culture. Critics have called the film a love letter to the Philippines, noting that geography, folklore, and everyday details are woven into the story rather than added as decoration.
Some reviewers have compared the central idea of losing memory and identity to Spirited Away, and the way the directors use Filipino folklore resembles how Miyazaki drew on Japanese animism. That comparison is a compliment, though the film still carries its own voice, humor, and energy. For fans who enjoy mythology-driven stories, Ultimate Fandom readers will find plenty to discuss here.
Visual Style and Music
Visually, the film has been compared to the stylized look of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and the Spider-Verse movies. Expect bold color, expressive character movement, and fantasy environments that feel hand-crafted rather than polished into sameness. Box Office Mojo lists the film among adventure, animation, comedy, family, fantasy, and musical titles, so music is clearly part of the experience. With singers such as H.E.R. and Lea Salonga in the cast, the soundtrack is naturally one of the things audiences are curious about. Fans who browse Ultimate Fandom for animation deep dives will likely appreciate the creature designs in particular, since the Manananggal and the island’s strange inhabitants give the artists plenty of room to mix folklore with imaginative, slightly unsettling detail. Charm and menace coexist here.
Critical Reception
Early reaction has been strong. The Annecy screening generated notable buzz, and one published review described the film as a wild, imaginative ride that stands out among mainstream animation. The same review argues that the movie stumbles slightly in its final stretch, which is a common challenge for stories with such ambitious ideas. Even so, the praise for its cultural specificity and emotional core has been consistent.
Should You Watch It?
If you enjoy original animated adventures with heart, humor, and a little danger, Forgotten Island deserves a spot on your list. Families with older children will likely enjoy it most, while parents of very young viewers may want to keep the PG rating in mind. The film offers something increasingly rare: a big studio release that trusts its audience with new folklore, new characters, and a story about friendship that feels personal. At Ultimate Fandom, we will keep following updates, discussions, and fan reactions as more people discover Nakali.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Forgotten Island released?
Forgotten Island was released in United States theaters on September 25, 2026, by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation.
Who directed Forgotten Island?
Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado directed and wrote the film. It is Mercado’s directorial debut.
Who is in the voice cast?
The cast includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto, Jenny Slate, Lea Salonga, Dolly De Leon, Jo Koy, and Kevin McCann.
What is Forgotten Island about?
It follows lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, who become stranded on the mystical island of Nakali, where escaping might cost them their shared memories.
Is Forgotten Island suitable for kids?
It is rated PG for scary animated action, language, and rude humor, so parents of younger children may want to preview it first.
