Animated Film Forgotten Island Heads to Home Release
Universal announces digital and physical release dates for the critically acclaimed fantasy film.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Animation

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Universal has scheduled the home release for the animated film Forgotten Island, which explores themes from Filipino mythology and culture. The movie currently holds a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why it matters
The home release allows audiences to access the film as its reach expands beyond theaters. Its success with critics and audiences signals strong interest in stories rooted in Filipino cultural narratives.
The film currently holds a 94% critical and audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This performance marks it as a highly rated entry in the recent animation landscape.
The players
Januel Mercado
He is a film director known for his contributions to contemporary animated projects.
Joel Crawford
He is an animation director with a background in major studio film production.
H.E.R.
She is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress who provides a voice for the film.
Liza Soberano
She is a prominent actress and model known for her work in film and television.
Universal
This major film studio is responsible for the production and distribution of this animated feature.
The details
Directed by Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, the movie features performances by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano. The film is notable for its incorporation of Filipino mythology and culture into the animated fantasy genre.
Timeline
Digital rental and purchase availability begins on Oct. 27, 2026.
Physical editions of the film will be released on Dec. 1, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The film follows a pattern set by the 2022 release of the film Encanto in leveraging cultural mythology to drive global audience engagement. This trend highlights a broader studio strategy to invest in diverse, folklore-inspired narratives to capture international markets.
Viewers can access the title through various digital platforms starting in late October 2026. Fans who prefer physical media will have the option to purchase the film on disc starting in December 2026.
The takeaway
The film's high critical approval demonstrates the growing market potential for animated works centered on international folklore. Audiences can look forward to upcoming home release options to watch the film at their convenience.
What happens next
The film will arrive on digital platforms on Oct. 27, 2026, followed by a physical media release on Dec. 1, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more trends and industry news on the Animation section page.
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