Forgotten Island Movie Reviews: What Viewers Are Saying About DreamWorks’ New Animated Adventure
Meta Description: Read a detailed roundup of viewer reactions to DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island. Explore what audiences say about the story, animation, Filipino culture, friendship, humor, characters, voice cast, emotional moments and pacing.
Forgotten Island is a 2026 DreamWorks Animation adventure that combines fantasy, comedy, Filipino folklore and an emotional story about friendship. Directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the film follows longtime friends Jo and Raissa as they enter the mysterious world of Nakali, where escaping may require them to sacrifice their memories of one another. The voice cast includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng and Lea Salonga. (DreamWorks)
Rather than relying on a single review, this article looks at the overall themes appearing in audience reactions and viewer discussions, including Rotten Tomatoes audience comments and public discussions on Reddit, while also using professional reviews for context. Individual viewers obviously have different opinions, so the reactions below should be understood as a summary of recurring themes rather than a claim that every audience member feels the same way.
At the time of writing, Rotten Tomatoes lists Forgotten Island with a 96% Popcornmeter from more than 1,000 verified ratings, while its critics’ score is 95%. IMDb lists the movie at 7.5/10 from 586 ratings. These numbers can change as more people see the film. (Rotten Tomatoes)
What Is Forgotten Island About?
The movie centers on Jo and Raissa, two girls who have been best friends since childhood.
They are approaching a major transition in their lives. Their school years are ending, and they are preparing to follow different paths. The impending separation creates tension between them because their friendship has been such an important part of both their lives.
During their final night together, the girls encounter a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island populated by creatures from Filipino mythology and folklore.
The adventure becomes much more serious when they discover that their memories of their friendship are connected to their ability to return home.
The official DreamWorks description emphasizes that the girls must find a way off the island before they forget each other completely. (DreamWorks)
That premise gives the movie two stories at the same time.
On the surface, it is a colorful fantasy adventure.
Underneath, it is a story about what happens when childhood friendship encounters adulthood and change.
Viewer Reaction #1: The Friendship Story Is the Heart of the Movie
One of the strongest recurring positive reactions concerns Jo and Raissa’s friendship.
Several audience comments describe the relationship between the two girls as the element that makes the movie emotionally effective.
On Rotten Tomatoes, audience comments include descriptions such as “Wonderful story about friendship” and praise for the film’s beautiful story and emotional moments. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Reddit discussions show a similar reaction. One viewer described the opening portion showing the girls’ friendship developing as particularly strong, while another said the emotional connection between Jo and Raissa carried the film even when some of the supporting characters did not work as well. (Reddit)
This is significant because Forgotten Island isn’t simply about defeating a fantasy villain.
The emotional problem existed before Jo and Raissa reached Nakali.
They are already struggling with the fact that their lives are changing.
Raissa has her own ambitions and plans, while Jo approaches life differently. Their differences create an understandable tension between wanting to move forward and wanting childhood to remain the same.
That theme has resonated with viewers who have experienced friendships changing after school, college or relocation.
Viewer Reaction #2: Filipino Culture Is a Major Highlight
Another major subject in audience reactions is the movie’s Filipino cultural identity.
DreamWorks describes Nakali as a fantasy world populated by creatures and stories inspired by Filipino families and folklore. The production also features a predominantly Filipino and Southeast Asian voice cast. (DreamWorks)
For Filipino viewers, this representation has been particularly meaningful.
A CinemaBlend audience-focused feature described a Filipino family finding cultural references in the film especially recognizable, including Tagalog language, family dynamics, karaoke, food references and the appearance of a jeepney. (Cinemablend)
The San Francisco Chronicle similarly reported on the significance of H.E.R.’s participation and the film’s representation of Filipino heritage. The film incorporates Filipino traditions and cultural details into its characters and world rather than presenting the mythology as something completely separate from everyday life. (San Francisco Chronicle)
This has been one of the movie’s most distinctive qualities.
For viewers familiar with Filipino culture, small details can make the movie feel personal.
For audiences unfamiliar with the culture, the movie provides an introduction to Filipino mythology through a mainstream animated adventure.
Viewer Reaction #3: The Animation Gets a Lot of Praise
The visual presentation is another recurring positive.
Rotten Tomatoes audience comments include multiple viewers praising the animation. One describes it as “beautiful animation,” while another calls it fresh and different. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Reddit discussions also contain considerable praise for the visuals. Some viewers describe the animation as spectacular or gorgeous, although other viewers have been less enthusiastic about the particular character designs and visual style. (Reddit)
Professional reviews generally recognize the film’s visual ambition as well.
TheWrap describes the movie as visually energetic, with colorful animation and influences from anime combined with the production resources of a major studio. (TheWrap)
This means viewers are not simply responding to technical polish.
The movie has a deliberately distinctive visual identity.
