Stranger Things Star Breaks All-Time Rotten Tomatoes Record With New Underdog Movie

Caleb McLaughlin's animated film GOAT becomes the highest-rated project for the actor, surpassing even Stranger Things.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Caleb McLaughlin, known for his role as Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things, has broken the all-time Rotten Tomatoes record with his new animated film GOAT. The sports comedy, which also stars Gabrielle Union, Aaron Pierre, Nicola Coughlan, and David Harbour, has received a stellar 93% audience score on the review aggregator site, making it the highest-rated movie for McLaughlin, even surpassing the reception for Stranger Things.

Why it matters

This achievement is a significant milestone for McLaughlin's career, as it demonstrates his growing popularity and the audience's enthusiasm for his work beyond the hit Netflix series. The success of GOAT also highlights the power of positive word-of-mouth and the ability of an underdog story to resonate with viewers, especially in the competitive world of animated films.

The details

GOAT, directed by Tyree Dillihay and based on Chris Tougas' Funky Dunks, follows a goat named Will who dreams of becoming a roarball player. Despite the challenges, the underdog must prove that 'smalls can ball!' The film has received mostly positive reviews from critics, leading to an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences have reacted even more enthusiastically, with the movie now holding a 93% Popcornmeter score, breaking multiple records for the cast.

  • GOAT was released in theaters on February 13, 2026.
  • The movie comes just two months after the end of Stranger Things, which aired its final season in December 2025.

The players

Caleb McLaughlin

An American actor best known for his role as Lucas Sinclair in the Netflix series Stranger Things. GOAT marks his first project to release since the hit show ended.

Gabrielle Union

An American actress who stars in GOAT alongside McLaughlin. The movie is now tied as her highest-rated project on Rotten Tomatoes.

David Harbour

An American actor who played Jim Hopper in Stranger Things and has a role in GOAT, reuniting with his former co-star McLaughlin.

Tyree Dillihay

The director of GOAT, who has brought the underdog sports comedy to life.

Chris Tougas

The author of the Funky Dunks book, which served as the basis for the GOAT movie.

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What’s next

GOAT marks Sony Pictures Animation's first theatrical release in three years, and the studio will be closely monitoring the film's box office performance to determine if it can break even on the $80-90 million budget. The positive audience reception and word-of-mouth will be crucial in boosting the movie's commercial success.

The takeaway

Caleb McLaughlin's breakout performance in GOAT has solidified his status as a rising star, with the animated film becoming the highest-rated project of his career so far. This achievement not only showcases his versatility as an actor but also highlights the power of an underdog story to captivate audiences, even in the competitive world of animated films.