Forgotten Island is an absolute masterpiece of animated storytelling, delivering a visually stunning and deeply moving tale about the enduring power of friendship. Styled in the vibrant, multi-media animation aesthetic of Into the Spider-Verse, the film seamlessly shifts artistic styles to match the emotional pulse of every scene, all elevated by an infectious soundtrack packed with nostalgic 80s hits.

At its core, the narrative follows childhood best friends Raissa and Jo. AsRaissa prepares to leave for Caltech, Jo struggles with the pain of growing apart. Their emotional clash accidentally transports them to Nakali—a mythical island filled with rich Philippine folklore, from tiny Duwende warriors to tree-dwelling Kapre. When the girls wake up with twelve hours of missing memories, their chaotic quest to find a way home becomes a heartwarming journey of rediscovering what they mean to each other.

The film balances laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine emotional stakes. The colorful cast of sidekicks—a stick-obsessed were-dog, a demon baby, and a dramatic merman prince—are given just enough screen time to shine without overshadowing the main characters. However, the emotional climax truly hits home when Jo’s willingness to sacrifice all her memories to send Raissa home forces both girls to realize that true friendship isn’t about holding someone back; it’s about growing together, no matter the distance.

5 out of 5 stars.

Forgotten Island will have you laughing one minute and reaching for tissues the next. It serves as a beautiful, heartwarming reminder to cherish our best friends and hold onto the memories that shape us as we transition into adulthood. Exceptional, expressive, and brimming with heart, this is an instant classic for the whole family.