The Invite Is 2026's Best-Reviewed Movie With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes Score — Here's Why Everyone's Talking About It

The Invite Is 2026's Best-Reviewed Movie With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes Score — Here's Why Everyone's Talking About It

While Toy Story 5 and Obsession have been dominating headlines and box office numbers this summer, a smaller film has quietly become the most critically acclaimed movie of 2026. A24's The Invite, directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Edward Norton, Penelope Cruz, Seth Rogen, and Wilde herself, has earned a staggering 96% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes from 143 reviews — making it the highest-rated major release of the year so far.

And it's not just critics who love it. The audience score sits at a solid 93%, proving this dinner-party thriller has genuine crossover appeal.

Olivia Wilde's Redemption Arc: From Don't Worry Darling to The Invite

It's hard to talk about The Invite without mentioning the context. Wilde's previous directorial effort, Don't Worry Darling (2022), was overshadowed by tabloid drama and earned a disappointing 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's release was a circus — rumors of on-set tension, a press tour that became a meme, and reviews that ranged from mixed to harsh.

Fast forward to 2026, and Wilde has orchestrated one of the most impressive directorial comebacks in recent memory. The Invite is a sharp, intimate thriller that strips away the noise and focuses on what she does best: building tension between flawed, fascinating characters. The shift from a 38% to a 96% RT score isn't just a redemption arc — it's a statement that Wilde is a filmmaker to take seriously.

This also marks a strong year for A24, which has already released Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (100% RT) and Is God Is (97% RT), cementing the studio's reputation as the gold standard for original, daring cinema.

What's The Invite About and Why Is It So Good?

Here's the official synopsis: "Joe and Angela's marriage is on thin ice. When they invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbors for a dinner party, the night spirals into unexpected places. Have they reignited the spark or lit the match that burns it all down?"

Simple premise, exceptional execution. Norton and Cruz play the married couple, while Rogen and Wilde play the mysterious neighbors. The chemistry between the four leads is electric, and the script — sharp, unpredictable, and darkly funny — keeps you guessing until the final frame.

Critics have praised the film for its airtight pacing, stellar performances, and Wilde's confident direction. Compared to other 2026 hits like Project Hail Mary (94% RT) and Hoppers (94% RT), The Invite proves that a smaller budget and a single location can deliver more tension than any $200 million blockbuster.

With a wide release already in theaters, The Invite is poised to become a major player during awards season. If the momentum continues, don't be surprised to see Wilde, Norton, and Cruz in the conversation for Oscar nominations when the nominations roll around.

Have you seen The Invite yet? Drop your thoughts below — no spoilers, please.