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The global animation scene continues to evolve, bringing rich, diverse cultural mythologies to the international box office. The latest major Hollywood release catching the attention of audiences worldwide is DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island. Released in theaters on September 25, 2026, and officially slated to hit digital streaming platforms on October 27, 2026, this original fantasy comedy takes viewers on an emotionally charged journey into the heart of Philippine mythology. Here at ChiwawaTV, we are always on the lookout for international entertainment that pushes boundaries, and this film certainly delivers a unique visual spectacle.
Inside 'Forgotten Island': A Journey to Nakali
Directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, Forgotten Island is set in the 1990s and follows two lifelong best friends, Jo and Raissa. Their lives take a wild turn when they find themselves trapped in Nakali, a mystical realm they grew up hearing about in local folklore. The plot heavily revolves around their desperate attempt to retrace their steps and find a way back home without losing their memories of one another.
The movie is steeped in rich cultural authenticity, serving as a vibrant celebration of Southeast Asian legends. Throughout their adventure, the duo encounters a variety of creatures from mythology, including the tree-dwelling batibat, the duwende, and the terrifying manananggal. Critics and audiences have noted that the film's frenetic pacing and mystery-solving structure somewhat resemble a young-adult animated version of The Hangover—the characters must piece together the chaotic events of their journey while dealing with the magical consequences.
A Star-Studded Voice Cast
DreamWorks did not hold back when assembling the predominantly Filipino and Filipino-American voice cast for this $80 million production. The dynamic leads are voiced by Grammy-winning artist H.E.R., who plays the rebellious and rowdy Jo, and actress Liza Soberano as the ambitious Raissa.
The supporting cast brings immense comedic and dramatic flair to the mystical islanders. Dave Franco voices Raww, a centuries-old "were-dog" who acts as the girls' furry, albeit unpredictable, companion. Other notable voices include Manny Jacinto as a giant tiyanak baby demon, Jenny Slate as a memory-specializing batibat, and the legendary Lea Salonga as Manang, the most feared creature in the realm. Stand-up comedian Jo Koy and Oscar-nominated actress Dolly de Leon also provide memorable performances, adding layers of authenticity and humor to the narrative.
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Despite receiving critical acclaim for its breathtaking animation, cultural representation, and emotional depth, Forgotten Island has faced a challenging theatrical run. To date, the film has grossed approximately $55 million worldwide against its $80 million production budget. Box office analysts suggest that while the movie opened strong in the Philippines (marking the best debut for a non-franchise DreamWorks film in the country), it struggled to capture the broader family demographic in other major markets due to heavy competition from established franchises like Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters.
Furthermore, early audience reactions indicate that the film might be a bit too intense for very young children. Reviewers have pointed out that Forgotten Island tackles mature themes of isolation, memory loss, and outgrowing friendships, accompanied by some darker, "nightmare fuel" visuals that make it much better suited for young adults and teenagers rather than the traditional under-10 demographic.
The Verdict
Forgotten Island is a bold, visually dazzling swing from DreamWorks Animation. It successfully proves that international folklore can be the foundation of big-budget Hollywood storytelling. While its chaotic pacing and slightly darker tone might not be for everyone, its heartfelt exploration of friendship and memory makes it a standout release for 2026.
For movie fans in Africa and globally who appreciate stunning artistry and fresh, culturally diverse narratives, this is a highly recommended watch. If you missed it in theaters, be sure to catch it when it arrives on digital download at the end of October.