‘Forgotten Island’ Debuts With Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score and Fans Are Cheering
DreamWorks Animation is known for transforming unexpected concepts into beloved films, from charismatic villains to stranded robots. Their latest original feature, ‘Forgotten Island’, takes a bold step with a narrative inspired by Philippine folklore, delivering a heartfelt story of friendship that resonates deeply. The film’s perfect Rotten Tomatoes score is generating buzz ahead of its theatrical release.
The plot centers around two lifelong friends, Jo and Raissa, who are spending their final night together before embarking on separate journeys in life. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the duo behind ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’, this film marks Crawford’s first original venture at DreamWorks that isn’t a sequel.
As the reviews began to pour in, The Hollywood Handle shared on X that ‘Forgotten Island’ launched with an impressive 100% Tomatometer score, based on 20 reviews at that time. The audience Popcornmeter score was still pending, with fewer than 50 verified ratings, as the film is set to hit theaters on September 25 with a PG rating.
During their last night together, Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a magical island brimming with creatures from Filipino mythology. The story unfolds in the Philippines during the 1990s.
However, their only path back home may come at the cost of their cherished memories of friendship. Along the way, they join forces with a well-meaning but clumsy weredog named Raww (Dave Franco) and a small group of friends. They must also confront the Dreaded Manananggal, voiced by Lea Salonga, the island’s most feared creature.
In an interview with Rotten Tomatoes’ podcast Seen on the Screen, Crawford described the film as “a story about these two lifelong friends who grew up in the Philippines.” He emphasized that their friendship is evolving, and the incorporation of Filipino mythology adds to the film’s charm.
The Hollywood Reporter describes the film as a dazzling original, highlighting it as a rare instance of authentic animated storytelling amidst a landscape dominated by franchises and sequels. The review notes that audiences might find it challenging to keep pace with the thematic and visual elements, but ultimately, this complexity serves the film well.
ScreenRant’s review emphasizes the comedic aspects, calling the film a whirlwind of joyful chaos where the writing and animation are perfectly synchronized. The critic positions it within a new era of American studio animation that is dynamic, often influenced by anime, and filled with rapid-fire humor. The impact of ‘Spider-Verse’ is noted as a significant influence on this trend.
While not every review is entirely positive regarding the pacing, as some viewers may find the visual style overwhelming, the overall critical consensus suggests a film that successfully balances its vibrant spectacle with genuine emotional depth—a challenge DreamWorks has been striving to achieve in recent years.
First clip from DreamWorks’ ‘FORGOTTEN ISLAND’.
The film follows 2 best friends trapped in a mystical world but their only way of escape is to erase all their memories of each other.
In theaters on September 25. pic.twitter.com/QWHw75nN2B
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 14, 2026
The voice cast is another highlight of the film, featuring H.E.R., Soberano, Franco, Salonga, along with Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng. DreamWorks has intentionally included well-known Filipino-American actors, showcasing a commitment to authentically representing the culture central to the narrative.
Initial audience reactions on Letterboxd are equally positive, with fans praising the animation and the film’s themes of friendship. Some have drawn comparisons to the visual style of ‘Spider-Verse’. One user on Rotten Tomatoes expressed pride in seeing Filipino culture represented on the big screen, calling the film’s themes universal.
A perfect score at this early stage is merely a snapshot, likely to change as more critics contribute their reviews. Nevertheless, this strong start is a promising sign for an original film debuting in a market saturated with sequels and established franchises.
‘Forgotten Island’ is set to premiere in theaters on Friday, September 25. Until then, early reviews indicate that DreamWorks may have crafted another crowd-pleaser, one that could leave audiences reaching for the tissues.
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