Thescreescore – Universal Pictures, through its acclaimed animation studio DreamWorks, has once again captivated audiences and critics alike with its latest fantasy epic, Forgotten Island. The film has made an extraordinary debut, earning near-perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes and solidifying its place as a significant new entry in the studio’s celebrated catalog of imaginative adventures.
Fresh from its theatrical premiere on September 25, 2026, Forgotten Island boasts an impressive 96% audience score, garnered from over 500 verified ratings. This overwhelming public enthusiasm is powerfully mirrored by critical reception, with the film achieving a stellar 95% from 93 professional reviews. Such widespread acclaim signals a resounding triumph for the 109-minute feature, positioning it as a must-see for animation aficionados and fantasy lovers.
Penned and co-directed by the visionary duo Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, Forgotten Island embarks on a poignant journey with two inseparable childhood friends, Jo and Raissa. Their coming-of-age narrative, set against the backdrop of the Philippines in the 1990s and early 2000s, takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious portal transports them to Nakali. This mythical island is a vibrant tapestry of magical and mythological creatures, all drawn directly from the rich Filipino folklore their families cherished.
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The film features a remarkable ensemble voice cast that breathes life into its diverse characters. Audiences will recognize the talents of H.E.R., Kailey Crawford, Liza Soberano, Kayla Teruel, Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto, Jenny Slate, Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Kevin McCann. Adding further depth are compelling voice cameos from Eugene Cordero, Harvey Guillén, Wagner Moura, and Sophia Laforteza of Katseye.
Critics have lauded Forgotten Island for its breathtaking animation, deeply emotional narrative, and groundbreaking cultural representation. Reviewers universally praise its "vibrant celebration of friendship and Filipino folklore," highlighting its "colorful imagination and inventive charm" while masterfully maintaining a "heartfelt central relationship." A prominent film critic, Alex Harrison, in a review for thescreescore.com, awarded the movie eight out of ten stars, describing it as "laugh-out-loud DreamWorks comedy [that] is breathless, joyful chaos." Harrison further noted its significant contribution to a "new era of American studio animation," finding its "busy" visual style "invigorating" and drawing favorable comparisons to the acclaimed Across the Spider-Verse.
Audiences have resonated deeply with the film’s emotional core, its sharp humor, and its stunning visual artistry. Filipino viewers, in particular, have expressed profound appreciation for the authentic cultural representation and the nostalgic embrace of their heritage, finding the story both relatable and surprisingly moving. While the film’s pacing has been described by some as frantic, and certain darker, more intense elements might prove challenging for very young children, these minor points do little to detract from its overall impact.
Despite its initial worldwide gross of $21 million against an $80 million budget, the overwhelming critical and audience adoration suggests Forgotten Island is poised for a sustained run, relying on powerful word-of-mouth to propel its journey. This initial box office figure sets the stage for what could be a slow-burn success, a common trajectory for many beloved animated features that find their stride beyond opening weekend.
With its unique blend of personal storytelling and fantastical adventure, Forgotten Island stands as a testament to DreamWorks’ continued innovation. It solidifies its place as a potential new franchise that enriches the studio’s already celebrated legacy of fantasy and fairy-tale epics, promising a bright future for this enchanting new world.
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