‘Forgotten Island’ scores record P97.2-M opening in Philippines

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 29, 2026

Photo courtesy: Universal Pictures

MANILA, Philippines — DreamWorks Animation’s Filipino-inspired film “Forgotten Island” made a strong debut in Philippine cinemas, earning P97.24 million during its opening weekend.

Figures released on Sept. 28 showed the animated feature grossed P97,236,533, giving it the biggest opening weekend for a DreamWorks Animation film in the Philippines and the country’s largest opening for a non-franchise animated movie. Box Office Mojo separately lists the film’s Philippine opening at about $1.532 million. 

The film draws heavily from Filipino folklore, mythology and culture, centering on childhood best friends Raissa and Jo, voiced by Liza Soberano and Filipino-American singer H.E.R., respectively. DreamWorks lists the voice cast as also including Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Lea Salonga, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate and Ronny Chieng. 

Raissa and Jo are preparing to go their separate ways after high school when they stumble upon a portal leading to Nakali, an island inhabited by creatures inspired by stories from their Filipino families.

Their journey eventually puts them face-to-face with figures from Filipino mythology, including the feared manananggal, voiced by Salonga. As the pair tries to escape the island, they discover that returning home could cost them the memories of their friendship. 

Filipino representation also extends to the movie’s soundtrack.

P-pop groups BINI and SB19 are among the Filipino acts featured on the official soundtrack, alongside Salonga, Soberano, H.E.R., KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza, Ruby Ibarra and other artists. BINI performs “A Parallel World,” while SB19 appears on “Mga Kababayan.” 

The movie has also received largely positive reviews. As of the latest Rotten Tomatoes listing, “Forgotten Island” holds a 95% Tomatometer rating from 92 critic reviews and a 96% verified audience score. 

“Forgotten Island” opened in Philippine cinemas on Sept. 23 and remains in theaters.