The animated fantasy film Forgotten Island, which garnered significant critical acclaim despite a quiet theatrical run, is set to become available for home viewing next week. Universal announced that the film will land on digital platforms for rent and purchase on October 27, with physical editions following on December 1. Despite its limited box office impact, Forgotten Island has maintained a strong 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is being lauded as one of the year's most underrated releases.
Directed by Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, the film centers on best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) during their final night together before their lives diverge. Their adventure takes an unexpected turn when they are transported to a mythical island populated by fantastical creatures. The narrative follows their quest to find a way home, piecing together the memories of their eventful night and reaffirming the strength of their friendship.
A Celebration of Filipino Culture and Friendship
Forgotten Island draws heavily from its setting and Filipino mythology, incorporating numerous anime references, including a notable scene where the character Raww, voiced by Dave Franco, transforms in a manner reminiscent of a Super Saiyan. "It was a really cool opportunity to have a Filipino studio bring their craft and themselves to this story celebrating Filipino culture," director Joel Crawford shared with Polygon. The authenticity of the characters' relationship was further enhanced by the involvement of stars H.E.R. and Soberano, both of Filipino heritage. "It was just so organic, especially because we're both Filipino. We've been talking so much about how when you meet another Filipino, immediately you're like family," H.E.R. explained, highlighting the sense of camaraderie experienced during recording sessions and the meaning behind the film's catchphrase, "Tayo na!"
Polygon's Tasha Robinson praised the film in her review, noting its unique approach to familiar themes. "Forgotten Island plays with ideas that have been brought to the screen over and over, about how the official transition from childhood to adulthood is scary and melancholy as well as exciting, and how relationships are built on shared memories. But the creators put their own unmistakable stamp on those ideas. It seems uniquely appropriate for a movie built around the importance of memories to be this memorable itself," Robinson wrote. The combination of authentic storytelling, humor, and striking animation has cemented Forgotten Island's status as a standout film of 2026.