Forgotten Island (2026) Review: A Friendship Tested By Fading Memories

This Forgotten Island review starts with a simple question: what would you give up to get home? DreamWorks Animation's 2026 adventure turns that question into a warm, funny story about two best friends who are about to grow apart.

Co-directed by Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, the film is rated PG and runs 109 minutes. It is a family-friendly animated fantasy with plenty of heart.

Forgotten Island Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Forgotten Island plot opens on the last night Jo and Raissa expect to spend together as high school graduates. Big changes are coming, and neither of them quite knows how to say what the friendship means. Then they find a mysterious portal that whisks them to Nakali, a fantastical island full of odd creatures.

The catch arrives quickly. To return home, they must pay with the memories of their whole friendship. That sets up a race against time: find another way off the island before they forget each other forever.

The premise is neat because the fantasy mirrors a real, relatable fear. Leaving school, moving away and drifting apart are everyday worries, and the film treats them with sincerity. The tagline, "No memory left behind," sums up the emotional stakes well.

What Works in Forgotten Island

The emotional core is the best thing here. The story is about the fear of separation, and it keeps coming back to small shared moments rather than big speeches. Audience reviews highlight the tear-jerking scenes, and that matches the film's clear focus on friendship.

The animation is bright and inventive, with anime-style touches and slapstick that suit the genre. Early viewers also praise the world-building of Nakali, its quirky locals and its upbeat songs. Fans of the studio's earlier work will feel at home, and the film also leans into Filipino culture, which gives it a distinct flavor.

Here is what stands out:

• A relatable, emotionally honest friendship story

• Colorful animation with lively physical comedy

• A cast of memorable island characters

• Catchy music that adds energy to the adventure

If you enjoy animation movie reviews on this site, this fits right in among the more heartfelt studio releases.

Forgotten Island Cast and Performances

The Forgotten Island cast is all voice talent. H.E.R. plays Jo and Liza Soberano voices Raissa, and the two carry the story with an easy, believable chemistry. That bond has to feel real for the memory-loss stakes to land, and it does.

Dave Franco voices Raww, the fox-like guide the girls meet on Nakali, and he brings a quick, playful energy. Jenny Slate plays Batiba, and Manny Jacinto voices Bungi Tiyanak. Lea Salonga rounds out the main cast as Manang.

The supporting characters add a lot of the comedy, and the voice work gives each one a clear personality. One viewer compared a cat character to a figure from Macbeth, which hints at the film's playful, theatrical streak.

Where Forgotten Island Stumbles

The main complaint is pace. Even fans who love the film say it moves quickly, and it can leave little room to sit with the lessons and the emotional beats. A story about memory could have benefited from a few more quiet moments.

The setup is also familiar. A portal, a guide, a magical price and a ticking clock are well-worn fantasy tools. Some critics may find the middle stretch busy, as the heroes chase a lost talisman and meet a string of eccentric characters. The reception is not unanimous either, with one early reviewer giving it a more modest score.

These are minor issues in a film that mostly delivers what it promises. They keep it from feeling like a new classic, but not from being a charming ride.

Is Forgotten Island Worth Watching?

Yes, Forgotten Island is worth watching, especially for families and anyone who likes emotional animated adventures. It balances jokes, music and genuine feeling, and it earns its sentimental moments.

The Forgotten Island release date is September 10, 2026, and the bright animation makes it a good candidate for the big screen. Early audience scores are strong, sitting at 7.6 out of 10 on TMDB from a small number of votes. Our own score is in line with that.

If you want more lighthearted stories, browse our comedy movie reviews. For another handmade fantasy world, see our Wildwood review.

Who Will Enjoy Forgotten Island

• Families with kids who enjoy colorful fantasy adventures and musical moments

• Viewers who love friendship stories with real emotional weight

• Fans of DreamWorks Animation and of stories that celebrate Filipino culture