Forgotten Island Sets Record as Biggest DreamWorks Animation Opening in Philippines
- DreamWorks Animation's "Forgotten Island" earned P97,236,533 during its opening weekend in the Philippines, marking the biggest opening for any DreamWorks Animation film in the country's history.
- The film's P97.2 million debut reflects a strong local response to a production heavily rooted in Filipino mythology and culture.
- WeReresonate reported a slightly different critical score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 68 critics.
DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” earned P97,236,533 during its opening weekend in the Philippines, marking the biggest opening for any DreamWorks Animation film in the country’s history. According to figures released Sept. 28, 2026, the film also holds the record for the largest opening weekend for a non-franchise animated movie in the Philippines, as reported by ABS-CBN News.
Box Office Records and Critical Reception
The film’s P97.2 million debut reflects a strong local response to a production heavily rooted in Filipino mythology and culture. Beyond the financial success, “Forgotten Island” has maintained high critical and audience ratings. ABS-CBN News reported a 95% Certified Fresh rating from critics and a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes as of Sept. 28.
WeReresonate reported a slightly different critical score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 68 critics. The outlet noted that this reception positions the film as one of the most acclaimed studio releases of the year and a significant moment for Filipino representation in mainstream Hollywood animation.
Plot and Cultural Elements
Set in the Philippines during the 1990s, the story follows childhood best friends Raissa and Jo. The pair faces a separation as Raissa prepares to move to the United States for college. During their final night together, a magical sand dollar opens a portal to Nakali, a mysterious island populated by creatures from Filipino folklore, according to WeReresonate.
The narrative centers on the friends’ attempt to find a way home before their memories of one another fade. Along the way, they encounter various mythological beings, including the manananggal, batibat, tiyanak, and kataw. WeReresonate also identified the character Raww, a were-aspin inspired by Filipino street dogs.
To ground the fantasy elements, the production incorporated daily Filipino experiences such as karaoke, family gatherings, the Tagalog language, traditional food, and the Philippine jeepney, according to WeReresonate.
Voice Cast and Production Details
The film features a blend of Filipino and Filipino-American talent. Liza Soberano voices Raissa, while H.E.R. voices Jo. The supporting cast includes Lea Salonga, who voices the manananggal character Manang, as well as Dolly de Leon, Manny Jacinto, and Jo Koy. Other cast members include Ronny Chieng, who plays Truffle Wuffle, the king of the Duwende people, along with Dave Franco and Jenny Slate, according to WeReresonate.
The film’s soundtrack features contributions from Filipino artists BINI and SB19, as reported by ABS-CBN News.
Production was led by directors Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado. WeReresonate reported that Mercado drew inspiration from the women in his family and named the character Jo after his sister, Joann. Crawford’s wife is Filipina.
Industry Impact and Performer Perspectives
In an interview with The Straits Times, H.E.R. discussed how her mother told her stories about the manananggal when she was a child, noting that she later saw bats in the Philippines that reminded her of those tales.
Liza Soberano told WeReresonate that while Filipinos have always been present in Hollywood, the current spotlight on Filipino culture is particularly exciting. She stated that it is rewarding to see other people embracing the culture and the talent associated with being Filipino.
“Forgotten Island” opened in cinemas on Sept. 25, including releases in Singapore and the Philippines.