The world of Nakali is filled with unusual creatures, environments and colors, giving the filmmakers considerable freedom compared with the more realistic settings of the opening sections.
Viewer Reaction #4: The Humor Is Divisive
Comedy is one area where reactions become more mixed.
Some viewers find Forgotten Island genuinely funny and appreciate its energetic approach.
Rotten Tomatoes audience reactions mention the humor positively, with viewers describing the movie as funny, heartfelt and entertaining. (Rotten Tomatoes)
However, Reddit discussions show that not everybody responds to the same jokes.
One viewer said they did not particularly connect with much of the humor, while another described some of the supporting characters as annoying or one-note. (Reddit)
This seems to be connected to the movie’s very fast pace.
There is rarely much time between jokes, action sequences, character introductions and new pieces of information.
For viewers who enjoy high-energy DreamWorks comedy, that can make the film exciting.
For viewers who prefer quieter animated stories, it can become overwhelming.
Viewer Reaction #5: The Movie Moves Very Quickly
Pacing is probably one of the most noticeable criticisms.
Some viewers enjoy the speed because it keeps the adventure moving.
Others feel that the movie is too busy.
A recurring comment in audience discussions is that there are many characters and locations introduced relatively quickly. Some viewers felt that the first part of the movie, when Jo and Raissa are still in the real world, was stronger because it allowed their relationship to develop more naturally. (Reddit)
One Reddit discussion described the film as “too hyperactive” while still praising its animation and emotional climax. (Reddit)
The criticism is also reflected in professional reviews.
The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw argued that the film is extremely energetic and gives its characters relatively little opportunity to simply exist without another plot development or action sequence. (The Guardian)
This is therefore one of the clearest areas of disagreement.
Some viewers experience the fast pace as exciting.
Others experience it as exhausting.
Viewer Reaction #6: Supporting Characters Receive Mixed Responses
Jo and Raissa generally receive more positive attention than some of the secondary characters.
The film introduces a variety of creatures and companions after the girls arrive in Nakali.
Raww, the well-meaning weredog voiced by Dave Franco, provides comic relief, while other characters contribute to the mythology and adventure. The official cast also includes Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy and Ronny Chieng. (DreamWorks)
Some viewers enjoy this large supporting cast because it makes Nakali feel populated and unpredictable.
Other viewers believe the movie introduces too many characters.
A Reddit discussion includes criticism that some secondary characters are one-note or unnecessary, although another participant argued that they function like the supporting companions commonly found in animated adventure films. (Reddit)
This is an interesting difference in expectations.
A viewer looking primarily for Jo and Raissa may see the extra characters as distractions.
A viewer who enjoys world-building may appreciate the variety.
Viewer Reaction #7: The Villain and Folklore Creatures Stand Out
The Manananggal is one of the most prominent figures in the story.
Voiced by Lea Salonga, the character is connected to Filipino folklore and serves as one of the film’s major supernatural threats. (DreamWorks)
Audience discussions have frequently mentioned the character.
One early viewer specifically described the Manananggal as a strong part of the movie and noted that the character also has sympathetic qualities. (Reddit)
Other viewers have praised the creature designs more generally.
The folklore gives Forgotten Island something different from many conventional animated fantasy adventures.
Instead of building its mythology entirely around familiar European fairy-tale creatures, the movie introduces audiences to Filipino supernatural traditions.
That cultural foundation is one reason the film feels different from a standard fantasy adventure.
Viewer Reaction #8: The Emotional Ending Has Made an Impression
The final section of Forgotten Island is another point that produces strong reactions.
Without going into major spoilers, the movie’s central question about friendship and memory eventually becomes especially important.
Several Reddit commenters describe the ending as emotionally effective.
One viewer rated the ending particularly highly and mentioned the uncertainty surrounding what memory might have been lost. Another described the emotional impact of Jo and Raissa’s story as one of the movie’s strongest qualities. (Reddit)
Rotten Tomatoes audience reactions similarly include comments describing the movie as heartfelt and emotionally rewarding. (Rotten Tomatoes)
However, some viewers believe the resolution relies too heavily on plot convenience.
ReelViews specifically criticized the final portion for using developments that the reviewer felt were insufficiently established earlier in the story. (Reelviews Movie Reviews)
So the ending is another area where viewers may have very different reactions.
Some appreciate its emotional and open-ended qualities.
Others want a more tightly explained resolution.
Viewer Reaction #9: Adults May Enjoy It More Than Very Young Children
Although Forgotten Island is a PG animated movie, some reviews suggest that its emotional themes may appeal particularly strongly to older children, teenagers and adults.
Parents describes the film as particularly suitable for children around age eight and older because of its themes surrounding friendship, growing up and changing relationships. (Parents)
Another review in The Intelligencer reported that some younger children found portions of the story frightening or difficult to follow and suggested that older viewers may appreciate the film more. (The Intelligencer)
This makes sense given the movie’s subject.
