DreamWorks Animation Released Forgotten Island in Theaters
The animated film opened in U.S. cinemas following a work-in-progress screening earlier this year.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Animation
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DreamWorks Animation has officially released its latest film, Forgotten Island, in theaters across the United States. Distributed by Universal Pictures, the movie explores the journey of two childhood friends trapped on a mythical island.
Why it matters
The filmmakers developed the story based on their own personal friendship and various elements of Philippine mythology. This creative background provides the foundation for the central conflict involving magical creatures and the Dreaded Manananggal.
The production budget for the film is $80 million with a total runtime of 108 minutes. It currently maintains a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 76 recorded critic reviews.
The players
Joel Crawford
Joel Crawford is an accomplished director and writer known for his contributions to major animated feature films.
Januel Mercado
Januel Mercado is a director and writer who collaborated on this production to bring the story of Philippine mythology to life.
H.E.R.
H.E.R. is an award-winning musician and performer who provided voice work for the feature film.
Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a major American film studio responsible for the distribution and marketing of this production.
DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation is a prominent animation studio recognized for creating global commercial hits and franchise films.
The details
The narrative follows two childhood friends who accidentally enter a portal leading to a mysterious location. They must navigate a series of encounters with magical creatures and the Dreaded Manananggal to successfully return home.
Timeline
April 2026: The film screened as a work-in-progress at CinemaCon.
September 25, 2026: Forgotten Island released in U.S. theaters.
Industry Dynamics
This release reflects the ongoing studio strategy of blending traditional animation craftsmanship with diverse international folklore to maintain market relevance. It mirrors a broader industry shift toward creating unique, high-quality visual experiences that compete in the crowded family entertainment sector.
Moviegoers can now purchase tickets to view the film at local cinemas across the country. The film is rated PG, making it accessible to a wide range of family audiences.
The takeaway
The success of the film highlights how directors can turn personal experiences into broadly resonant animated narratives. Viewers looking for family-friendly content this season may find the unique mythological setting to be a refreshing departure from standard franchise sequels.
Further reading
Discover more about the latest projects in the industry by visiting the Animation section.
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