Raww (Dave Franco), Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) bring unexpected twists to “Forgotten Island.” (photo courtesy of DreamWorks Animation)

We need more original films that push the medium forward, especially in animation. DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” seems like an odd candidate, but this quirky flick is a visual winner with an emotional story full of heart. It continues a splendid shift in animation that feels fresh and reverent to the past.

This one is a vibe twin to “Hoppers,” though the stories and premise share nothing in common. Perhaps the only similarity is Dave Franco’s voice gracing both. But they both channel “Up” during a montage establishing the deep bond between two friends.

From the 1990s to the early 2000s in the Philippines, besties Jo (voiced by R&B artist H.E.R.), the free spirit, and Raissa (Liza Soberano), the science lover, bond over their love of adventure and whimsy. They share incredible highs and at least one notable low. Those memories will become a major part of their adventure. But first, they need to prepare for the inevitable: Raissa’s college plans abroad.

Caltech beckons, meaning the besties have one final night together. Fate intervenes when a magical sand dollar opens a portal to a realm Jo’s grandmother (Dolly de Leon) would tell stories about. And so they’re off. Slight problem. They wake on a shore with no memory of the last several hours – just signs of a memorable night.

So Raissa and Jo embark on a new quest to find a way home in time for Raissa’s flight to a new chapter in her life. But what about Jo? That might come up too.

Jo (H.E.R.), left, and Raissa (Liza Soberano) embark on adventure in “Forgotten Island,” one of the best animated films of the year. (photo courtesy of DreamWorks Animation)

Along the way, they encounter some truly bonkers locals. First up – Raww (Franco), a sometimes human, sometimes full dog, sometimes variation, but not really a werewolf. Along for the ride, prepare for a demon baby, a merman and a villain whose visual design is definitely too much for young viewers (so take the inherent suggestion in a PG rating seriously).

Perhaps the most unexpected characteristic of the film is the pop music homage. Journey, INXS, Simple Minds, DMX, Montell Jordan – we relive some greats through the lens of a couple social misfits still trying to figure out what kind of adults they will soon need to become. But at least karaoke reminds us of who we are inside. If that’s the only life lesson here, it would be perfectly fine.

But the nostalgia of a song is merely the beginning. Jo and Raissa share a magical connection, visually reinforced by their bracelets that overflow with gems that signify key moments in their friendship. For us, such priceless objects remain dear to our hearts, while fantasy stories immortalize them, imbue them with a special power. To find out how that plays out on screen, just see the film.

Other films are more popular at the box office right now. But that shouldn’t undo how incredible this one is. Directors Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado began something remarkable with “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” reigniting interest in the “Shrek” franchise and exploring more creative animation in a major studio film. They build on that momentum in “Forgotten Island.”

Like the “Spider-Verse” films, it shifts away from clean animation more rooted in reality to the exaggeration of classic “Looney” stories and stylistic emphases only possible if we leave realistic representation behind, including homages to slapstick, graphic novels, ‘90s anime and 2D animation.

“Forgotten Island” works on several levels: music choices, story creativity, clever design plotting, fantasy visuals, character exploration and, of course, visuals. It is easily one of the best animated films of the year, though it seems destined to be ignored by moviegoers and underappreciated during awards season, both of which are truly unjust outcomes too fitting our troubled times.