A very young child may primarily see colorful creatures and fantasy action.
A teenager may identify with Jo and Raissa’s changing friendship.
An adult may recognize the emotional experience of losing touch with people who were once central to their life.
The same story can therefore work differently depending on the viewer’s age.
Viewer Reaction #10: Filipino Viewers Have a Particularly Personal Response
Among the most interesting audience reactions are those from Filipino viewers and people with Filipino family backgrounds.
Reddit discussions include viewers saying that family scenes and cultural references reminded them of their own experiences. One viewer who identified as half Filipino specifically mentioned recognizing the atmosphere of family gatherings. (Reddit)
Another discussion included a viewer describing the film as particularly meaningful because of their connection to the Philippines and their family. (Reddit)
This helps explain why some people have reacted more emotionally to Forgotten Island than others.
The movie isn’t simply presenting Filipino mythology as an exotic backdrop.
It connects mythology with family memories, food, celebrations, language and childhood.
For viewers who recognize those experiences, the film can carry an additional emotional layer.
What Viewers Like Most About Forgotten Island
Looking across audience reactions, several positive themes appear repeatedly:
Friendship: The relationship between Jo and Raissa is widely considered the emotional center.
Filipino representation: Viewers appreciate seeing Filipino culture and folklore represented in a major animated production.
Animation: Many audience members praise the colorful and imaginative visual style.
Voice cast: The combination of H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco and Lea Salonga has attracted attention.
Emotion: The story’s themes of growing up, separation and memories have connected with many viewers.
Originality: Some viewers appreciate seeing an original animated story rather than another sequel or established franchise.
Humor: Many audience members find the movie funny and energetic.
Fantasy: Nakali provides an unusual setting filled with creatures based on Filipino folklore.
These points are reflected in Rotten Tomatoes audience comments as well as broader viewer discussions. (Rotten Tomatoes)
What Viewers Don’t Like as Much
The criticisms are also relatively consistent.
Fast pacing: Some viewers think the movie moves too quickly.
Too many characters: The large supporting cast doesn’t work equally well for everyone.
Humor: Some jokes land better than others.
Visual style: Although many viewers praise the animation, some don’t connect with the character designs.
Story complexity: Younger viewers may have difficulty following all of the mythology and plot developments.
Resolution: Some viewers feel the ending requires too many convenient developments.
Tone: The movie moves between emotional friendship drama, comedy, fantasy adventure and darker folklore elements. Some viewers enjoy that combination while others find it uneven.
Professional reviews reinforce several of these observations. The Guardian criticized the relentless pacing, while ReelViews questioned aspects of the final resolution. (The Guardian)
Overall Viewer Impression
The overall audience response to Forgotten Island is notably positive, although it is not universally enthusiastic.
Rotten Tomatoes currently reports a 96% audience score from more than 1,000 verified ratings, while IMDb reports 7.5/10 from hundreds of ratings. (Rotten Tomatoes)
The audience discussions show why.
People who connect with the movie tend to praise its emotional friendship story, Filipino cultural representation, animation and humor.
People who are less enthusiastic tend to focus on its fast pacing, crowded supporting cast, inconsistent humor or the logic of its final act.
The movie therefore seems to work particularly well for viewers who enjoy energetic animated adventures but also want an emotional story underneath the fantasy.
Final Thoughts on Forgotten Island
Forgotten Island is more than a conventional animated adventure.
Its fantasy world provides the action, comedy and colorful creatures, but its central subject is friendship.
Jo and Raissa are facing something that many people experience: the realization that growing up can mean that even very close friendships change.
By turning that emotional problem into a literal fantasy adventure involving memory, the movie gives a familiar experience an imaginative form.
The Filipino setting and folklore also give the film a distinctive identity. The cultural details, mythology and voice cast have been particularly meaningful to Filipino audiences and provide international viewers with an opportunity to encounter stories and traditions that are less commonly represented in mainstream American animation. (San Francisco Chronicle)
At the same time, the movie’s fast pace will not work for everyone.
Some viewers want more time with Jo and Raissa before the fantasy adventure begins. Others enjoy the constant movement and variety.
That difference explains much of the conversation around the film.
For families, teenagers and adults interested in friendship-centered animated adventures, Forgotten Island offers a story with plenty to discuss after the credits.
And perhaps its most interesting quality is that its central idea is simple: memories can change, people can grow, and friendships can evolve without necessarily losing their meaning.
That emotional idea gives the colorful fantasy adventure a more lasting purpose.
Viewer-review note: Audience opinions summarized above are drawn from publicly available Rotten Tomatoes audience reactions and public viewer discussions, supplemented by professional reviews for context. The reactions are not intended to represent every viewer, and ratings can change as additional audiences watch the film. (Rotten Tomatoes)