Forgotten Island arrives in theaters on September 25, 2026, with an adventure that combines fantasy, humor, mythological creatures, and an emotional story about friendship. The new DreamWorks animated movie follows two best friends who must face an unknown world before something even more important disappears: the memories they created together.
Directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the movie presents a fantastic journey inspired by elements of Filipino culture and folklore. In addition, the story blends adventure and emotion by turning a farewell between two friends into a race against time.
Forgotten Island premieres in theaters on September 25, 2026.
What is Forgotten Island about?
The story follows Jô and Raissa, two best friends who have been inseparable since childhood. Now, after finishing high school, they are about to follow different paths.
Raissa is preparing for a move that could take her far away from Jô. Therefore, the two decide to spend one last night together before this new stage of their lives begins.
However, their farewell takes a completely unexpected turn.
During the night, Jô and Raissa discover a mysterious portal. After crossing it, they are transported to Nakali, a magical island filled with strange creatures and mythological beings they previously knew only from stories told by their Filipino families.
At first, the island seems fascinating. However, the friends soon discover that staying there comes at a terrible price.
The longer they remain in Nakali, the more their memories begin to disappear.
Escaping the island could cost them their friendship
The main conflict in Forgotten Island goes far beyond simply finding a way home.
Jô and Raissa discover that returning to their world may mean losing every memory they have of each other. As a result, their adventure becomes a desperate race to escape before their friendship disappears completely.
This idea gives the movie an emotional core.
While facing dangerous creatures and exploring unfamiliar places, the main characters also deal with something very real: the fear of growing up and drifting away from people who played an important role in their lives.
Therefore, Forgotten Island uses fantasy to explore change, goodbyes, and relationships that can remain meaningful even when life takes people in different directions.
Magical creatures await Jô and Raissa
Nakali is far from an ordinary island.
The mysterious place is inhabited by creatures inspired by Filipino stories and traditions. Some of them help Jô and Raissa during their journey. Others, however, make escaping much more dangerous.
Among their new allies is Raww, a well-meaning but clumsy werewolf-like dog. Dave Franco voices the character in the original version.
Alongside Raww and other unusual companions, the two friends must also face a much more dangerous threat.
One of the most terrifying creatures on the island is the Manananggal, presented as one of Nakali’s most feared beings. Lea Salonga provides the character’s voice in the original version.
Because of this, every new part of the island may bring either unexpected help or another threat standing between the girls and home.
Who is in the Forgotten Island cast?
The original voice cast of Forgotten Island includes several familiar names.
Singer and actress H.E.R. voices Jô, while Liza Soberano plays Raissa. Their characters are at the center of the story as their lifelong friendship faces its biggest challenge.
In addition, Dave Franco voices Raww, the funny and unpredictable companion who joins the protagonists on their journey.
The cast also includes Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng.
Meanwhile, Lea Salonga voices the frightening Manananggal, one of the major dangers the friends encounter while exploring Nakali.
Together, the cast brings life to the many unusual characters and creatures that inhabit the forgotten island.
A new animated adventure from the creators of Puss in Boots 2
Another highlight of Forgotten Island is the creative team behind the project.
Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado serve as writers and directors. Both previously worked on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, a DreamWorks production that earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
Mark Swift also serves as a producer on the new movie after working on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
Because of that experience, expectations around the new adventure are especially high. Once again, DreamWorks combines humor, fantasy, and emotional themes within a colorful animated world.
More importantly, the relationships between the characters remain at the heart of the story.
Filipino folklore plays an important role
One of the most interesting aspects of Forgotten Island is its connection to Filipino culture.
Jô and Raissa grew up hearing stories about mythical creatures from their families. However, once they arrive in Nakali, they discover that many of those creatures are real within this mysterious world.
As a result, the fantasy elements are not simply part of the background.
They are connected to the protagonists’ family history and help link the magical adventure to their identities and childhood memories.
In addition, this approach gives the movie an opportunity to introduce elements of Filipino folklore to a wide audience through a major animated production.
A story about growing up without forgetting
Although Forgotten Island is filled with portals, magical landscapes, and strange creatures, the real heart of the movie is the friendship between Jô and Raissa.
The two are reaching a point in their lives when change becomes unavoidable.
After high school, new opportunities, places, and responsibilities begin to appear. As a result, friendships that once felt permanent may suddenly need to adapt.
The movie turns that feeling into something literal.
In Nakali, forgetting a friend is not just a fear. It is a real possibility.
Therefore, protecting their memories also means fighting to preserve everything their friendship represents.
Who should watch Forgotten Island?
Forgotten Island may be a great choice for families and viewers who enjoy animated movies filled with fantasy, adventure, and emotion.
Fans of DreamWorks productions will likely recognize several familiar elements. There are funny characters, strange creatures, exciting challenges, and a large-scale journey.
However, the movie also explores an emotional theme that can connect with both younger viewers and adults.
The friendship between Jô and Raissa remains at the center of the entire story.
Because of that, even in a world filled with magic, the movie begins with something deeply human: learning that growing up also means learning how to deal with change.
Forgotten Island arrives in theaters in September
With a magical island, mythological creatures, and a friendship put to the test, Forgotten Island stands out as one of DreamWorks’ new animated adventures of 2026.
Jô and Raissa must find a way to escape Nakali before their memories disappear completely. At the same time, their journey may help them understand that choosing different paths does not necessarily erase everything they experienced together.
Forgotten Island premieres in theaters on September 25, 2026.
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