New “Spider-Man Meets The Hangover” Fantasy Adventure Hailed as One of the Best Films of the Year

For over three decades, DreamWorks Animation has established itself as a powerhouse of cinematic storytelling, consistently challenging the boundaries of the medium it is known for. Throughout the years, the studio has successfully balanced irreverent comedy with genuine emotional heart, delivering timeless classics like the genre-subverting Shrek, the visually spectacular How to Train Your Dragon, and the profoundly moving The Wild Robot. Now, with its milestone 50th theatrical feature, the company is venturing into new territory with an ambitious “Spider-Man meets The Hangover” fantasy adventure that is already being hailed by critics as an instant animated masterpiece and one of the best films of the year so far.

Directed by the creative minds behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Forgotten Island brings directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado back to the helm for a story steeped heavily in Philippine mythology. The plot centers around two lifelong best friends, Jo and Raissa, who stumble through a mystical portal into the otherworldly realm of Nakali. The trailers have teased a breathtakingly chaotic adventure, packed with magical and mythological creatures. Some of these figures will become friends, while others become foes, as the duo races against time to escape the island before its ancient curse erases their memories.

The review embargo for Forgotten Island has finally lifted, and the first wave of reactions has instantly cemented it as not only one of the year’s best films but also a top-tier entry in the studio’s historical rankings. The movie has debuted to a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, officially crowning it as the highest-rated DreamWorks’ feature of all time. By achieving total critical unanimity, the vibrant adventure has pushed past legendary studio favorites like How to Train Your Dragon and The Wild Robot to secure its place as an irrefutable masterpiece of animated cinema, while setting a new gold standard for the medium.

At the time of writing, Forgotten Island‘s flawless 100% score has been achieved through a total of 21 reviews submitted so far. The percentage could alter in the coming days as more critics deliver their verdict, but as it stands, reviewers are widely praising the film for its relentless comedic energy and striking animation style. Its breathless, high-octane pacing has drawn immediate comparisons to some of the most modern triumphs of animation cinema; as Screen Rant‘s Alex Harrison points out, “Forgotten Island rivals Across the Spider-Verse as the busiest of them. For some, that could prove overwhelming. I found it invigorating.”

Major outlets like The Hollywood Reporter have lauded the animation as “dazzling and tremendously fast-paced,” highlighting distinct visual influences that range from Japanese anime and Studio Ghibli to the hyper-stylization of the Spider-Verse franchise, while critics from IGN labeled it “a family friendly version of The Hangover” that succeeds in delivering “an effective, emotional story” beyond all the chaos. Sydney Morning Herald‘s Karl Quinn concurs, saying, “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.”

Ultimately, critics have shared a harmonious and unified consensus: DreamWorks has pulled off an absolute triumph for its landmark 50th film. Audiences won’t have to wait long to experience the magic for themselves either, as they will officially be invited to step through the movie’s portal into the fantastical land of Nakali when Forgotten Island opens in theaters on Sept. 25, 2026. And if the historic wave of early praise is any indication, something tells us that this is one island that won’t be forgotten any time soon.

Release Date

September 25, 2026

Runtime

109 Minutes

Director

Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado

Cast

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  Liza Soberano

  Raissa (voice)

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  Lea Salonga

  The Dreaded Manananggal (voice)