Forgotten Island backdrop
Forgotten Island poster
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family
No memory left behind.

Forgotten Island (2026)

Runtime 109 min
Release date 10/09/2026
Country United States of America
Production
DreamWorks Animation DreamWorks Animation
Overview
While celebrating their last night together, high school graduates and best friends Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa must race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.
Directors & Screenwriters
Januel Mercado profile photo
Januel Mercado
Director
Joel Crawford profile photo
Joel Crawford
Director
Cast
H.E.R. profile photo
H.E.R.
as Jo (voice)
Liza Soberano profile photo
Liza Soberano
as Raissa (voice)
Dave Franco profile photo
Dave Franco
as Raww (voice)
Jenny Slate profile photo
Jenny Slate
as Batiba (voice)
Manny Jacinto profile photo
Manny Jacinto
as Bungi (voice)
All trailers
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Full Dog

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:11
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Adventure may bring them to Nakali, but friendship is what drives the story.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:31
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Everything's Fine

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:07
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Personality

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:08
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Something In My Eye

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:09
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Bare Minimum

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:09
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Adventure, magic and friendship await beyond the portal.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:12
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Dreams

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Normal sibling relationships

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:08
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Locking in

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:10
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Every introverted friend needs their extroverted friend

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:14
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

You need your bestie by your side through everything

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:24
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Official New Trailer

Video: YouTube
Duration: 03:00
Animation Adventure Fantasy Comedy Family

Forgotten Island

Official Trailer

Video: YouTube
Duration: 02:24
Did You Know?
How ‘Forgotten Island’ became a love letter to Filipino culture
Image via inquirer.net,

DreamWorks’ ‘Forgotten Island’ is a love‑letter to the Philippines, voiced and crafted by its own stars.

DreamWorks Animation is breaking new ground with “Forgotten Island,” its first animated feature built around Filipino mythology and culture. Set on the imagined island of Nakali, the story follows lifelong friends Jo and Raissa as they navigate a world of legendary creatures while wrestling with the memories that shape their bond. Directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado poured personal heritage into the project—Crawford’s Filipino family and Mercado’s desire to honor his own loved ones serve as the film’s emotional backbone. The voice cast reads like a roll call of Filipino talent, each drawn to the film’s genuine reverence for their roots. Liza Soberano (Raissa) and Grammy‑winner H.E.R. (Jo) praised the palpable love the creators have for the culture, while legends like Lea Salonga (Manang) and Manny Jacinto (Bungi Tiyanak) highlighted how Filipino performers give folklore an authentic voice. Comedian Jo Koy, playing Datu, noted that the stories feel universal, inviting audiences worldwide to see reflections of their own lives. Behind the scenes, story artists such as Taiwanese‑Filipino Genevieve Tsai and Tiffany Ford grew up hearing the very myths now animated on screen, describing the experience as “overwhelming.” Composer Nathan Matthew David reinforced that cultural fidelity by weaving indigenous instruments into the score and even recording a historic bamboo pipe organ in Las Piñas, creating a soundscape that feels unmistakably Filipino. At its core, “Forgotten Island” is less about monsters and more about the friendships and memories that define us. The film opens in the Philippines on September 23, 2026, before a global rollout on September 25, inviting viewers everywhere to step onto a mythic shore that feels both exotic and intimately familiar.
inquirer.net
Forgotten Island backdrop

DreamWorks drops a nostalgic wave with ‘Forgotten Island’—tickets now on sale!

