A24's 'The Invite' Scores 95% on Rotten Tomatoes — Is It the Best Movie of 2026?

The Highest-Rated Film of 2026 Isn't What You'd Expect

While everyone is busy talking about Toy Story 5, Project Hail Mary, and Minions & Monsters, a quiet indie film from A24 has been climbing the charts with one of the most impressive Rotten Tomatoes scores we've seen all year. The Invite, directed by Olivia Wilde, currently sits at a staggering 95% on Rotten Tomatoes from 143 critic reviews — making it one of the highest-rated films of 2026.

A stacked Cast Delivers

The Invite brings together an unlikely but incredible ensemble: Edward Norton, Penelope Cruz, Olivia Wilde (who also directs), and Seth Rogen. The film is a remake of the Spanish film The People Upstairs, but Wilde has transformed it into something distinctly her own — a sharp, uncomfortable, darkly funny exploration of relationships, jealousy, and the things we don't say to the people living right next door.

Critics have singled out Norton's performance as one of his best in years, while Cruz brings a magnetic intensity that anchors the film's more dramatic moments. Rogen, stepping away from his usual comedy roles, delivers a surprisingly nuanced turn that has caught many reviewers off guard.

How It Compares to 2026's Other Top Films

For context, here's how The Invite stacks up against other major 2026 releases on Rotten Tomatoes:

• Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma — 100%
• Is God Is — 97%
• The Invite — 95%
• The Sheep Detectives — 95%
• Project Hail Mary (Ryan Gosling) — 94%
• Obsession (Curry Barker) — 94%
• Hoppers (Pixar) — 94%
• Sent Help — 92%
• Toy Story 5 — 92%
• 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple — 91%

What's remarkable is that The Invite has maintained this score with 143 reviews — not just a handful of early critic takes. That's a deep, sustained wave of praise that's very hard to achieve.

Why You Should Watch It

Olivia Wilde's previous directorial effort, Don't Worry Darling, was overshadowed by controversy and drama. With The Invite, she's proven that the filmmaking talent was always there — the noise just got in the way. This is a mature, confident film that trusts its audience to sit with discomfort, and it rewards that trust with some of the best performances of the year. If you're looking for something smarter than the typical summer blockbuster, this is your movie.