The Invite: A24's Star-Studded Dinner Party Thriller Has a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes — Here's Why Everyone's Talking About It

Move over Toy Story 5 and Obsession — there's a new critical darling in town, and it comes from the studio that never misses. A24's The Invite has exploded onto the scene with a jaw-dropping 96% Rotten Tomatoes score from over 140 critics, making it one of the best-reviewed films of 2026. And honestly? It deserves every single percentage point.

A Dinner Party Gone Spectacularly Wrong

The premise sounds deceptively simple. Seth Rogen plays Joe, a worn-down music teacher, and Olivia Wilde plays Angela, his wife — a couple whose marriage is barely holding together. When Angela invites their mysterious upstairs neighbors over for dinner, things spiral in ways nobody saw coming.

Those neighbors? Edward Norton as Hawk and Penélope Cruz as Piña — an enigmatic couple whose presence cracks open every unspoken tension in Joe and Angela's relationship. What starts as an awkward evening quickly becomes a night of revelations, confrontations, and unexpected connections.

Olivia Wilde's Massive Comeback

Here's where it gets really interesting. The Invite is directed by Olivia Wilde, whose previous film Don't Worry Darling (2022) was mired in controversy and landed at a rough 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. The leap from 38% to 96% is nothing short of extraordinary — and critics are calling it one of the greatest directorial turnarounds in recent memory.

Wilde also stars in the film alongside her co-leads, pulling double duty as both filmmaker and performer. The result is a tightly wound, character-driven thriller that leans into its ensemble cast's strengths. Norton brings his signature intensity, Cruz delivers magnetic warmth, and Rogen — in what might be his most dramatic role yet — proves he's far more than just a comedy guy.

Where Does It Rank Among 2026's Best?

The competition this year is fierce. Here's how The Invite stacks up against the top-rated films of 2026 so far on Rotten Tomatoes:

• Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma — 100% (limited release)
• Is God Is — 97%
• The Invite — 96%
• The Sheep Detectives — 95%
• Project Hail Mary — 94%
• Obsession — 94%
• Hoppers — 94%

Sitting comfortably at number three with the most reviews of any film in the top five, The Invite is in an elite class. And with a 93% audience score to match, this isn't just a critics' favorite — general audiences are loving it too.

The Bottom Line

The Invite is a masterclass in tension, dialogue, and ensemble acting, brought to life by a director who clearly learned from her past mistakes. With A24 backing it and a cast of four Hollywood heavyweights at the top of their game, this is the kind of mid-year surprise that could easily end up in the Oscar conversation come awards season.

If you're looking for something smarter than the usual blockbuster fare this summer, cancel your plans and send yourself an invite to this one. You won't regret it.