DreamWorks is turning the dial back to the ’90s with its latest adventure, Forgotten Island. The studio just opened ticket sales and rolled out a brand‑new TV spot that leans heavily into retro vibes, promising fans a throwback experience before they even step into the theater. Accompanying the spot are five freshly unveiled posters that channel the bold colors and cheeky typography of the era. Each image teases the film’s mysterious setting while nodding to the era’s iconic design language, giving longtime moviegoers a visual cue that this isn’t just another blockbuster—it’s a love letter to a bygone cinematic style. With the marketing push in full swing, anticipation is already building among both DreamWorks loyalists and newcomers drawn in by the nostalgic aesthetic. As tickets continue to sell, the buzz suggests Forgotten Island could become the season’s most talked‑about release, especially for anyone craving a fresh story wrapped in a familiar, retro package.
headtopics.com
Forgotten Island: BTS Featurette Spotlights The Power of Friendship
Image via headtopics.com,

DreamWorks’ new featurette reveals the heartfelt friendship at the core of Forgotten Island

DreamWorks Animation has just dropped an "A Look Inside" behind‑the‑scenes featurette that pulls back the curtain on Forgotten Island’s emotional engine: the bond between lifelong friends Jo and Raissa. In candid interviews, the cast and crew discuss how their friendship evolves from grade‑school pals to soon‑to‑be graduates, and why the stakes of the story hinge on preserving those shared memories. The short film shows that the magical portal to the mythic island of Nakali—populated by creatures from Filipino folklore—does more than launch an adventure; it forces the duo to race against a terrifying price: losing the very memories that keep their friendship alive. As Jo and Raissa scramble to escape before they forget each other forever, the featurette hints at a tone far richer and more emotional than the high‑octane trailers have suggested. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the movie pairs an all‑star voice cast—including H.E.R., Manny Jacinto and Lea Salonga—with dazzling visuals that will shine in DreamWorks’ new SCREENX format. The promotional poster, already generating buzz, spotlights the duo’s magical journey and underscores that, at its heart, Forgotten Island is a celebration of friendship’s power to endure even the wildest of worlds.
headtopics.com
Forgotten Island backdrop

DreamWorks’ new 90s‑era adventure ‘Forgotten Island’ promises a visual feast that feels like a handheld anime‑infused road trip.

DreamWorks is set to unleash its next bold experiment on September 25: *Forgotten Island*, a 90s‑set animated feature that transports two lifelong friends to a mysterious Philippine world that devours their shared memories. The premise, fresh and unlinked to any franchise, lets directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado imagine a landscape brimming with original creatures, friends, and foes while exploring the unsettling idea of an island that feeds on recollection. The film’s visual ambition is equally daring. In a Collider‑exclusive sneak peek, stars H.E.R., Liza Soberano and Dave Franco marvel at the movie’s “surreal and artistic” look, noting that some scenes feel as if a character within the story is filming with a handheld camera. The animation flips between dreamlike watercolor washes, graphic‑novel panels, and full‑on anime energy inspired by *Dragon Ball Z* and *Street Fighter*, all crafted in partnership with the Philippines‑based Snipple Animation. Crawford and Mercado say the success of *Puss in Boots: The Last Wish* gave them a baseline for fantastical storytelling, but without an existing franchise they were free to push DreamWorks to its limits. The result is a maximalist, cinematic style that blends nostalgic 90s vibes with cutting‑edge techniques, promising audiences a uniquely immersive ride through the memory‑eating island of Nakali.
collider.com
Dave Franco reveals how he 'relates' to Forgotten Island character
Image via arcamax.com,

Dave Franco says his new animated role hits close to home – and the directors behind it are his biggest draw

Dave Franco brings his own brand of loyalty and yearning for love to the voice of Raww, the well‑meaning but hapless were‑aspin in the upcoming animated comedy Forgotten Island. The 41‑year‑old admits he sees a "crossover" between the character’s deep‑down desire to be loved and his own real‑life personality, making the role feel surprisingly personal. The actor also showered praise on directors Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado, the duo behind the acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Their conversation about the film’s structure – likening it to The Hangover and its friendship dynamics to Superbad, with thematic nods to Eternal Sunshine – instantly clicked with Franco, who felt their sensibilities aligned perfectly. Beyond the studio, Franco’s personal life slipped into the interview, reminding fans of his marriage to Alison Brie and the cheeky anecdote about a possible rendezvous on Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Though he keeps his private life under wraps, he acknowledges that promotion now demands a more vulnerable, open approach. Balancing his private nature with the demands of fame, Franco says he’s learning to lean into the spotlight, especially when championing projects like Forgotten Island that let him explore both comedic and heartfelt territory.
arcamax.com
‘Forgotten Island’ Review: H.E.R. And Dave Franco Give Life To Gorgeously Animated And Frenetic ‘Toon
Image via deadline.com,

Two best‑friends stumble through a magical portal and discover why memories matter most.

