Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Filipino mythology-based friendship tale has monster scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Forgotten Island
What's the Story?
As children in the Philippines, Jo (voiced by Gabriella Wilson, aka H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano)—who bonded over their fascination with the legendary monsters of THE FORGOTTEN ISLAND—declared that they were best friends for life. Years later, when Raissa gets accepted to a prestigious university in the United States, Jo grapples with how to hold on to their friendship. On Raissa's last night at home, a portal opens, and the two are transported to the mystical land of Nakali, an island rooted in Philippine mythology that's filled with shapeshifters, spirits, and creatures they grew up hearing about, including vampire demon Manananggal (voiced by Filipino superstar singer Lea Salonga) and teenage weredog Raww (Dave Franco).
Is It Any Good?
Forgotten Island crams every corner of the screen with something wonderful. From charm bracelets and unruly antics to imaginative creatures, hilarious dialogue, animation style switch-ups, and seemingly a dozen other delights to compete for viewers' attention at any given moment, it's an exercise in screenmaxxxing. And the fact that it's a lot to take in is part of the fun. From Jo and Raissa's very first meeting in grade school, the pace of this adventure comedy is off and running, the story and action moving as fast as the Nakali fairies who suck down an energy drink: It's nonstop, boom boom BOOM! Viewers' minds are fully occupied, especially once the girls reach the island.
The amusing story is, in some ways, a kid-friendly version of The Hangover. Jo and Raissa go to the island to commemorate their last night together before Raissa steps into adulthood, and they wake up in the morning with all kinds of visual indicators that they had a wild night to remember—if only they could. So they must retrace their steps to piece together what happened (Franco is a howler as their island guide, Raww). During their journey, like the Wizard of Oz, they meet all kinds of creatures, including the adorable (and fierce!) Duende warriors led by King Truffle Wuffle—another bit of hysterically perfect voice casting in Ronnie Chieng—and the vain Mermahn (Kevin McCall). But it's the creepy Manananggal who causes the girls, viewers, and the movie itself to stop in its tracks. She's so fearsome that some parents might find themselves wondering whether she should be in a kids' movie. But that's where Forgotten Island remembers something important: Kids like to reach up, to feel as though what they're watching is a little more grown up than they are. The humor is clean, and yet it's just a little edgy. And Jo isn't Princess Peach or Snow White, she's a 1990s rabble-rouser who found her soulmate and balance in bestie Raissa, a responsible engineering whiz. It's all so unexpected, a total ride (on a giant flying parrot, as it were), which is what makes Forgotten Island so memorable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role that Filipino mythology plays in Forgotten Island. Did you learn anything new from watching the movie? What would a movie based on your culture's mythology look like? Why is it representation of all kinds of stories and cultures in the media important?
What clues told you what decade the characters are living in? Why do you think the movie wasn't set in the present? Does that impact your enjoyment at all?
How do the characters demonstrate curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
What's the appeal of scary movies or creepy creatures? Why do people sometimes enjoy being scared? Were you scared during any parts of this movie?
Have you had a friend you were as close to as Jo and Raissa are to each other? What are some ways to keep friends close after life takes you in different directions?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 25, 2026
- Cast : Gabriella Wilson , Liza Soberano , Dave Franco , Manny Jacinto
- Directors : Joel Crawford , Januel P. Mercado
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Dogs ) , Fantasy , Friendship , STEM ( Science )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : animated sequences of scary action, language, rude humor, thematic elements, some violence and brief tobacco imagery
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 24, 2026
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