The Invite Leads 2026's Best Movies With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes Score — Here's Why You Need to Watch It

A24 Just Dropped the Highest-Rated Movie of 2026

If you've been scrolling through Rotten Tomatoes wondering what's actually worth your time this year, look no further. A24's The Invite is sitting pretty at a 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes from over 143 reviews — and it's being called one of the best films of the year. Directed by Olivia Wilde, the film brings together an all-star cast including Ed Norton, Penelope Cruz, Olivia Wilde, and Seth Rogen for what critics are calling a sharp, stylish, and surprisingly tense thriller.

The Invite isn't just a critical darling — it's also a box office story worth watching. The film's success proves that original storytelling still has a place in a summer dominated by sequels and franchises. Let's break down why this movie is making waves and what other top-tier films are giving it a run for its money.

What Makes The Invite Stand Out?

Set in a single night at a lavish dinner party, The Invite turns a seemingly ordinary gathering into a psychological chess match. Wilde's direction has been praised for its claustrophobic tension and razor-sharp dialogue. Critics have compared it to classics like Get Out and The Menu, but with a distinct A24 twist that keeps you guessing until the final frame.

Ed Norton delivers one of his best performances in years, playing the mysterious host with a sinister agenda. Penelope Cruz brings emotional depth as a guest with a hidden past, while Seth Rogen proves once again he can nail dramatic roles when the script demands it.

2026's Other Top-Rated Movies

The Invite is in good company this year. Here are the other highest-rated films with the most reviews on Rotten Tomatoes so far:

• Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma — 100% critic score
• Is God Is — 97% critic score
• The Sheep Detectives — 95% critic score
• Project Hail Mary — 94% critic score (starring Ryan Gosling, based on Andy Weir's novel)
• Obsession — 94% critic score
• Hoppers — 94% critic score (Pixar's latest)
• Toy Story 5 — 92% critic score
• 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple — 91% critic score

Whether you're a fan of indie darlings or big studio productions, 2026 has been an incredible year for cinema so far. The Invite is currently playing in theaters and is expected to hit streaming platforms later this year.