DreamWorks’ newest animated adventure, Forgotten Island, marks a bold departure for a studio that usually leans on familiar franchises. Helmed by writer‑directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado—who proved their knack for refreshing existing IP with 2022’s Puss In Boots: The Last Wish—the film follows Jo and Raissa, inseparable friends from the Philippines whose bond is symbolized by matching charm bracelets. As Raissa prepares to leave for Caltech and Jo is stuck in a fast‑food job, the duo’s final night together takes a fantastical turn when they discover a shimmering portal on the beach that whisks them to the mythical Nakali, a place born from their shared memories. On Nakali, the girls encounter a parade of out‑landish characters: the shape‑shifting Weredog Raww (voiced by Dave Franco), the cycloptic baby‑giant Bungi (Manny Jacinto), and the agoraphobic cave dweller Batiba (Jenny Slate), who hoards stolen memories. They also cross paths with Daju the tree‑brigade leader (Jo Koy), the pompous King Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng), the slick Prince Mermahn (Kevin McCann), and the terrifying Manananggal (Lea Salonga), a witch who can split herself in two. Each encounter pushes Jo and Raissa deeper into a rabbit‑hole of wonder reminiscent of Alice or Dorothy, while the stakes rise as they must trade memories to find their way home. Visually, the film bursts with kaleidoscopic animation that shifts styles mid‑scene, reflecting the frenetic energy of today’s younger viewers. The soundtrack—peppered with catchy tunes and original songs from H.E.R., who also voices adult Jo—provides a lively backdrop before the second half slows to let the emotional core breathe. Here, the girls confront their hopes, fears, and the true value of their friendship, delivering a heartfelt lesson on preserving memories. Forgotten Island lands in theaters on September 25, 2026, runs 1 hour 47 minutes, and is rated PG, promising a vibrant, memory‑laden ride for teen audiences and anyone who cherishes the magic of a best‑friend bond.
deadline.com
Forgotten Island backdrop

Forgotten Island dethrones Nolan’s epic with a flawless 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

The fantasy blockbuster Forgotten Island is not just riding the summer wave—it’s reshaping it. With a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has already eclipsed Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in both critical acclaim and box‑office momentum, quickly becoming the highest‑rated movie of the year. The story follows two young friends who stumble upon a shimmering portal to Nakali, a mythical island teeming with magical creatures and vivid landscapes rendered in a seamless blend of live‑action and animation. Featuring a star‑studded ensemble—Dave Franco, H.E. R., Liza Soberano, Jenny Slate, and Manny Jacinto—the cast navigates an adventure that tests their bond as they race against fading memories to escape the island. Beyond its enchanting premise, Forgotten Island’s success reflects a strategic rollout by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks, spanning standard theaters, premium large‑format screens, and streaming platforms. Analysts say the film’s inclusive mix of humor, heart, and high‑production spectacle is shifting audience preferences toward genre‑blending blockbusters, setting a new benchmark for future fantasy releases.
headtopics.com
Forgotten Island backdrop

A magical Filipino adventure that proves best‑friend bonds can survive even shape‑shifting demons.

