The Filipino-inspired animated film “Forgotten Island,” featuring the voices of Lea Salonga, Liza Soberano, HER and Dolly de Leon, has reached a major milestone after earning a 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it DreamWorks Animation‘s highest-rated animated film.
The movie secured the perfect score ahead of its global premiere, surpassing earlier DreamWorks releases such as “How to Train Your Dragon,” “The Wild Robot” and “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” Critics have praised its imaginative fantasy setting, emotional narrative and animation, placing it among the studio’s most highly reviewed features.
Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, “Forgotten Island” centers on best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Soberano, who discover a portal that transports them to Nakali, a mysterious island rooted in Philippine mythology. As they attempt to find their way home, they realize that their memories of each other gradually fade the longer they stay on the island.
The film’s international reception also puts Filipino culture at the center of a major Hollywood animated production. Inspired by Philippine folklore and traditions, “Forgotten Island” features mythical creatures, family celebrations, karaoke, Filipino cuisine and references to 1990s Philippine culture.
The movie brings together one of the biggest Filipino and Filipino-American casts featured in a major animated production, with H.E.R. and Soberano joined by Salonga, Manny Jacinto, De Leon, Jo Koy and Ronny Chieng. Its soundtrack likewise highlights Filipino music across generations, featuring BINI_ph, SB19 Official, Ruby Ibarra, Francis Magalona, H.E.R. and Salonga.
Critics have singled out the film’s cultural elements and emotional storytelling. The Hollywood Reporter described its animation as “dazzling and tremendously fast-paced,” while Refinery29 called it “joyful, hilarious and will bring many people to tears.” IGN praised the film for exploring “the history of friendship and the significance of the shared memories we make with the people we love.”
