15 Movies Like ‘Forgotten Island’ You Will Absolutely Adore

DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Forgotten Island‘ takes audiences on an inventive journey rooted in Philippine mythology, focusing on friendship, separation, and the power of cherished memories. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the story follows two best friends who find themselves transported to a mystical world where memories are gradually erased.

Viewers drawn to its folklore-rich worldbuilding, dynamic hybrid animation, and heartfelt emotional stakes can explore several other acclaimed animated features with similar storytelling traditions. These films showcase journeys into spirit realms, folklore-inspired quests, and poignant explorations of human connection.

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, ‘Spirited Away’ follows a young girl named Chihiro who inadvertently crosses into a mystical spirit world ruled by the sorceress Yubaba. After her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro takes a job at a bathhouse for spirits while searching for a way to return to the human realm. To maintain control over her workers, Yubaba strips them of their real names, causing them to slowly forget their past identities and origins. Chihiro must hold onto her fading memories and rely on the help of enigmatic allies like Haku to secure her freedom. The Studio Ghibli masterpiece earned widespread international acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

‘Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror’ (2009)

Directed by Shinsuke Sato, ‘Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror’ is a Japanese computer-animated fantasy film produced by Production I.G. The plot centers on a teenage girl named Haruka who pursues a mysterious fox-like creature into an alternate dimension built entirely from discarded human belongings. While searching for a lost hand mirror given to her by her deceased mother, Haruka befriends a creature named Teo and uncovers the island’s unique ecosystem. The narrative explores themes of nostalgia and emotional attachment through a society that thrives on the memories humans leave behind. The film earned a nomination for Animation of the Year at the 33rd Japan Academy Film Prize.

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

Directed by Joel Crawford and co-directed by Januel Mercado, ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ follows the titular feline hero as he confronts the reality of having used eight of his nine lives. Puss embarks on an epic journey through the enchanted Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star and restore his lost lives. Alongside his companions Kitty Softpaws and Perrito, Puss must outrun dangerous bounty hunters and confront his deepest vulnerabilities. The DreamWorks Animation production received praise for its painterly visual design, dynamic action sequences, and mature themes surrounding mortality and friendship. The feature secured an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (2021)

Set in the fantasy realm of Kumandra, ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ draws inspiration from various Southeast Asian cultures and mythologies. The story follows the warrior princess Raya as she tracks down the legendary water dragon Sisu to restore a fractured magical gem and defeat the shadowy Druun. Raya forms an unexpected alliance of travelers across different regional factions while learning to overcome deep-seated mistrust. Produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, the film highlights themes of unity, communal healing, and cultural traditions through vibrant world design. The film received a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 94th Academy Awards.

‘Coco’ (2017)

Directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, ‘Coco’ follows an aspiring young musician named Miguel who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead on Día de los Muertos. To return to the living world before sunrise, Miguel seeks the blessing of his deceased ancestors while uncovering long-hidden family truths. The film introduces a magical world where departed spirits remain in existence only as long as living relatives remember them. Miguel partners with a charming trickster named Héctor to locate his idol and ensure his family’s legacy is preserved. The Pixar Animation Studios film earned two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

‘Song of the Sea’ (2014)

Directed by Tomm Moore, ‘Song of the Sea’ is an Irish animated fantasy film rooted in traditional Celtic folklore and the mythology of the selkie. The story follows a young boy named Ben and his mute younger sister Saoirse, who discovers she possesses the magical ability to transform into a seal. The siblings embark on a perilous journey to free trapped spirits and confront the owl witch Macha, who petrifies beings to strip away painful memories and emotions. Ben must overcome his personal grief to help Saoirse unlock her magical voice and restore balance to the mythological realm. Produced by Cartoon Saloon, the film garnered widespread critical praise and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ (2016)

Directed by Travis Knight, ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ is a stop-motion animated fantasy set in a mythical vision of ancient Japan. The narrative centers on Kubo, a young boy who uses magical origami to tell stories and care for his ailing mother whose memory is fading. When vengeful spirits from the Moon King’s court attack his village, Kubo must track down his late father’s magical armor with the help of a monkey and a beetle warrior. The quest tests Kubo’s endurance while emphasizing the power of storytelling, ancestral heritage, and memory in overcoming loss. Produced by Laika, the feature received Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Visual Effects.

‘Inside Out’ (2015)

Directed by Pete Docter, ‘Inside Out’ takes place inside the mind of an eleven-year-old girl named Riley as she navigates a difficult family relocation to San Francisco. The story centers on her personified emotions, led by Joy and Sadness, who manage her core memories and emotional headquarters. When an accident expels Joy and Sadness into the vast labyrinth of Long-Term Memory, they must navigate fading memory dumps and surreal mental landscapes to return. The film examines the necessity of emotional balance and the way memories evolve as children transition into adolescence. The Pixar film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and received acclaim for its inventive psychological worldbuilding.

