Seth Rogen’s Flawless 107-Minute Unhinged Comedy Sets Record Ahead of HBO Max Release

Seth Rogen’s hilariously unhinged comedy The Invite refuses to leave the party. Olivia Wilde’s R-rated relationship farce has maintained a remarkable 61-day presence on U.S. digital rental and purchase charts, proving that its disastrous dinner party still has audiences hooked ahead of its HBO Max debut. According to FlixPatrol’s October 13, 2026 rankings, The Invite ranks third on Apple TV Store, eighth on Google, and 13th on Amazon’s U.S. movie charts. Its sustained performance marks an impressive VOD milestone. 

The 107-minute A24 comedy also boasts a near-perfect 96% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score, alongside an 89% verified audience rating. With strong reviews, theatrical earnings, and enduring digital popularity under its belt, the film is now preparing for another round of audience attention.

Why Is The Invite Such a Sleeper Hit?

Credits: A24

Directed by Olivia Wilde, The Invite follows Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Wilde), a married couple whose relationship has become a battlefield of simmering resentment and unspoken frustrations. Their seemingly ordinary evening takes a scandalous turn when their upstairs neighbors, Piña (Penélope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton), arrive for dinner. What begins as polite conversation soon spirals into a minefield of s*xual tension, bruised egos, uncomfortable revelations, and marital soul-searching.

Written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, the film adapts Cesc Gay’s Spanish comedy The People Upstairs. Its claustrophobic setting and razor-sharp dialogue transform an intimate gathering into a pressure cooker of human insecurities. Speaking to Reuters, Rogen explained how naturally his combative onscreen chemistry with Wilde developed:

The performances help elevate the film beyond a conventional comedy of marital errors. Rogen’s exasperated everyman persona clashes with Wilde’s restless dissatisfaction, while Cruz and Norton inject a mischievous unpredictability into the evening. Its commercial performance also strengthens the sleeper-hit argument. According to The Numbers, The Invite earned approximately $60.1 million worldwide, including $26.1 million domestically, following its limited June 26 theatrical opening and nationwide expansion on July 10.

FandomWire’s review of The Invite also examined the film’s screenplay and ensemble performances, highlighting why this seemingly modest premise delivers such an entertaining cinematic experience.

When Will The Invite Arrive on HBO Max?

Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton in The Invite | Credits: A24

The dinner party is about to get even bigger. According to Warner Bros. Discovery’s official announcement, The Invite will begin streaming exclusively on HBO Max in the United States on October 23, 2026, followed by its HBO television premiere on October 24.

The streaming arrival could introduce the comedy to viewers unwilling to pay separately for a digital rental. Its lengthy chart run suggests continued consumer interest, although FlixPatrol rankings reflect relative popularity rather than actual sales or viewership totals. The release also adds another chapter to Wilde’s directorial career. After the critically acclaimed coming-of-age comedy Booksmart and the divisive psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling, The Invite finds her returning to character-driven comedy with a considerably more provocative edge.

For audiences curious about its earlier availability, FandomWire’s home-streaming guide covers the film’s digital viewing options. Ultimately, The Invite demonstrates that a compelling script, impeccable comic timing, and four talented performers can generate plenty of fireworks without blockbuster spectacle.

Will The Invite find an even bigger audience on HBO Max, or have you already survived its scandalous dinner party? Share your verdict in the comments and follow FandomWire for more Seth Rogen movies, HBO Max releases, critically acclaimed comedies, and streaming discoveries.