2026 is looking like a fantastic year for animated films. We’ve already seen successful movies like Hoppers and The Super Mario Bros. Movie (which is currently the highest-grossing film of the year), and this summer brings Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters – both of which could earn over a billion dollars. Later in the year, there are exciting new projects like a fresh take on The Cat in the Hat and the original Disney film Hexed. But don’t overlook DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island, which is already creating a lot of excitement and will be released in a few months.
I just heard back from CinemaCon – they showed a rough cut of DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island on Wednesday, April 15th, and the buzz is really good! Everything I’m seeing suggests DreamWorks might have another hit film on their hands. I’ve been checking out the initial reactions, and I’ll share some of the highlights below.
I absolutely loved Forgotten Island! It’s a heartwarming and funny film that really showcases the importance of friendship. The characters are incredibly endearing, and their adventures are a blast. I was actually crying at parts – it’s that emotionally engaging! There are so many genuinely funny moments, and I’m already planning a re-watch. #ForgottenIsland #CinemaCon
— Tessa Smith – Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) April 15, 2026
DreamWorks showed Forgotten Island months before its release, and it’s easy to see why – it’s a truly excellent movie! This fast-paced adventure is all about friendship and memory, and it boasts beautiful animation, lovable characters, and a fantastic soundtrack. It’s a really fun and engaging watch, with…
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) April 15, 2026
Forgotten Island is a heartwarming and moving film that explores the strength of friendship and the importance of memories in shaping our identities. While the story occasionally gets complicated by a complex backstory, it’s filled with genuine emotion and humor. The film also features a fantastic soundtrack of 90s music and…
— The HoloFiles – Movie/TV News & Reviews (@theholofiles) April 15, 2026
DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island is a truly wonderful film! It’s incredibly funny throughout, but also a heartwarming and exciting adventure that explores the importance of friendship and cherished memories. You’ll quickly fall in love with all the characters – it’s like a family-friendly version of The Hangover! #CinemaCon
— Jonathan Sim @ CinemaCon! (@TheJonathanSim) April 15, 2026
DreamWorks’ ‘Forgotten Island’ feels like an instant classic. It’s a surprisingly emotional and genuinely funny original film with some of the most visually impressive animation I’ve seen – even in its unfinished state. #CinemaCon
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) April 15, 2026
Don’t forget the tissues when you watch #ForgottenIsland! This movie follows two best friends who suddenly find themselves on a mysterious island with no idea how they arrived. It’s a funny, moving, and ultimately touching story about their adventure to recover a lost memory.
— Jeremy Kazieva (@jeremy_kazieva) April 15, 2026
Forgotten Island Could Be the Next DreamWorks Animation Classic
Since the late 1990s, DreamWorks Animation has created many popular and successful films, including the Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon series. Several of their movies have also been praised by critics. DreamWorks has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature 15 times, winning the award twice. Their most recent nomination went to The Wild Robot, which captivated audiences with its beautiful animation and touching story. Now, Forgotten Island looks to continue that tradition of quality filmmaking.
DreamWorks and Universal clearly have high hopes for Forgotten Island, as they took a big risk by showing an unfinished version to audiences at CinemaCon and immediately allowing social media reactions. It could have backfired if the screening didn’t go well, but fortunately, the film was a hit! Viewers praised its touching story about the friendship between Jo and Raissa, who find their bond tested when Raissa prepares to move from the Philippines to the US. Their journey takes a magical turn when they are mysteriously transported to the island of Nakali.
Many viewers compared the film Forgotten Island to The Hangover, but with a tone suitable for families, suggesting it’s a funny and heartfelt story. Given these comparisons, the plot likely involves Jo and Raissa trying to piece together how they arrived on the island, essentially backtracking to understand what happened. Beyond the unusual premise, the film explores universal themes of friendship and memory – experiences most people can relate to, like the fear of losing touch with a close friend.
While Forgotten Island probably won’t be the year’s biggest animated hit, early reactions suggest it will be quite successful. Releasing in late September, the film doesn’t face much competition for its audience, and positive buzz could lead to strong ticket sales. This success could even lead to an Oscar nomination. There will be many excellent animated films this year, but Forgotten Island has a good chance of being a frontrunner.
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2026-04-16 17:41