Buzz
This entry serves as a continuation of the previous list, once again presenting ten fascinating fictional islands in reverse chronological order. As a historian, I tend to favor showing how things evolve over time and the ways in which earlier examples might influence those that follow. Furthermore, it’s arguable that islands introduced earlier have had a greater impact than those created more recently, particularly because of their initial appearances. Like its predecessor, this list focuses primarily on islands of fiction rather than real-world counterparts such as Alcatraz or Devil’s Island. Additionally, I’ve selected islands that are featured in multiple forms of media, whether it be recurring appearances in a television series or adaptations spanning novels and films. This ensures these islands are widely recognized and have long-lasting cultural relevance. Many of the islands listed here are expected to feature in future books, films, TV series, and video games currently under development.
10. The Island of Creation
First appeared in: God of War II (2007) by Cory Barlog, James Balrog, David Jaffe, and Marianne Krawczyk
The primary setting during the midsection of the popular video game is featured in both the PlayStation 2 version and the God of War Collection for PlayStation 3. Since the first entry on the previous list was based on an island from Greek mythology, it feels appropriate that the tenth island here also stems from Greek mythology, though a more contemporary interpretation. In this version, the anti-hero Kratos encounters several legendary figures from Greek myth, including Theseus and the Sisters of Fate.
9. Hydra Island
First appeared in: Lost (2006)
While not the primary island in Lost, much of the series’ mystery and key moments unfold on this nearby, smaller island. Its name, fittingly, is drawn from Greek mythology, continuing the theme established with the first possibly fictional mysterious island in the previous list. For more details on this island, you can go here.
8. Shutter Island
First appeared in: Shutter Island (2003) by Dennis Lehane
Like Arkham Island, Shutter Island is the site of a facility for the criminally insane. This island features prominently in both a bestselling novel and its subsequent film adaptation, which grossed nearly $300 million globally. The story follows a U.S. Marshal investigating the mysterious disappearance of a murderer, leading him through a series of twists and turns filled with nightmares, conspiracy, and an ending that casts doubt on the very reality presented in the novel and film.
7. Rockfort Island
First appeared in: Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000)
This monster- and zombie-infested island serves as a key setting in two major video games and a novel, all set in 1998. Under the control of Alfred Ashford for the Umbrella Corporation, the island is filled with mystery and adventure, primarily for Claire Redfield, Steve Burnside, and Chris Redfield. Along with bizarre biological experiments that rival those in The Island of Dr. Moreau and Jurassic Park (including a giant virus-infected earthworm known as the 'gulp worm'), the island also contains a prison (similar to Arkham Island), a palace, and a military training facility.
6. The Island
First appeared in: Cast Away (2000) by William Boyles, Jr.
The primary setting of a film that grossed over $400 million and garnered major nominations at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and MTV Movie Awards, has significance beyond its role in a single successful movie. Three years after its release, Cast Away-The Series was considered for development by ABC Studios. The proposed series evolved further and eventually became known as Nowhere. Ultimately, the core idea of this series transformed into 2004's Lost, which featured not one but two iconic fictional mysterious islands full of adventure.
5. Isla Sorna
First appeared in: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1995) by Michael Crichton
The primary location for two major films and one significant novel. While Isla Sorna, much like Hydra Island in Lost, is secondary to Isla Nublar within the Jurassic Park franchise, it still boasts a substantial presence in key works of fiction to justify its inclusion. After all, it was Isla Sorna, not Isla Nublar, that served as the backdrop for the first two sequel films.
4. Monkey Island
First appeared in: The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)
This volcanic island is the central setting for a beloved video game series, which arguably influenced later games and movies, including the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. In fact, the ride that inspired the game designer, Ron Gilbert, to create this island-based world inhabited by cannibals and a ghost pirate. The series also features a variety of other islands, but naturally, Monkey Island itself holds the most prominence.
3. Avalon
First appeared in: The History of the Kings of Britain (1136) by Geoffrey of Monmouth
Avalon, a key location in Arthurian legend, likely warranted its inclusion in the initial list, just after Atlantis, and not only due to their shared starting letter! Known for its magical apples and immortal inhabitants like the captivating Morgan le Fay, this island holds great importance to King Arthur’s tale for two main reasons: 1) it is where Excalibur, one of the most iconic swords in fiction, was forged, and 2) it is the place where a wounded Arthur is taken after his battle with Mordred. Like Atlantis, the first island in the earlier list, Avalon is believed to be inspired by a real location, such as Glastonbury and other supposed sites. Avalon’s influence endures across multiple works of fiction, continuing to inspire a range of mediums from comics to films.
2. Gilligan’s Island
First appeared in: Gilligan’s Island (1964)
This island setting is lighter in tone compared to most of the other islands featured on both this list and the previous one. Despite its more playful nature, the volcanic island where the castaways of the S.S. Minnow find themselves is filled with mystery. With 98 episodes of the original series and a potential film remake planned for 2011, it stands as one of the most iconic fictional islands in television history, perhaps only second to the more recent island on Lost. Interestingly, the island’s history as an Army Air Corps base during World War II in the Pacific Theater brings to mind the “Jughead” episode of Lost. While Gilligan’s Island may not have been haunted by a smoke monster or affected by time jumps, its landscape, flora, and fauna are all part of its allure, with features like African apes on a Pacific island, a snow-capped mountain, caves, a mine, and even completely fictional species created just for the series.
1. Fantasy Island
First appeared in: Fantasy Island (1977)
With 158 episodes of the original series, followed by an additional 13 episodes in the late 1990s revival, Fantasy Island surpassed even Gilligan’s Island and Lost’s Island in terms of television appearances. Like those shows, it is set on a mysterious Pacific island. However, unlike the others, it not only explored typical romance and murder but also delved into supernatural and mythological escapades. Hervé Villechaize’s famous line, “Ze plane! Ze plane!” became a pop culture staple, signaling the arrival of a new set of guests at the island in almost every episode. A reality TV adaptation of the series is reportedly in the works as well.
