If your family missed DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island in theaters this fall, it just became much easier to watch. The animated adventure arrives on digital today, Tuesday, October 27, 2026, for purchase or rental, with 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD to follow on December 1.
It is a story about two best friends, a magical island and the fear of being forgotten. Here is what parents should know before pressing play.
What is Forgotten Island about?
Set in the Philippines in the 1990s, the film follows best friends Jo and Raissa on the night before they are about to go their separate ways. Raissa is headed to college in the United States, and Jo is not ready to let her go.
That night, the girls stumble through a portal to Nakali, a mythical island filled with creatures from Filipino folklore. The longer they stay, the more their memories begin to fade. They must find a way home before they forget each other completely.
The film was written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado. The voice cast includes H.E.R. as Jo and Liza Soberano as Raissa, along with Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng and Broadway star Lea Salonga. It runs about one hour and 49 minutes.
Where and when to watch
- Digital (buy or rent): October 27, 2026. Tom’s Guide lists it this week on Prime Video to buy or rent.
- 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD: December 1, 2026, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
- Subscription streaming: Not yet. EyeCrave Movies notes the digital debut comes months before the film reaches subscription services.
Please note: release dates and platforms can change, so check your preferred store or service before planning movie night.
The home release includes bonus features such as “Friends for Life,” “Friendship and Filipino Culture,” a making-of feature, a “How to Draw” segment and commentary from the directors, according to Screen-Connections. Some extras may depend on the retailer.
The official rating
The MPA rated Forgotten Island PG for animated sequences of scary action, language, rude humor, thematic elements, some violence and brief tobacco imagery.
Common Sense Media recommends it for ages 8 and up.
Content notes for parents
Based on Common Sense Media’s detailed review, here is what to expect:
- Scary creatures: The island is home to beings drawn from Filipino folklore. One of them, a frightening flying creature from local legend, is likely to scare smaller children. There are also references to a monster that preys on people, and a sweet-seeming character who lures and kidnaps children.
- Peril and violence: Slapping, a character being knocked out, and a moment where Jo nearly jumps off a roof. Jo also plays with a knife to make homemade tattoos, though the tattoos are not shown being made.
- Language: Mild words such as “damn” and “hell,” plus name-calling like “stupid,” “dumb” and “losers” from a bully.
- Rude humor: Potty jokes, a baby’s bare bottom and a dog-like creature who relieves himself on everything.
- Spiritual content: The story leans heavily on folklore spirits, shape-shifters and magic. Families who prefer to avoid this kind of fantasy may want to preview it first or talk it through together.
The good stuff
There is a lot of heart here. Common Sense Media highlights messages that friendship is worth fighting for, that memories keep loved ones close even when they move away or pass on, and that curiosity, perseverance and teamwork matter.
Raissa is a math and science whiz who builds a rocket and earns a spot at Caltech. Jo is imaginative, artistic and fiercely loyal. And Lola, Jo’s grandmother, is shown as loving and nonjudgmental.
Audiences seem to agree. The studio’s home release announcement says the film is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a 96% audience score and earned an “A” CinemaScore.
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
(Proverbs 17:17, KJV)
Talk about it after the credits
- Have you ever had to say goodbye to a close friend? How did you stay connected?
- Why do you think Jo was so afraid of Raissa leaving?
- What memories with family or friends do you never want to forget?
- How can we be a faithful friend, even from far away?
For older kids, this can be a sweet way into a conversation about change. Friends move, kids grow up and families shift. But real love, the kind God shows us, does not fade with time or distance.
Bottom line
Forgotten Island looks like a strong pick for families with kids around 8 and older, especially those heading into a season of goodbyes. Younger or more sensitive children may find some of the creatures too scary, so a quick preview by a parent is a good idea.
Will your family be watching Forgotten Island this week? Share in the comments below.
Sources: Screen-Connections, “Forgotten Island; Arrives On Digital October 27 & On 4K UHD, Blu-ray & DVD December 1, 2026 From DreamWorks – Universal” (October 20, 2026); EyeCrave Movies, “DreamWorks’ Acclaimed ‘Forgotten Island’ Arrives on Digital October 27” (October 26, 2026); Tom’s Guide, “5 top new movies to stream this week on Paramount+, Hulu, Peacock and more (Oct. 27-Nov. 2)” (October 27, 2026); Common Sense Media, “Forgotten Island” review (updated October 27, 2026).
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