DreamWorks’ newest release, “Forgotten Island,” dives deep into Filipino folklore, swapping typical Western mythos for Aswang, Duwende and the terrifying Manananggal. Set between bustling Manila and the enchanted island of Nakalimutan—affectionately called Nakali—the film dazzles with a painterly 2D‑meets‑3D look that feels ripped from anime and the “Spider‑Verse” playbook. At its heart are Jo (voiced by Grammy‑winner H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano), two inseparable best friends whose bond is tested when Raissa’s scholarship to Caltech looms. The duo spend years chasing a portal key whispered about by Jo’s grandmother Lola Fatima (Dolly de Leon), and on the eve of Raissa’s departure they tumble through a glowing beach hole onto Nakali, where half‑shaved crowns and memory‑loss await. Guided by a shape‑shifting were‑dog named Raww (Dave Franco) and a tree‑dwelling demon Batiba (Jenny Slate), Jo and Raissa scramble to reclaim their lost memories before Raissa’s flight. Along the way they meet a three‑eyed demon baby, Bungi Tiyanak (Manny Jacinto), a star‑stuffed merman Prince Mermahn (Kevin McCann), and the quirky Duwende tribe led by King Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng). The film balances slapstick chaos with a surprisingly tender climax about loyalty. Co‑written and co‑directed by longtime collaborators Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado, the movie draws on their own 1990s friendship and Mercado’s Filipino heritage to ground the spectacle in genuine cultural love. While its runtime feels a touch stretched, the vibrant visuals and heartfelt tribute to friendship make “Forgotten Island” a memorable ride that will linger long after the credits roll.
wyomingnews.com
Review: Fun and magical ‘Forgotten Island’ is chock full of Bay Area talent
Image via marinij.com,

A humble sand dollar unlocks a trippy Filipino‑folklore odyssey in DreamWorks’ newest hit.

DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures dive into a wildly original portal in “Forgotten Island,” where a simple sand dollar whisks two Bay‑Area teens into Nakalimutan, a realm pulsing with eight‑foot‑tall demon babies, singing‑nipple mermen and mushroom warriors drawn straight from Philippine mythology. The film’s visual feast blends anime, ’90s street art, video‑game flair and classic Hanna‑Barbera energy, making even “Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse” feel quaint. The story follows Jo (voiced by singer‑songwriter H.E.R.) and Raussia (Liza Soberano), a fun‑seeking artist and a determined future Caltech student whose friendship is forged in a school‑yard showdown. After a sand‑dollar portal erases their memories, they awaken on the mythic island with half‑shaved hair, wings, tattoos and crowns, forced to piece together their past while battling a memory‑stealing demon (Jenny Slate) and a flamboyant King Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng). The voice roster also boasts Dave Franco as a jittery were‑dog, Lea Salonga as a vampiric creature with detachable torso, and a cameo‑rich cast that peppers the adventure with pop‑culture nods. Beyond its kinetic animation, the movie pulses with Filipino culture: Tagalog dialogue, indigenous instruments, karaoke bursts, and a soundtrack that swings from Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” to INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart,” even slipping in “Who Let the Dogs Out.” The humor is unapologetically off‑beat, riffing on Tom Cruise, the Will Smith Oscar slap and even inserting Arnold Schwarzenegger footage from “Predator.” At its heart, “Forgotten Island” is as much about the pain of forgetting as it is about the joy of remembering—“You had me at disembowelment,” one girl quips, and later, “You have a future. I don’t.” The film lands with a solid 3‑out‑of‑4 stars, rated G with occasional rude humor, and invites viewers to grab a sand dollar and reconnect with their own best‑friend adventures.
marinij.com
Forgotten Island backdrop

Animated adventure Forgotten Island flops despite star‑studded voice cast

Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s latest family outing, Forgotten Island, opened to a tepid $20.6 million worldwide – just a quarter of its $80 million production budget. The film pulled in $12.8 million domestically and $7.8 million from 34 overseas markets, a stark contrast to the blockbuster‑heavy weekend dominated by Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame Encore. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the movie follows two best friends who find themselves stranded in a mystical realm. The voice roster boasts Grammy‑winner H.E.R., comedy‑scene regular Dave Franco, and Jenny Slate, yet the enchanting premise wasn’t enough to draw large audiences in a crowded market. With the box office landscape saturated by high‑profile re‑releases and new action thrillers, Forgotten Island now faces an uphill battle to recoup its costs. Industry watchers will be monitoring its performance in the coming weeks, hoping that word‑of‑mouth or a family‑friendly holiday push can revive its fortunes before the studio writes off the loss.
headtopics.com