A New Benchmark for Animation: Why ‘Forgotten Island’ Is DreamWorks’ Greatest Triumph
For over three decades, DreamWorks Animation has stood as a titan of the entertainment industry, fundamentally altering the trajectory of modern storytelling. From the cynical, genre-bending wit of Shrek to the soaring, heartfelt epics of the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy and the recent, emotionally resonant masterpiece The Wild Robot, the studio has consistently proven that animation is not merely a genre, but a medium capable of profound depth.
Now, as the studio celebrates its 50th theatrical feature, it has reached a historic milestone. Forgotten Island, the latest offering from the creative visionaries behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, has arrived with a level of critical acclaim that has effectively rewritten the studio’s history books. By debuting with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has not only secured its place as an instant classic but has set a new gold standard for what audiences can expect from big-budget, imaginative animation.
A Journey into the Realm of Nakali: The Premise
Directed by the dynamic duo Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, Forgotten Island is a bold, high-octane fantasy adventure deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Philippine mythology. The narrative follows two inseparable best friends, Jo and Raissa, whose lives are irrevocably changed when they stumble through a mystical portal into the otherworldly realm of Nakali.
What follows is described by critics as a "breathtakingly chaotic" odyssey. The film’s marketing campaign—often teasing a tone that blends the high-stakes, multiversal wonder of Spider-Man with the frantic, comedic energy of The Hangover—sets the stage for a story that is as much about the endurance of friendship as it is about cosmic danger. As Jo and Raissa navigate the island, they encounter a host of mythological creatures. Some offer guidance and kinship, while others serve as formidable foes, forcing the protagonists to race against an ancient, encroaching curse that threatens to erase their very memories.
The Chronology of Excellence: A Legacy of Achievement
To understand the magnitude of the achievement represented by Forgotten Island, one must look at the historical context of DreamWorks Animation. Since its inception, the studio has navigated the competitive landscape of animation with a distinct voice, often prioritizing emotional sincerity alongside technical innovation.
The studio’s evolution can be tracked through its critical reception. Classics like the original How to Train Your Dragon (2010) set the bar at a towering 99%, while recent hits like The Wild Robot (2024) maintained a sterling 97%. Forgotten Island now occupies the top spot, a feat that is particularly impressive given the increasingly crowded and competitive nature of the animation market.
Historical Critical Performance (Key Titles)
| Title | Release Year | Critics’ Score | Audience Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forgotten Island | 2026 | 100% | TBC |
| How to Train Your Dragon | 2010 | 99% | 91% |
| The Wild Robot | 2024 | 97% | 98% |
| Chicken Run | 2000 | 97% | 65% |
| Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | 2022 | 95% | 94% |
| Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit | 2005 | 95% | 79% |
| How to Train Your Dragon 2 | 2014 | 92% | 90% |
| Antz | 1998 | 92% | 52% |
| Orion and the Dark | 2024 | 91% | 57% |
| How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World | 2019 | 90% | 87% |
The data illustrates a clear trajectory: DreamWorks is currently in a "Golden Age" of creative output. While early hits like Antz established the studio as a player, the refinement of their storytelling—specifically in the last decade—has allowed them to secure both critical prestige and audience adoration.
Critical Consensus: What the Reviewers Are Saying
The review embargo for Forgotten Island lifted to near-universal acclaim, with the first 21 reviews cementing the film’s status as a masterpiece. Critics are particularly enamored with the film’s visual language and its ambitious pacing.
Alex Harrison of Screen Rant noted the film’s relentless energy, writing, "Forgotten Island rivals Across the Spider-Verse as the busiest of them. For some, that could prove overwhelming. I found it invigorating." This comparison to the Spider-Verse franchise is not made lightly; it highlights the film’s commitment to hyper-stylized animation, which draws heavily from Japanese anime, Studio Ghibli, and modern Western graphic art styles.
The Hollywood Reporter lauded the film’s aesthetic, calling it "dazzling and tremendously fast-paced." Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald’s Karl Quinn emphasized that beneath the visual spectacle lies a deeply human core: "It’s dazzling. But impressive as that all is, it’s the thoughtfulness of the story, its genuine heart, and the passion for the culture it depicts that makes this film one to remember."
This "heart" is the secret ingredient that has defined DreamWorks’ best works. IGN critics went a step further, describing the movie as a "family-friendly version of The Hangover," suggesting that while the humor is sharp and adult-accessible, the film never loses its emotional anchor.
Implications for the Future of Animation
The success of Forgotten Island holds significant weight for the animation industry at large. First, it proves that there is a massive, untapped appetite for stories rooted in diverse cultural mythologies. By pulling from the rich traditions of Philippine folklore, Crawford and Mercado have created a world that feels distinct and fresh, moving away from traditional Western fairytale tropes.
Second, the film represents the maturation of the "DreamWorks House Style." For years, the studio was known for snarky, pop-culture-heavy humor. Today, that style has evolved into something more fluid, cinematic, and emotionally sophisticated. The success of Forgotten Island suggests that audiences are increasingly drawn to films that balance high-octane "maximalist" animation with a grounded, character-driven plot.
Furthermore, with a runtime of 109 minutes, the film provides a substantial narrative experience that allows for both character development and world-building without feeling padded. It serves as a reminder that animation, when given the time and resources, can compete with the most prestigious live-action dramas in terms of emotional resonance.
A Landmark 50th Feature
As we look toward the wide theatrical release on September 25, 2026, the industry is watching closely. Can Forgotten Island maintain its 100% score as it moves from the specialized sphere of festival and early press screenings to the general public? If the current momentum is any indicator, it is highly likely that the film will retain its high ranking.
DreamWorks has hit a home run with its 50th feature. By trusting their directors to explore niche cultural narratives and allowing them the freedom to experiment with visual form, the studio has not only honored its past but has secured a bright, innovative future. Forgotten Island is more than just a movie; it is a testament to the power of animation to capture the imagination, challenge the mind, and, most importantly, touch the heart.
As the release date approaches, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Audiences are ready to step through the portal into Nakali. If the critics are to be believed, this is not just a film that will dominate the box office—it is a film that will be discussed, analyzed, and loved for decades to come. DreamWorks has officially set a new gold standard, and the rest of the animation world will undoubtedly be scrambling to keep pace.
