Filipino-inspired ‘Forgotten Island’ scores 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

September 23 ------ DreamWorks Animation’s Filipino-inspired film “Forgotten Island” is receiving positive reviews from critics, earning a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Several critics praised the animated film for its story, visuals and incorporation of Filipino culture and mythology. Kristen Lopez of Film Maven called the movie one of DreamWorks Animation’s strongest releases this year. “Forgotten Island is, no surprise, another home run from DreamWorks Animation and one of the best animated films of 2026,” Lopez said..

Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter, meanwhile, highlighted the film’s humor, energy and visual storytelling. “The convoluted story is told with so much wit, humor, energy and visual invention that it becomes easy to get swept up in the fantastical proceedings,” Scheck wrote. Culture Mix critic Carla Hay also praised the film for showcasing Filipino culture while telling a story about friendship and pursuing one’s dreams. “'Forgotten Island' is an energetic and vibrant celebration of friendship, dreams, and Filipino culture. At times, this animated film gets too hyper and busy for its own good, but it can be enjoyable for many generations of people,” Hay said.

Filipino-American actress Liza Soberano and Grammy-winning singer H.E.R., who are among the film’s voice actors, also celebrated the milestone by reposting the Rotten Tomatoes score on their respective Instagram Stories. “Forgotten Island” follows best friends Raissa and Jo, who find themselves transported to the mysterious island of Nakali as they prepare to face a major change in their lives. The two eventually discover that finding their way back home could come at a price, losing their memories of each other.

The film draws heavily from Filipino culture and mythology, bringing creatures and figures familiar to Filipinos into its colorful fantasy world. Soberano lends her voice to Raissa, while H.E.R. voices Jo. The voice cast also features several Filipino and Filipino-American talents, including Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Manny Jacinto and Jo Koy. “Forgotten Island” is directed by Joel Crawford and Filipino-American filmmaker Januel Mercado, who previously worked together on DreamWorks Animation’s “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”

The project has generated attention in the Philippines not only because of its Filipino cast but also for putting Filipino stories, mythology and culture at the center of a major Hollywood animated production. Soberano and H.E.R. earlier expressed their pride in being part of the film during a fan event in Pasay, with H.E.R. saying she was “proud to be Pinay,” while Soberano described the project as a “love letter to the Philippines.”

The 100% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects the reviews counted on the platform at the time of reporting and may change as more critics publish their reviews.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com