Forgotten Island, the new original film from DreamWorks Animation, is now available in theaters, but many viewers are wondering when they will be able to watch it on Netflix. Here we explain the estimated release window for this film, based on available information and the current distribution agreement between Universal Pictures and Netflix.
The film hit theaters on September 25, 2026, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the same duo behind the 2022 hit Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Although its opening weekend at the box office was more modest than expected, Forgotten Island has received very positive reviews, reaching 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Below, we review the plot, the voice cast, and, most importantly, when it could land on the Netflix catalog in both the United States and other countries.
What is Forgotten Island about
Set in the Philippines during the 1990s, the story follows Jo and Raissa, two lifelong best friends whose paths are about to diverge. During their last night together before Raissa leaves for college, they accidentally open a portal to the mystical island of Nakali.
Inhabited by creatures from Philippine folklore, the island becomes the setting where the protagonists must find a way to escape before the memories of their entire friendship are erased forever.
Forgotten Island voice cast
The film features a voice cast led by Grammy winner H.E.R. and Liza Soberano. Rounding out the cast are Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Broadway legend Lea Salonga, who voices the feared Manananggal.
When will Forgotten Island arrive on Netflix in the United States
Netflix and Universal Pictures, the distributor for DreamWorks Animation films, maintain a long-term distribution agreement that was recently renewed and expanded. Under this agreement, Universal and DreamWorks animated films follow a very specific release schedule:
- An exclusive window in theaters and on Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) platforms.
- A first streaming window on Peacock for 4 months.
- An exclusive streaming window on Netflix for 10 months.
- A final return to Peacock for 4 months.
Taking into account that Forgotten Island was released in theaters on September 25, 2026, it is possible to calculate its streaming trajectory with reasonable accuracy. The film is expected to reach PVOD platforms around Thanksgiving, while its debut on Peacock—the subscription platform—usually occurs three to four months after its theatrical release.
According to this estimated schedule, Forgotten Island would arrive on Peacock in January 2027, while its arrival on Netflix is estimated for May 2027.
If you don't want to wait that long to enjoy new content on Netflix, the platform has several major releases on the way under this same agreement, including the supernatural comedy Obsession by Curry Barker, the new Minions movie, and Disclosure Day by Steven Spielberg.
When will Forgotten Island arrive on Netflix outside the United States
If you live outside the United States, the wait time to watch Forgotten Island on streaming will depend entirely on the specific and localized agreement your region has with Universal Pictures.
In Central Europe and some parts of Latin America, DreamWorks films usually arrive within the first pay-TV window. If this trend continues, Forgotten Island could be available by mid-to-late 2027 in those regions.
In the United Kingdom and Canada, the wait is usually longer, generally close to two full years after the theatrical release. For subscribers in these regions, it is most prudent to estimate a release in late 2028.
Other regions may have to wait up to 36 months, so in those cases, it might be more convenient to look for the film on VOD platforms during this year.
Frequently asked questions about Forgotten Island on Netflix
When is Forgotten Island released on Netflix in the United States?
According to the distribution agreement between Netflix and Universal Pictures, the arrival of Forgotten Island on Netflix in the United States is estimated for May 2027, after passing through an initial window on Peacock.
Will Forgotten Island be on Peacock before Netflix?
Yes. According to the current distribution calendar, the film will first have a streaming window on Peacock for four months, estimated for January 2027, before moving to Netflix.
What is Forgotten Island about?
The story follows Jo and Raissa, two best friends in the Philippines during the nineties who accidentally open a portal to the mythical island of Nakali, populated by creatures from Philippine folklore.
Who directs Forgotten Island?
The film is directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the same creative team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
When will Forgotten Island arrive on Netflix outside the United States?
The wait time varies by region. Central Europe and parts of Latin America could receive it by mid-to-late 2027, while the UK and Canada would have to wait until late 2028, depending on local agreements with Universal Pictures.