‘The Book of Life’ (2014)

Directed by Jorge R. Gutierrez, ‘The Book of Life’ draws on Mexican folklore and Day of the Dead traditions through a stylized, wooden-doll aesthetic. The story follows Manolo, a sensitive bullfighter and musician who is tricked into entering the Land of the Remembered by the underworld ruler Xibalba. Manolo must journey across magical afterlife realms to reunite with his true love, Maria, and defend his hometown from bandits. Along the way, he reconciles with his ancestors and embraces his authentic identity rather than conforming to familial expectations. Produced by 20th Century Fox Animation and Reel FX Creative Studios, the film earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Feature Film.

‘Over the Moon’ (2020)

Directed by Glen Keane and John Kahrs, ‘Over the Moon’ is an animated musical fantasy inspired by the Chinese myth of the moon goddess Chang’e. The narrative centers on a bright young girl named Fei Fei who builds a rocket ship to travel to the moon in hopes of proving the legend’s existence. Upon arriving in the vibrant, neon-lit kingdom of Lunaria, Fei Fei must navigate a whimsical world to retrieve a magical gift for Chang’e. Through her encounters with fantastical creatures, Fei Fei learns to confront her grief regarding her late mother and accept new beginnings. The co-production between Netflix Animation and Pearl Studio received a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.

‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)

Directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, ‘Wolfwalkers’ concludes Cartoon Saloon’s Irish folklore trilogy with a story set in 1650s Kilkenny. The plot follows Robyn Goodfellowe, an apprentice hunter who travels to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last remaining wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden forest, Robyn befriends Mebh, a free-spirited girl belonging to a mythical tribe of people who transform into wolves when they sleep. Robyn is drawn into the enchanted realm of the wolves, forcing her to choose between obeying her father or protecting the ancient natural world. The film was widely praised for its expressive hand-drawn animation style and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

‘The Boy and the Beast’ (2015)

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, ‘The Boy and the Beast’ follows an orphaned runaway named Ren who stumbles through an alleyway into Jutengai, a hidden realm inhabited by beast-like beings. Ren is taken in as a disciple by Kumatetsu, a rough-around-the-edges warrior competing to become the next grandmaster of the spirit world. Over the years, the mismatched pair develop a strong bond as they train together and learn from each other’s distinct strengths. When a dark force threatens both the beast world and the human realm of Shibuya, Ren must confront his inner turmoil to protect his dual homes. Produced by Studio Chizu, the feature won Animation of the Year at the 39th Japan Academy Film Prize.

‘Suzume’ (2022)

Directed by Makoto Shinkai, ‘Suzume’ is a Japanese animated fantasy adventure inspired by Shinto mythology and Japanese folklore. The plot follows high school student Suzume Iwato, who teams up with a young traveler named Souta to close mystical doors that unleash supernatural disasters across Japan. After Souta is turned into a three-legged wooden chair by a mysterious deity, the pair embark on a nationwide journey to prevent impending catastrophes. Throughout the adventure, Suzume confronts forgotten childhood memories tied to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Produced by CoMix Wave Films, the feature competed for the Golden Bear at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival.

‘Moana’ (2016)

Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, ‘Moana’ is a Disney animated adventure inspired by Polynesian mythology and seafaring traditions. The story follows the adventurous daughter of a Polynesian village chief who is chosen by the ocean to restore the mystical heart of the island goddess Te Fiti. Moana sets sail across the open sea and recruits the shape-shifting demigod Maui to help her navigate treacherous waters and battle mythical monsters. The journey tests Moana’s wayfinding skills and empowers her to embrace her heritage as an ocean voyager. The film received two Academy Award nominations, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

‘Turning Red’ (2022)

Directed by Domee Shi, ‘Turning Red’ follows Meilin “Mei” Lee, a confident thirteen-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl living in Toronto during the early 2000s. Mei discovers that an ancient ancestral blessing causes her to transform into a giant red panda whenever she experiences strong emotions. Supported by her loyal group of best friends, Mei attempts to manage her dual life while navigating the expectations of her protective mother. The film blends vibrant 2D anime-inspired flourishes with 3D animation to depict female friendship, familial heritage, and the turbulence of growing up. Produced by Pixar Animation Studios, the film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 95th Academy Awards.

Share your thoughts on which of these fantastical animated adventures best captures the magical spirit of ‘Forgotten Island’ in the comments.